Healing From Stockholm Syndrome Is Part Of Your Narcissistic Abuse Recovery

In 1974, the well-known media heiress, Patricia Hearst, was kidnapped. Later, she went on to help her abusers rob a bank, citing empathy and support for their mission. In 1998, the ten-year-old child, Natascha Kampusch, was abducted on her way to school. After her abuser committed suicide several years later, Kampusch showed evident distress for the loss. She wept for his death and continued carrying a picture of him for many years. 

These high-profile cases suggest Stockholm syndrome, a phenomenon where victims connect and bond to their perpetrators. But Stockholm syndrome doesn’t just happen in the media- it’s a typical response to an abusive relationship.

For most people, healing from Stockholm syndrome is necessary for their abuse recovery. Once you stop aligning with your abuser, you have the complete freedom to move on in your life. 

I suffered from this syndrome myself, and was completely unaware of it until I was able to heal enough to see through it.

So why do some of us stay in terrible relationships, even when we know that we are miserable? Why do we have so much empathy for people who treat us so poorly most of the time?

It happens because of Stockholm Syndrome, and how the longer we are in a toxic dynamic it intensifies over time.

Stockholm syndrome represents the foundation of trauma bonding. It happens when victims experience positive feelings towards their abusers. These feelings may include anything from compassion to empathy to genuine feelings of love. They can compound as the relationship progresses, making it harder for people to leave toxic or life-threatening situations. 

When it comes to Stockholm syndrome and narcissism, many loved ones experience these conflicting emotions. For example, you may start over-identifying with the narcissist. You might feel like you are the only one who understands them. Furthermore, you may believe that you two are still supposed to be together, despite all the harm and abuse. That you are destined for each other, even through all the extreme highs and lows.

As you can see, Stockholm syndrome is a trauma response. Your mind and body are trying to protect you by convincing you that an unsafe situation isn’t actually unsafe.

Unfortunately, narcissists work hard to reinforce this narrative. They want you to believe that everything is okay. And if everything isn’t okay, they want to ensure that you assume it’s your fault and not theirs.

Common Symptoms of Stockholm Syndrome

Positive Thoughts and Feelings About the Narcissist 

He’s doesn’t mean to hurt me, he is just so stressed!

He loves me, and that’s why he’s so protective over me.

She didn’t mean to say that, I know she only does that because I make her mad.

Do any of these scripts sound familiar? If so, you might be justifying the narcissist’s actions more than you realize. This isn’t your fault. As you likely know, narcissists rely on strategic gaslighting to make other people doubt themselves. In addition, they manipulate nearly every situation to make themselves look like good people.

Excusing or Defending Their Behavior 

He takes care of me and provides me with a good life.

It’s my fault that they lose control.

He doesn’t have anyone else who cares about him, so he needs me.

This is one of the most dangerous signs that you’re in the thick of the narcissistic abuse. When you’re at this crossroads, it’s hard to recognize the danger for what it is. Instead, you start mimicking the narcissist’s language and internalizing their beliefs about you and the world. This is where you feel like your mind is tricking you, and confusion sets in.

There are more signs, but it is up to you to be more curious and understand if you are stuck in this trap. Dramatically increase your chances of breaking free; discover the key to overcoming the addiction to the narcissist and their unending drama; connect with the real reasons why you break No Contact and begin healing them.

Learning the warning signs of Stockholm Syndrome inside relationships with narcissists is critical. Empowering yourself to see the warning signs listed above can encourage you to overcome your fear of falling victim again. Break free from being the victim, and become the survivor!

If you’re ready to go deeper and change your life right now, I offer a wide range of effective resources and techniques to protect against toxic people and relationships.

You didn’t read this article by coincidence, I believe all things happen for a reason. Guiding you to what needs to be done to begin finding your true self.

As always thank you for being here with me,