HuffPost: 'Narcissistic Collapse' Is When Things Get Dangerous — Here’s How To Protect Yourself

In this HuffPost feature, I shared insight on one of the most volatile and disorienting experiences of being close to a narcissist: narcissistic collapse. When a narcissist's carefully constructed and grandiose self-image is threatened, the resulting reaction can be intense, unpredictable, and deeply unsettling — and knowing how to respond can make all the difference in protecting your own well-being.

"If an individual feels 'exposed' and is experiencing a narcissistic collapse, they may act impulsively, aggressively lash out at other people, blame others or try to control a narrative through manipulation and gaslighting. Rather than feel their own vulnerability, they typically react to challenges to their ego with immense anger or rage, which is then projected out towards other people." — Lauren Maher, LMFT

Read the full article to learn more about what narcissistic collapse looks like, why it happens, and how experts recommend navigating it safely.