As an empath who has dealt with a narcissist, it's natural to feel concern for their well-being, especially when you sense their misery and lacking self-esteem. However, it's important to understand that the decision to seek help and work on oneself ultimately lies with the individual. While some narcissists may eventually recognize their issues and choose to seek therapy or counseling, others may never do so.
The likelihood of a narcissist seeking help depends on various factors:
Self-Awareness: Narcissists often have a lack of self-awareness regarding their behavior and its impact on others. Without recognizing their problems, they are unlikely to seek help.
Desire for Change: Even if a narcissist becomes aware of their issues, they must have a genuine desire to change and improve themselves. Many narcissists may resist change as they perceive it as a threat to their self-image and control.
Therapy Readiness: Seeking therapy requires being open to vulnerability and addressing deep-rooted emotional issues. Narcissists may struggle with the vulnerability required in therapy.
External Motivation: In some cases, external events like a significant life crisis or the loss of important relationships may motivate a narcissist to consider seeking help.
Support System: A supportive network of friends, family, or loved ones encouraging them to seek help can influence a narcissist's decision to work on themselves.
Type of Narcissism: The severity and type of narcissism can also impact the chances of seeking help. Some individuals with narcissistic traits might be more open to change compared to those with severe Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
It's important to recognize that you cannot force a narcissist to seek help or change. Your responsibility lies in taking care of your well-being and ensuring you maintain healthy boundaries. Departing from a toxic relationship with a narcissist is often the best course of action to protect yourself from emotional harm.
If the narcissist in your life does choose to seek help, professional therapy can potentially assist them in understanding and addressing their issues. However, there is no guarantee that they will fully change or become less narcissistic, as long-standing personality traits can be challenging to alter.
As you move forward, focus on your own healing and personal growth. Surround yourself with supportive and caring individuals who appreciate and value your empathetic nature. It's essential to prioritize your emotional well-being and not get overly invested in the potential changes of the narcissist. Remember, you cannot control their actions, but you can control how you respond and care for yourself.