Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) can experience moments of depression or emotional distress when they are abandoned or rejected, even if they have other sources of supply (people who provide attention, admiration, or validation) in their lives. It's important to understand that personality disorders are complex mental health conditions, and their emotional experiences can vary from person to person.
Here are some factors that can contribute to these emotional responses:
Narcissistic Injury: Both NPD and ASPD individuals can have fragile egos despite their outwardly confident or arrogant demeanor. When they experience abandonment or rejection, it can be a narcissistic injury, which means their self-esteem and self-worth take a significant blow.
Fear of Abandonment: While individuals with NPD or ASPD may have multiple sources of supply, they can still have a fear of abandonment. They may feel anxious or vulnerable at the prospect of losing any source of validation or control over others.
Loss of Control: Losing a supply can lead to a sense of losing control over that individual or situation, which can trigger feelings of frustration, anger, or depression.
Dependence on External Validation: NPD individuals often rely heavily on external validation and admiration to maintain their grandiose self-image. When a significant source of supply is removed, they may struggle to cope without that constant reinforcement.
Empty Feeling: Even with multiple supplies, individuals with NPD or ASPD can experience a persistent feeling of emptiness or inner void. The loss of a particular source of supply can intensify this feeling.
Cyclical Nature of Relationships: Relationships for individuals with NPD and ASPD can be cyclical and unstable. The loss of one supply can remind them of past losses or abandonment experiences, amplifying their emotional reaction.
It's important to note that the emotional responses in individuals with NPD and ASPD can be different from what is considered "typical" in other individuals. Their reactions may involve anger, rage, or manipulation, rather than sadness or vulnerability. Additionally, not all individuals with NPD or ASPD will react the same way; each person's coping mechanisms and emotional responses can vary.
As with any mental health condition, it's crucial to approach these individuals with empathy and understanding. While they may display challenging behaviors, they, too, can experience emotional pain and distress. However, it's also essential to set boundaries and protect oneself when dealing with individuals who have personality disorders, especially if they exhibit manipulative or harmful behavior. Professional help and support are often necessary for both the affected individual and those around them.