How Will a Narcissist React When They Run Out of Money?

Introduction

Understanding why a narcissist reacts a certain way when they run out of money requires a deep dive into the complexities of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). It is important to note that everyone possesses some level of narcissistic traits, which motivate basic human behaviors like self-grooming and self-care. However, when it comes to pathological narcissism, it often leads to devastating mental and emotional outcomes.

The Pathological Narcissist

Narcissism, as we commonly understand it, often becomes synonymous with selfishness or self-centered behavior. Yet, these traits are misunderstood. Healthy narcissism is a crucial component in maintaining mental well-being. It is what prompts us to take care of ourselves, a fundamental human need.

Pathological narcissism, marked by NPD, is a serious mental health issue where individuals cannot function in a healthy manner without these traits. A narcissist may not consciously engage in such behaviors for the mere sake of maintaining a healthy self-image. For those interested in understanding this phenomenon, I am more than happy to share peer-reviewed research on NPD.

A Personal Story: A Narcissist’s Financial Ruin

My journey to understanding narcissistic behavior was deeply personal. Before realizing I had NPD, I believed that the narcissistic traits I noticed in others were simply bad behavior. I was consumed by a victim mentality, thinking I was the one suffering from these “narcissists.” It wasn’t until I became more self-aware, with the help of a psychiatrist, that I saw the disorder in myself.

I worked at a beloved, small live music venue before the pandemic hit. While the job fulfilled my soul, the pay was poor. I willingly took a significant pay cut to follow my dream of working in music. I justified this decision by noting the substantial amount I had spent on live concerts the previous year. I recognized that my lifestyle was extravagant, but I believed it was worth it.

Three years into the job, the pandemic arrived, and I realized I had been highly irresponsible. I had no savings, no emotional support system, and no family connections outside of a distant relative. I was in a toxic relationship and had limited friendships. Within a year, my savings were gone, leaving me in a state of despair and even thoughts of suicide. To add to the gloom, I was also trying to clear an assault charge from my record, adding more stress and anxiety to my life.

The Collapse and Recovery

Loss of possessions, combined with the financial strain, was incredibly humbling. Even as a narcissist, I experienced a mental breakdown. Money was never something I paid much attention to, but the loss of everything I had was a stark contrast to my previous lifestyle. This experience forced me to reassess my life and return to therapy. Unfortunately, financial constraints compelled me to seek help from a doctoral student specializing in NPD, which was perhaps the luckiest turn of events.

While I cannot guarantee how other individuals with NPD would react to financial ruin, I can speculate that they may resort to any measures necessary to regain control, similar to how neurotypical individuals might react.

Conclusion

The journey from believing one is the victim of a narcissist to recognizing their own disordered behavior is a challenging one. For anyone struggling with the complexities of NPD, understanding and addressing the underlying mental health issues is crucial. By leveraging peer-reviewed research and professional support, individuals can find ways to navigate their lives more positively.

Keywords: narcissist, financial ruin, mental health, personality disorder, coping mechanisms