Toxic individuals must have a source of energy. This energy is called narcissistic supply. If you are the victim of a narcissist, you feed them this energy.

There is a lot of talk about toxic people and the narcissism spectrum, but little discusses the source of energy for those with narcissistic personality disorder. These individuals cannot survive without sapping someone else’s bright and vibrant life.

How to recognize narcissistic display

Healthy people can turn into shells of their former selves when demolished by those with narcissistic disorder. It’s frustrating and tragic to hear stories about these interactions, and it happens more often than you think.

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Let’s look at several signs of this symptom that feeds the narcissist.

1. Fuzzy thinking
   There seems to be no focus during brain fog. This brain fog can be a sure sign that you are being controlled by an outside source.

When you deal with questionable people or those who have obvious serious problems, you can become confused, unable to concentrate, and, if you are in a relationship, you can no longer understand the healthy aspects of the union. There is no clear thinking about much of anything.

2. Depression
   Could it be that the passion that kept you dancing on cloud 9 has disappeared from your life? Yes, depression comes from many sources, some unknown, but depression can also be a narcissistic source created by the toxic person themselves.

Over time, those with this disorder can tear apart identities and steal them for themselves, causing severe depression in the narcissist’s victim.

It usually starts when a toxic friend or relationship partner notices you doing something you enjoy and asks you to stop and spend some time with them. Often times you step back and do that, and over time, you stop doing the things you used to enjoy.

Depression is often born from this dynamic.

3. Falling into addiction
   If someone is mentally draining you, you sometimes turn to one addiction or another. It could be alcohol, drugs, or many other addictions that begin to move into your life. You usually do this in response to the narcissistic supply being pulled from your being.

Giving in to addiction helps you stay semi-sane, and gives your life a false meaning. Addiction is bad, but when you are abused this way, it is an escape.

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Observe people suffering from addiction and get to the root of the problem. It could be a toxic person behind it all.

4. Anxiety
   Another sign that you or someone you know could be a narcissist is the presence of anxiety. Whether you have full-blown panic attacks or are on edge all the time, it will be clear that something is wrong.

Naturally, a person with narcissistic personality disorder will place all the blame on your mental illness, not any harm from his or her abusive behavior. This is really sad.

People you know who suffer from anxiety should be checked to see if there is a puppeteer behind them pulling the strings. You may be surprised by the truth you find.

5. Excessive giving
   A toxic person will sense when their boundaries are weak, and they will take advantage of that too. Typically, people with narcissistic personality disorder have a condition that is hidden from the public. They are able to infiltrate many lives and leave this life in shambles when they are gone.

For those good souls who compromise too much, the narcissist can feed on them until there is almost nothing left. It’s always better to be kind and positive, but it’s better to wake up to reality as well.

If you are very giving, or know someone who is very giving, pay attention to their other halves, partners, and friends. Could they be a narcissistic source? If so, this needs to be addressed and brought to light.

6. Low self-esteem
   If your self-esteem suddenly drops, you may not notice it. But I bet you would notice if a friend was suddenly talking bad about themselves. If so, you may have found someone who is a source for narcissists.

After an empath enters into a relationship with someone with narcissistic personality disorder, his or her self-esteem will gradually decline. It can be so subtle that it goes unnoticed for some time. Pay attention to this.

7. Gaslighting is always included
   A narcissist is known for shifting their problems onto other people, especially their relationship partners. It can make you feel crazy in no time. By the time you realize that they have projected their serious problems onto you, your self-esteem and view of yourself will be much worse than ever.

While some people are strong enough to laugh at their attempts and retain their power, many are not. If you or someone you know is feeling crazy, this is a form of narcissistic display.

Your craziness makes it seem like they’re trying to keep things straight. It is a sick and perverted act.

8. Easy triggers
   When you are a source for a narcissist, you are easily triggered. Many people who have experienced childhood trauma or other catastrophic circumstances have certain triggers.

With a victim of a toxic person, everything feels like a trigger — every unexpected movement, change, or plan makes your heart race and sometimes causes panic attacks.

It’s as if you’ve been trained to respond when your abuser mentions certain things. In doing so, you are providing them with the boost they need, material to fill their emptiness, and satisfying interest. Aroused people are often victims of this type of display.

ToToxicPerson, STOP IT ALREADY!

Listen, narcissistic supply has been built up over time. The person you thought was wonderful and perfect suddenly turns into a nightmare, and you feel trapped. They do and say anything that makes you think you can’t work out the relationship. They are liars.

Let me be your strength today. For once, stand up and say no! Then reject their demands, remember who you are, and ignore their insults. You may notice a change in how ferocious and scary they are.

People with narcissistic personality disorder thrive on making you feel afraid. Practice standing up for yourself, and you will notice a change in it. They will no longer be giants, but will slowly shrink to human size, and will be forced to work on themselves and show their true colors.