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

There is a lot of talk about toxic people and the spectrum of narcissism, but very few discuss the source of energy for those with narcissistic personality disorder. These individuals cannot survive without draining another person from a bright, energetic life.

How to recognize a narcissistic symptom

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

Let’s take a look at several signs of this symptom that nurtures a narcissist.

1. Foggy 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’re dealing with questionable people or those who have obvious serious issues, you may become disoriented and unable to focus, and if you’re in a relationship, you won’t be able to understand the healthy aspects of the union. There is no clear thinking about much of anything.

2. Depression
   Could it be that the passion you once had dancing on cloud 9 has gone from your life? Yes, depression comes from many sources, some of which are unknown, but depression can also be a source of narcissism built up by the toxic person.

Over time, those with the disorder can shred their 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 that you’re doing something you enjoy and tells you to stop and spend time with them. So often you soften up and do that, and over time, you stop doing the things you used to enjoy.

Depression is often born out of this dynamic.

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

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

Observe those who struggle with addiction, and get to the root of the problem. He could be a toxic person behind it all.

4. Anxiety
   Another sign that you or someone you know may be a narcissist is the presence of anxiety. Whether you’re having full-blown panic attacks or you’re on edge all the time, it’s going to be obvious that something is wrong.

Of course, a person with narcissistic personality disorder will blame your mental illness on you, and won’t blame their abusive behavior. This is sad.

Those you know should be anxiously checked to see if there is a puppeteer behind them pulling strings. You may be surprised at the truth you find.

5. Very tender
   A toxic person will sense when a person has bad boundaries, and they will take advantage of that, too. People with narcissistic personality disorder usually have a condition that is hidden from the public. They can merge into many lives and leave these souls in shambles when they are gone.

For those good souls who bargain too much, narcissists can feed until there is almost nothing left. It’s always best to be kind and positive, but it’s even better to wake up to reality, too.

If you give too much, or you know someone who gives too much, pay attention to their other halves, their partners, and their friends. Could they be a source of narcissism? If so, this needs to be addressed and brought to light.

6. Low self-esteem
   If your self-esteem is suddenly dropping, you may not even notice. But I bet you would notice if a friend was suddenly talking badly about themselves. If so, you may have stumbled upon a narcissist.

After an empathic person enters into a relationship with an individual with narcissistic personality disorder, their self-esteem will gradually decrease. It can be so subtle that no one notices it for some time. Pay attention to this.

7. Gas lighting is always included
   Narcissist is notorious for taking their issues onto other people, especially their relationship partners. They can make you go crazy in no time. By the time you realize that they have projected their serious problems on you, your self-esteem and view of yourself will be much worse than it ever was.

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

8. Easy aroused
   When you are a narcissist, you get easily triggered. Many people, who have gone through childhood trauma or other catastrophic circumstances, have some triggers.

With a victim of a toxic person, everything seems to be a trigger — every unexpected move, change, or plan makes your heart race and sometimes triggers panic attacks.

It’s as if you’ve been trained to respond when the abuser mentions certain things. With this, you are providing them with the nudge they need, the material to fill their void, and the attention satiation. Impulsive people are often victims of this type of supply.

To the toxic person, stop it already!
Listen, narcissistic presentation is built 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 resolve the relationship. They are liars.

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

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