Estrangements

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Posts from August 2014

Slate staff writer Katy Waldman's article on Narcissism: Link

August 31, 2014

Are you a Narcissist? by Slate staff writer Katy Waldman, August 2014

If you’re new to being estranged and to online discussions of the condition, you might not have experienced the word Narcissistic (with a capital N in the context of Narcissistic Personality Disorder) occurring frequently in discussions of family estrangement. If you are a longtime survivor of family estrangements, it would be hard to imagine that you have not encountered those two conditions, Narcissism and Estrangement, being mentioned as related to each other. Parents are labeled as having (or being) NPD. Kids are labeled as having (or being) NPD. It seems some days that just about anyone who gets up in the morning and thinks or says anything positive or negative about themselves must have NPD according to someone who has estranged them or is estranged by them.

Parents and adult kids in online discussion groups report being accused of pathological narcissism. Parents and adult kids regularly diagnose their respective adult kids and parents as having NPD. There are groups set up just to discuss the narcissism of parents. Oddly, since it seems that the condition of pathological narcissism would not be restricted only to those who see themselves as offspring but could be suffered by anyone, parent or adult child, there are no groups set up by and for parents specifically to discuss their experience of having offspring who are pathologically narcissistic. The reasons for that are open to speculation.

Anyway, what brings me to my blog this morning is an article that I read online about NPD by Slate staff writer Katy Waldman that I thought was worth adding a link here. She mentions a number of points that have occurred to me over the years of reading about the personality disorder of NPD and she includes links to other references on the subject too. Considering this subject is one that comes up so very frequently in relation to the condition of family estrangement, I thought it was a very appropriate and worthwhile link to share here.

Are you a Narcissist? by Slate staff writer Katy Waldman, August 2014

Posted by Ginny on August 31, 2014 at 02:25 PM in Articles, For Adult Kids, For Parents, Internet Finds, Therapeutic, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: estrangement

Support Groups for Parents

You're Not Alone: Estranged Parents of Adult Children
For all who have suffered the loss of a child to the pain of estrangement.
Stop Walking on Eggshells for Parents
Randi Kreger, author of "Stop Walking on Eggshells" which is about how to cope with someone in your life who has borderline personality disorder. She has written a new book: "Stop Walking on Eggshells for Parents".
Parents Who Walk Away
A group for parents of estranged adult children who are tired of waiting for them to grow up/get real. Comprised of strong, wise survivors, this group is made up of parents who either have walked away or are considering walking away from the disrespectful actions of their abusive adult children. Straight talk, tough stances and the free exchange of ideas/opinions can be found here. Everyone is Welcome! (Note: This is the new link to PWWA which formerly was hosted on Daily Strength.)
Parents of Estranged Adult Children
When Adult Children are Estranged: Support and Information
For Parents Estranged From Their Adult Children (When The Talking Stops)
This Group is aimed at Parents & Grandparents who have been Estranged, Deserted or Abandoned by their Adult Children. This is a closed Facebook Group with almost 3,500 members. New members may ask to join or be invited by a member.
Estranged Stories
A place principally for parents experiencing family estrangement to find support, hopefully peace, and some understanding. Currently has over 6,000 members.
Christian Parents of Estranged Adult Children
Estrangement makes it difficult to talk about with family, friends, neighbors and church members. Christians are NOT immune to broken families. Talk about your experiences with those who know how you feel and get positive support through your Christian faith. (Note: This group is the same one that had been hosted on the Daily Strength site. When DS made its recent changes, this group and others moved off of DS. This link will take you to the current location of the group.)

Support Groups for Adult Kids

Adult Children of Alcoholics
Welcome to ACA. Adult Children of Alcoholics is an anonymous Twelve Step program of women and men who grew up in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes. We meet with each other in a mutually respectful, safe environment and acknowledge our common experiences. We discover how childhood affected us in the past and influences us in the present. We take positive action.
Adult Children of Narcissistic Parents
A discussion group on Yahoo. The group is restricted and self moderated. It is "intended to be a nurturing place for learning, validation, and thoughtful discussion."

Support Groups for All

Al anon
A Twelve Step group that offers strength and hope for friends and families of problem drinkers. There is likely a meeting near you. Learning the Twelve Steps and following them can make a great deal of difference in your life, no matter whether the issue is with someone who has a drinking problem or some other serious problem that affects them and everyone around them.
Stop Walking on Eggshells
Randi Kreger, author of Stop Walking on Eggshells. Her most recent book is Stop Walking on Eggshells for Parents.
Co-Dependents Anonymous
Welcome to Co-Dependents Anonymous, a fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and loving relationships. CODA is based on the Twelve Step program. It is much more broad based than Al anon.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Forum
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Forum on PsychForums.com
Out of the Fog Forum
Out of the FOG was launched on November 1 2007 to provide information and support to the family members and loved-ones of individuals who suffer from a personality disorder. FOG stands for Fear, Obligation and Guilt.