The Narcissism Epidemic
Project 1 Essay
Chelsi Fritch
ENG1213-51: English Composition II
Professor Hammett
October 14, 2023
Many people have shown at least one moment of pure selfishness at one point or another in their lives. However, what if one moment turns into two, which then develops into a month's worth of selfish acts? Eventually, their empathy for others would appear almost nonexistent until they never do anything unless it somehow benefits them, mentally or physically. This change would be when small moments of selfishness develop into a genuinely concerning issue called narcissistic personality disorder, also known as NPD. NPD is a widespread epidemic that can affect anyone, no matter age, gender, or race.
Moreover, with the ever-increasing diagnoses of people with narcissistic personality disorder, it is hard to deny that this has become an epidemic of sorts, "Narcissism is increasing in modern Western societies, and this has been referred to as a "narcissism epidemic." The endorsement rate for the statement "I am an important person" has increased from 12% in 1963 to 77–80% in 1992 in adolescents" (Vater et al., 2018.) And in only twenty-nine years, that sense of superiority and entitlement has only become more common at earlier and earlier ages. Signs of NPD can be challenging to acknowledge and be made aware of, both in ourselves and others. This is something that is going to have to change if this is an epidemic we hope to lessen and eventually solve. To help do this, let's Look into methods used to help combat narcissism and determine which solution would be the best in hopes of diminishing the epidemic and its sizable impact on our population.
The first potential method that came to mind when considering how one might 'cure' narcissism is meditation. Meditation has become quite popular in recent years and has been known to have a positive effect on people who actively participate in it. Meditation helps individuals better understand themselves, others, and the world around them. However, sadly, it is something very few Americans consider when trying to help mental disorders, "In a 2012 U.S. survey, 1.9 percent of 34,525 adults reported that they had practiced mindfulness meditation in the past 12 months. Among those responders who practiced mindfulness meditation exclusively, 73 percent reported that they meditated for their general wellness and to prevent diseases." (Meditation and Mindfulness: What You Need to Know, n.d.). Meditation can be an excellent first step for people with NPD to better recognize their selfish behavior and impact on others. Furthermore, it is something that can be done in the privacy of their own home, so there is no need to worry about impressing others and looking good.
Though, even if they do prefer to improve alone, it is still essential to keep in mind another suitable method for improvement, "Experts say that almost all of us benefit from social and emotional support. And though it may seem counterintuitive, having strong social support can make people more able to cope with problems on their own by improving their self-esteem and sense of autonomy. Emotionally supportive friends and family who see you as capable, for example, and can help you focus on the next steps for addressing your concerns." ("Manage Stress: Strengthen Your Support Network," 2022.) Ensuring they have a good, strong, and supportive support system to help encourage them is an excellent method. While this is not the best method for helping NPD in general, it is a significant first step to take in one's journey. Having people they trust to support and uplift them when times start to get complicated is fantastic. Having someone to help push them to continue and pursue their goals in self-improvement is a powerful motivator. A support system that will hold people with NPD accountable for their actions, help them to acknowledge their mistakes, and offer advice. Not to mention, Sometimes, it can be easier to do and improve things for other people rather than oneself. At least, that is how it tends to be for some. Sometimes, it can be easier to want to be a better person if that person realizes how their actions are affecting the people in their life that they care for. However, it is necessary to keep in mind that not everyone will feel that way or have a supportive group of people who can help them out when times get rough. Luckily, though, a support system does not always have to be a large group of people helping someone out and cheering them on. For some, a support system can simply be a free public library with sources to help them stay on track all on their own.
Utilizing free self-help resources and having them easily made available can also help reduce the symptoms of NPD and make the signs more noticeable to spot. It is always a possible option to consider simply going to the local library in search of self-help books, if necessary, but do whatever works best for the situation, "Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. In addition, although self-care is not a cure for mental illnesses, understanding what causes or triggers your mild symptoms and what coping techniques work for you can help manage your mental health." (Caring for Your Mental Health, n.d.) They could check out and read articles that focus on narcissism and possible improvement ideas. It could also help people struggling with NPD use a notebook or an app to track and log their achievements, big or small. Logging one's progress somewhere so one can always look back on their accomplishments can be a very compelling motivator.
Another excellent option for someone struggling with NPD to consider is therapy. There are a few different types of therapy a person could choose between as well, such as group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, hypnotic therapy, and a few others, so it can be confusing to find which works best sometimes. Nevertheless, that is why it is essential to consider the symptoms and the goals people want to reach, "For example, EMDR can be a highly effective form of therapy for a person who struggles with early trauma, whereas someone who does not have a traumatic past might benefit more from a therapy that's focused on the present, like gestalt therapy." (Talkspace, 2023) A licensed occupational therapist can help people come to terms and acknowledge things they might subconsciously be ignoring. Therapy can help teach people emotional regulation techniques, healthier self-perception, and possible causes for why someone's NPD might have developed. Support groups offer safe spaces where people can confide in one another and truly open up about their insecurities. It also helps that there are no adverse side effects of giving therapy a chance. It is possible to have a fantastic experience and reap all the benefits or discover it is not a suitable option after all, and that is okay. Giving therapy a shot cannot make what someone might be dealing with worse. It only has the ability to help them improve.
It is important to note and keep in mind that none of those, as mentioned earlier, methods are a direct 'cure' for narcissism. They are simply methods a person could use in their daily life to help themselves or others struggling with NPD. Furthermore, no one method is guaranteed to work for everyone. However, many believe that therapy is a great start and that everyone struggling with NPD should make an effort to try it out. Most psychologists believe therapy to be the most impactful treatment for this disorder, "NPD therapy can help people become more aware of their narcissistic tendencies and how they impact others. It can also help them begin to understand and regulate their emotions." (Talkspace 2023) Every year that passes, NPD becomes more and more acknowledged and diagnosed, leading to this being considered an epidemic. Nevertheless, with these methods and with further research done, we as a society can work together to bring about healthier mindsets for those struggling with NPD.
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References
Caring for your mental health. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
Meditation and mindfulness: What you need to know. (n.d.). NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-and-mindfulness-what-you-need-to-know
Talkspace. (2023, June 22). Therapy for Narcissistic Personality Disorder — TalkSpace. Mental Health Conditions. https://www.talkspace.com/mental-health/conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/therapy-treatment-types/#:~:text=NPD%20therapy%20can%20help%20people,that%20empathy%20can%20be%20learned
Vater, A., Moritz, S., & Roepke, S. (2018, January 24). Does a narcissism epidemic exist in modern western societies? Comparing narcissism and self-esteem in East and West Germany. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved December 3, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5783345/#:~:text=Narcissism%20is%20increasing%20in%20modern,1992%20in%20adolescents%20%5B2%5D
