Struggles and Addictions. How to Stop Fighting Harmful Habits and Free Yourself from Them

Psychologists talk about an epidemic of narcissism. Today's world demands that we meet an ever-increasing number of requirements — we must demonstrate leadership qualities and creativity, think positively, constantly learn, work very hard, and earn well. In this world, there is no place for fatigue, bad moods, wrong choices, crises of values, and other phenomena that accompany ordinary human life. All this reinforces people with narcissistic trauma, convinced that as they are, they are not good enough. They demand perfection from themselves (as perhaps their parents required from them in childhood or as a narcissistic partner might expect in adulthood). And since it is beyond their power to achieve it, they believe the only option is to come to terms with unsatisfactory life circumstances and traumatizing relationships.

Only the recognition of traumatic experience allows one to make it a part (a useful part!) of their personality and restore their own integrity. Psychologist Anastasia Dolganova's book discusses how to recognize the roots and manifestations of narcissism (this is aided by numerous client stories provided by the author) and find the path to one's true self and healthy relationships with others.