How to Spot A Narcissistic Rage

The phrase “narcissistic rage” refers to the explosive rage that people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may have when their sense of significance or self-esteem is threatened.

People with NPD need others to consistently admire them and provide constructive criticism. When this doesn’t happen, it might trigger underlying guilt feelings that set off an instantaneous rage reaction and prompt them to lash out without taking the recipient’s feelings into account.

Because of a deep-seated fear of being “found out” for not being the person they present themselves to be, the narcissist’s sensitive nature and thin skin are what cause them to become so angry. This kind of rage can be focused either on other people or on themselves.

Types of Narcissistic Rage

A person with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may feel many sorts of narcissistic rage. These consist of:

-Explosive Rage: Often in response to a perceived slight or harm, this form of rage is marked by abrupt, powerful eruptions of anger. Usually, the target of this kind of anger is the person or circumstance that the narcissist holds accountable for their emotions of dissatisfaction or inadequacy.

-Passive-Aggressive Rage: Usually, the target of this kind of anger is the person or circumstance that the narcissist holds accountable for their emotions of dissatisfaction or inadequacy.

-Rage that is passive-aggressive is characterized by covert and covert means of resistance or revenge. To express their annoyance or to punish others, the narcissist may utilize sarcasm, withholding, or other passive-aggressive tactics.

-Vindictive Rage: Rage that is vindictive is defined by a need for vengeance or retaliation. The narcissist may develop a fixation on exacting retribution from the person or circumstance they feel has harmed them. The narcissist may develop a fixation on exacting retribution from the person or circumstance they feel has harmed them. 

-Cold Rage: The absence of feeling or expression that characterizes this form of rage. On the exterior, the narcissist may seem cool and collected, but on the inside, bitterness and resentment are simmering.

Narcissistic Rage Examples

There are two ways that the narcissist’s wrath can appear. Inward of outward. 

Narcissistic inward warning signs: Passive aggression indirect expression of aggression or hostility is known as passive aggression. Narcissists do this instead of speaking out loud. Procrastination, forgetfulness, stubbornness, and covert acts of sabotage are a few examples of these. Narcissistic passive aggressiveness frequently aims to manipulate or control others while abdicating responsibility for their deeds. Playing the victim, engaging in passive-aggressive behavior, and emotional detachment, sometimes known as “stonewalling,” are other signs of narcissistic rage. Narcissists may injure themselves or threaten suicide as a means of controlling others.

Outward Signs of Narcissistic Rage: Verbal Abuse: Narcissistic rage frequently manifests itself verbally. This includes yelling, insulting others, and making fun of them. Additionally, narcissists may oppress and denigrate those around them by using manipulation techniques. They could also refuse to take ownership of their deeds and assign blame for their own mistakes to others.

Physical abuse: This is another example and is often referred to as assault. This includes shoving, smashing, and hitting things. Additionally, narcissists could control others through physical strength.

The Rage Cycle

Narcissistic rage does not progress through several stages as normal anger does. For instance, the following seven phases or levels of typical rage were identified by psychiatrist Adam Blatner:

1. Stress: Subtle rage feelings that aren’t consciously acknowledged or expressed

2. Anxiety: Subtle signs of anger begin to surface.

3. Agitation: Displaying outward symptoms of unhappiness without placing blame; 

4. Irritation: Showing more displeasure to get others to provoke a response and a reaction

5. Frustration: Expressing frustration by making an angry expression or using harsh language

6. Anger: Become more vocal and expressive when you’re angry.

7. Rage: Losing one’s temper and erupting in violent outbursts

The advancement via a sequence of steps is absent, in comparison. Instead, narcissistic rage is more like a childlike reaction in which the person moves from tension to a full-fledged outward or internal manifestation of rage.

Some people refer to this as the cycle of narcissistic rage. In this cycle, the narcissist is disappointed when others don’t live up to their expectations, which leads to rage, which is then followed by emotions of shame. A vicious cycle of narcissistic rage results in emotional damage.

Reasons for a Narcissistic Rage

Narcissistic anger is a response to a perceived threat to the narcissist’s sense of self-worth or self-esteem, also known as a narcissistic Injury. The following are some typical causes of a narcissistic injury:

1. Being disciplined or getting bad advice, especially in situations when the narcissist believes they are particularly capable or superior

2. Being challenged or rejected

3. Being viewed negatively or weakly

4. Having their successes or accomplishments downplayed or ignored

5. Being rejected, especially by someone who they consider to be less than they

6. Being exposed to proof of their own shortcomings or errors

7. Being held accountable for their actions or behavior

8. Being ignored or disregarded

9. Envying the accomplishments of others

10. Being questioned or confronted about their dominance or authority

11. Enraged by not receiving any attention 

12. Having their successes or accomplishments downplayed or ignored

13. Being rejected, especially by someone who they consider to be less than they

14. Being exposed to proof of their own shortcomings or errors

15. Being made to answer for one’s deeds or behavior

How to Handle Narcissistic Rage

Although not all people with NPD exhibit narcissistic rage, those who do can be extremely dangerous to others around them. It’s crucial to take action to safeguard your safety and well-being if you believe that someone in your life is acting with narcissistic rage

Additionally, it’s important to realize that narcissistic rage is not the same as anger and is not a constructive way to react to a problem. It’s a tactic used by narcissists to manipulate and control other people, and it can’t be bargained or reasoned with.

It’s necessary to get therapy if you find yourself displaying narcissistic rage in your relationships. You can learn coping mechanisms and healthy limits with the assistance of a therapist, who can also show you the telltale signs of narcissistic behavior.

Summary

A perceived threat to the narcissist’s sense of self-importance or self-worth causes them to become enraged. It may show up in a variety of ways, including emotional withdrawal, passive-aggressive conduct, and verbal and physical assault. When coping with narcissistic rage, it’s necessary to take care of yourself and get support.