UNDERSTANDING NARCISSISTIC COLLAPSE: A DEEP DIVE INTO THE NARCISSISTIC PSYCHOLOGY

By: Khalif Barkhadle,
Digital Journalist

Published On: 7th May 2025

How Narcissists Grieve Their Collapse?
Narcissistic collapse is a profound and transformative state that occurs when a narcissist can no longer secure a steady stream of high-quality narcissistic supply, attention, admiration, or validation. Despite exhaustive efforts, strategies, and manipulations, the narcissist faces a systemic failure to obtain this critical resource. They are ignored, ridiculed, rejected, abandoned, or forgotten, leading to a state of internal devastation known as narcissistic collapse.

This is not to be confused with the misnomer “failed narcissist,” which is more akin to a borderline personality. In this article, we’ll explore the narcissist’s internal and emotional reactions to collapse, its profound impacts, and the intricate process of grief and recovery that follows.

✓The Essence of Entitlement
At the heart of narcissistic collapse lies entitlement, a core belief that the narcissist deserves special treatment, admiration, and rewards without effort, merit, or investment. This sense of entitlement is disproportionate to their real-life achievements or contributions.

The narcissist believes their mere presence is a sufficient contribution, overestimating their role in relationships, workplaces, or conversations. This over-perception fuels a constant state of…