Narcissistic Personality Traits

Management and Resources

At home

Being a family member or close friend of someone who has NPD is, undoubtedly, challenging. Offering them information and psychoeducation about NPD can be eye-opening for them and, hopefully, they will react with understanding, especially if that individual is getting help.

There are excellent organizations, books, and authoritative websites to educate and support those who have NPD and their loved ones. A number of resources are listed at the end of this report. Avoid unreliable websites that are not based on science.

Lifestyle improvements

The following information is, by no means, offered as a remedy for narcissistic personality disorder or any other disorder or condition, but rather as a list of lifestyle improvements to be tried as an adjunct to professional treatment. Individuals should check with their health care providers before implementing the suggestions discussed below.

There are helpful routines and lifestyle improvements that have been of benefit for many people, regardless of whether or not they face NPD or any other mental health challenge. One such example is meditation, a practice that has been around for thousands of years. Meditation has been extensively studied and found to be an effective stress reliever.

Mindfulness is another practice that has been widely studied and found to be of benefit for stress management. Mindfulness is all about paying attention to the present moment and noticing the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes that surround us wherever we go. Mindfulness takes the emphasis off focusing on the past or worrying about the future, but, instead, challenges us to be fully present in the here and now.

Other lifestyle improvements include adopting an adequate sleep routine and obtaining good nutrition. Obtaining regular physical exercise, including walking, can provide both physical and mental health benefits. Social engagement with supportive friends and family can lift one's spirits. Many individuals find that volunteering for a worthy cause or organization can offer significant improvement to one’s sense of purpose, self esteem, and life satisfaction, in general.