World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day 2017 to Feature Free, Week-Long Telesummit
LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Now in its second year, World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day (WNAAD) takes place on June 1 and provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the harm done by those with narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders (NPD and ASPD, the latter commonly referred to as sociopathy and psychopathy). This year's campaign will also feature a free teleseminar from June 1 to June 7 with some of the mental healthcare community's leading experts on narcissistic abuse. More information about the WNAAD and the public health crisis that is narcissistic abuse is available at http://www.wnaad.com/.
WNAAD was created by licensed psychotherapist Bree Bonchay, who has nearly two decades of experience in mental health. Her areas of expertise include abuse and trauma recovery. She is the author of "I Am Free," the market's first anthology about surviving and escaping toxic relationships.
"Narcissistic abuse is such an under-recognized public health issue because describing what you can't see or prove presents a huge challenge, and narcissists can easily present themselves as loving guardians and partners," says Bonchay. "That's why the theme of the awareness campaign is #IfMyWoundsWereVisible."
Most people are familiar with the narcissistic self-absorption, but this aspect is utterly benign relative to the very real damage anyone with NPD or ASPD can inflict upon their loved ones. As Bonchay explains, narcissistic abuse is often subtle, covert, gradual and, most of all, cumulative. In many instances, the victim doesn't even perceive their own victimhood, which is not to say they do not experience ill effects. Some typical characteristics of narcissistic abuse include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Dominance
- Manipulation
- Intimidation
- Emotional coercion
- Withholding
- Dishonesty
- Extreme selfishness
- Guilt mongering
- Rejection
- Stonewalling
- Gaslighting
- Financial abuse
- Extreme jealousy
- Possessiveness
Because public awareness is lacking, it's hard to know exactly how many people have suffered abuse like this. However, experts can make reasonable deductions based on what we do know. For her part, Bonchay states that "[o]ver 158 million people are negatively affected by narcissistic abuse. That's more people than are affected by depression, yet there is a lack of public education and awareness campaigns about it."
Worldwide, it's possible that 3.4 billion people have been negatively affected by a narcissist or antisocial person in their lives. If this were any other physical or mental health issue, that would easily qualify as a pandemic — which underscores the need for greater awareness right now.
"It's important we raise awareness about narcissistic abuse not only to protect the individual victim but because ultimately it impacts us all," concludes Bonchay.
About World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day
World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day (WNAAD) occurs on June 1 every year. Established in 2016, WNAAD is a growing global movement dedicated to raising the profile of narcissistic abuse, providing public pathology education and resources for survivors, and effecting policy change. WNAAD is an international event that is recognized worldwide.
Contact:
Bree Bonchay, LCSW
(213) 379-9550
[email protected]
SOURCE World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day
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