After ending a relationship with someone who had narcissistic traits, many adults find themselves struggling with confusion, emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and self-doubt. These experiences are not uncommon — in fact, research shows that relationships involving narcissistic traits often include manipulation, psychological stress, and control patterns that can leave lasting emotional and cognitive effects.

In my work as a therapist based in Richmond, Virginia—offering services statewide—I’ve come to deeply appreciate how mental health is about more than just what happens in the therapy room. True emotional well-being often involves nurturing the whole self, which means paying attention to the interconnected pillars of therapy, nutrition, sleep, and movement.