What happens when the abuse doesn’t leave bruises—but instead rewires your nervous system?

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying I dive deep into the reality of Complex PTSD (CPTSD) as it relates to narcissistic abuse.

"Narcissistic abuse doesn’t just hurt—it conditions you to expect pain as love."

Whether you’ve left the narcissist or are still untangling from the trauma, this episode breaks down the long-term psychological and physiological effects of prolonged exposure to emotional abuse, gaslighting, control, and coercive manipulation. We explore how CPTSD develops differently from PTSD, how the narcissist's cycle of idealise–devalue–discard contributes to emotional injury, and why survivors often feel confused, hypervigilant, or stuck in shame.

You’ll learn:

What CPTSD really is and how it develops from repeated emotional trauma

Key symptoms including emotional flashbacks, dysregulation, and shame spirals

How narcissists create the "perfect storm" for CPTSD

Why healing requires more than just going no contact.

"CPTSD is not weakness. It’s your brain’s survival response to ongoing emotional warfare."

This episode is for anyone seeking to understand the neurobiological toll of narcissistic abuse, how CPTSD keeps survivors locked in fear and confusion, and—most importantly—what recovery really looks like.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

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Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx