How do I begin to heal from the past so that I can build up my self worth and confidence?

I grew up with a (most likely) narcissistic older sibling which has really damaged my self worth and confidence. I grew up walking on egg shells around them and I never knew where I stood with them. Everything was always in their terms. They were the center of attention - it was their way or no way. The house growing up was a lot of shouting between my parents and them. I would always have to apologise regardless of what had happened if we fell out (which was often). I was regularly put down, excluded and ignored whilst still being great friends when it suited them. The common phrase growing up was 'they don't realise they're doing it!' My sibling is in their 30s now and I still get this comment from my parents. I have not lived with them for over 10 years but yet the other week I was called by my father to make up with them again, which I refused to do. After, my sibling got married and I had to put up with the tantrums and constant need to focus on nothing but that (amongst other things in the lead up to that wedding) I decided to finally cut the cord with them as far as possible knowing that they would never change.
Asked by Saz
Answered
01/14/2023

Recovering from invalidation and living with people of whom have narcissistic traits can be challenging to navigate. To your points, living with someone with these traits makes us feel as if we have to be cognizant of every move, action, and statement that we say. This can also create confusion in recognizing our own needs, as anytime one attempts to speak their truth, their sanity is questioned. You have mentioned some examples of this, such as, "they don't realize that they're doing it." When the blame is placed on someone of whom is attempting to respond with healthy limits, it creates the false belief that setting boundaries is a bad thing. This results in one of two responses: either folding, obliging, and becoming externally obedient to keep the peace, or, rebelling and losing some of the relationships in life due to anger and frustration taking hold. There are effective ways that such instances can be approached by applying healthy personal boundaries.

Personal boundaries are the limits and rules that we set within relationships for ourselves. They allow us to recognize what we're okay with, as well as what we're not okay with in personal relationships. Personal boundaries also allow us to determine ways to communicate our needs and wants through words first, and then actions second. If we're too porous with our boundaries, we fall into the trap of being compliant (thinking that "no" is a bad word because it causes others to be upset, therefore, politely denying ones needs to keep the peace"). If we're too rigid with our boundaries, we fall into the trap of what's called stonewalling (thinking that people and the world should always conform to our needs because of the anger that we feel, therefore, telling people that there is only one way). We can find a nice blend through use of healthy boundaries (prioritizing your needs, wants, and feelings, while also listening to and respecting the needs, wants, and feelings of others, without behaving passively or aggressively). 

In essence, healing from the past is leaning into what you will vs will not tolerate from your sibling and family, and empathizing with the distress they may have, while making it clear that it is their distress. This may look something like the following: (speaking to your father) "I see it upsets you that I choose to create this space, however, I will not tolerate being treated this way anymore by my sibling. I choose not to apologize to them because I am not in the wrong." The harsh reality is, the boundary will teach you the quality of the relationship with your family, and in turn, what it is you feel would be best for you to take in and receive the good that exists out there. It's asking ourselves whose love do we potentially have to miss out on if we choose to live. 

I'm so glad you're doing the work of boundaries, and cutting the cord due to recognizing they may never change. Boundaries have nothing to do with us changing others. They have to do with changing ourselves so that we're no longer affected by those of whom treat us poorly. 

therapist profile image
LPC, LCMHC