6 Reasons Narcissistic Rage Is Dangerous

A community member submitted this question, “Is narcissistic rage dangerous?” I’ve looked into it thoroughly. Here’s what I came up with.

Narcissistic rage is dangerous because it can escalate to physical violence, cause psychological harm, lead to social and professional repercussions, make you dependent on the narcissist, cause legal and financial problems, and lead to the destruction of personal property.

In this article, I’ll explain each of these possible outcomes to help you understand what makes narcissistic rage so dangerous.

1.) It Can Escalate to Physical Violence

Narcissistic rage is not just about angry words or shouting; it can escalate into physical violence. 

This happens because, in the heat of their anger, narcissists can lose control over their actions. 

They might feel so threatened or insulted that they react in extreme ways to try and regain control or assert their dominance.¹ 

For example, imagine you question a narcissist’s decision or action, suggesting that there might have been a better way to handle a situation.

This could trigger their rage, leading them from yelling and throwing objects to physically lashing out at you. 

The danger here is not just the physical harm but also the unpredictable nature of the escalation because it makes it harder for you to protect yourself.

Related: How to Know if a Narcissist Will Kill You (16 Signs to Keep You Safe)

2.) It Can Cause Psychological Harm

The danger of narcissistic rage also lies in the psychological impact on those who are the targets of the rage. 

Narcissists can be very cruel and personal in their angry outbursts, attacking not just the issue at hand but also targeting your self-esteem and emotional well-being.² 

For instance, in response to a perceived slight, a narcissist might not only express anger about the specific incident but also use the opportunity to belittle you, bringing up past mistakes or insecurities to hurt you as much as possible. 

They might say things like, “You’re always so clueless. It’s no wonder you can’t keep any friends.” 

This kind of emotional and verbal abuse can have long-lasting effects on your mental health, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. 

The danger here is in the deep, lasting wounds that such attacks can leave, beyond the immediate fear and stress of the angry outburst.

3.) It Can Lead to Social and Professional Repercussions

Narcissistic rage doesn’t just affect the immediate relationship between the narcissist and their target; it can also have broader social and professional repercussions for the target.³ 

This is because narcissists, in their rage, might not hesitate to damage your reputation by spreading falsehoods or manipulating others against you.

For example, suppose you’re in a disagreement that triggers their rage. 

In that case, they might retaliate by bad-mouthing you to friends, family, or even colleagues, twisting the story to portray themselves as the victim. 

They could say things like, “You won’t believe what I’ve been putting up with. I’ve been so patient and understanding, but it’s never enough.” 

This can isolate you socially and professionally, as the narcissist’s manipulative skills might lead others to view you unfavorably, affecting your relationships and possibly even your career.

4.) It Can Make You Dependent on the Narcissist

Narcissists often use rage as a tool to assert control and dominance to make you doubt your perceptions and decisions. 

For instance, in response to something you did that they perceive as undermining their authority, they might explode in rage.⁴

But when they do this, they don’t just criticize your actions.

They also attack your ability to make decisions. 

They say something along the lines of, “See, this is what happens when you try to do things your way. You’re just not capable of getting it right.” 

Over time, these types of interactions can make you doubt your judgment and depend more on the narcissist’s approval of your decisions.

This is dangerous because it dramatically impacts your ability to trust yourself and make independent decisions.

5.) It Can Cause Legal and Financial Problems

Narcissistic rage can sometimes lead to actions that trigger legal and financial problems for the target.

When a narcissist feels slighted or challenged, they might not only lash out verbally or physically but also take actions that have legal ramifications, such as filing false claims or accusations against you.⁵ 

For example, in an attempt to assert control or retaliate, a narcissist might falsely accuse you of harassment or theft, leading to legal battles that can drain your resources and affect your reputation. 

They might say to others, “I had no choice but to take legal action; you wouldn’t believe the crazy stuff I’ve been put through because of them.” 

This approach not only intimidates and controls you through fear of legal consequences but also aims to financially cripple you, making it harder for you to separate yourself from their influence.

Related: 16 Signs of Financial Abuse & The 6 Types of Financial Abuse Abusers Use

6.) It Can Cause the Destruction of Personal Property

In moments of intense narcissistic rage, the risk extends to the destruction of personal property or valuables, which can have both emotional and financial consequences. 

You see, in a fit of anger, a narcissist might destroy items that hold sentimental value to you or that you rely on for your livelihood. 

For instance, they might smash your laptop, tear up important documents, or even damage your vehicle. 

This behavior is not only a physical outlet for their rage but also a calculated attempt to hurt you where it’s most impactful.

The narcissist’s goal here is to reinforce their control by showing you the extent of their power over your life.

This is dangerous because, depending on what they destroy, it can keep you trapped within the narcissistic abuse cycle for the foreseeable future.

What Should You Take Away from This Article?

That’s all I have to say about this topic.

Thanks so much for reading through to the end!

If this piece has raised any questions or you’d like to share your perspective, please comment below. Your engagement is important to me, and I’d love to talk with you.

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