For many, the phrase “A mother is a daughter’s best friend” brings comfort. But for others, it’s a painful reminder of a relationship filled with emotional harm. More women today are choosing to step away from toxic parents—especially narcissistic mothers—in order to protect their mental health.
As awareness of therapy and mental health terms grows, more people are questioning the role their parents played in their upbringing. Labels like “narcissist” are now common in everyday conversations, but what does that really mean?
What Is a Narcissist?
A narcissist is someone with a personality disorder marked by a deep need for attention and a lack of empathy for others. They often believe they are more important than anyone else and don’t care how their behavior affects those around them. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a real, long-term mental health condition, and there is no cure.
Having a narcissistic parent—especially a mother—can have a lasting impact on a child’s self-esteem and emotional health. Many women raised by narcissistic mothers say their feelings were ignored, their accomplishments dismissed, and their needs overlooked. Some eventually choose to go “no contact,” meaning they cut off all communication in order to heal.
Finding Peace Through Distance
Dr. Mariette Jansen, a 66-year-old life coach and expert on narcissism, is one such woman. She says cutting off her mother gave her the emotional freedom she had always been missing.
“I was 55 when I stopped talking to my mother,” Jansen says. “For the first time in my life, I felt safe. I didn’t have to worry about her comments or her absence. I could finally just be me.”
She recalls one of her earliest memories—sitting alone as a baby in a cold, dark room, feeling scared. That sense of isolation followed her through childhood and into adulthood.
Is Going ‘No Contact’ the Right Choice?
Mental health experts say going no contact is a deeply personal decision. While it can bring peace, it can also bring guilt, grief, and judgment from others who believe family should always come first.
Some therapists suggest trying to set clear boundaries before cutting ties completely. But for people dealing with long-term emotional abuse, boundaries often don’t work. In those cases, walking away might be the only option to protect their well-being.
Not All Families Are the Same
Every family is different, and so is every mother-daughter relationship. For women with loving, supportive mothers, the idea of cutting contact may seem extreme. But for those raised by someone who constantly belittled them or made them feel unsafe, distance can be a powerful form of healing.
As more women speak openly about their experiences, the message is clear: emotional safety matters—even if it means letting go of a parent.
Related Topics:
- Can a Narcissist Be Depressed?[Revealed!]
- 10 Traits Of A Narcissistic Sociopath: Understanding The Complex Personality
- How To Identify Narcissistic Traits: 15 Key Signs
