10 Weird Emotional Reactions Seen in Narcissistic Abuse Victims

Unexplained irritability—feeling snappy or frustrated over small things—is often your mind’s way of saying, I’m emotionally worn out. Constant stress and emotional exhaustion from narcissistic abuse can leave you with a shorter fuse.

Therapist Dr. Shari Stein explains that emotional abuse drains your mental energy, making it harder to stay calm. It’s not about being moody; it’s that your emotional reserves are depleted, leaving little room for patience.

7. Nervous Body Language

Nervous body language—like fidgeting, crossing your arms, or hiding your hands—often shows up when you feel vulnerable or on edge, especially after experiencing narcissistic abuse.

Dr. Joe Navarro, a former FBI agent and body language expert, explains that we self-soothe by touching or hiding parts of our body when we feel unsafe. These gestures are an unconscious reaction to feeling exposed—a physical way to try to create a barrier and feel secure.