If you’ve been on the receiving end of narcissistic abuse, it’s easy to feel like you’re losing touch with yourself and the world around you. Narcissists are adept at creating confusion, manipulating perceptions, and warping your sense of reality. But here’s what you need to know—you’re not crazy, and the chaos they created was deliberate. Understanding the effects of narcissistic abuse can help you make sense of what you’ve experienced and start reclaiming your identity.

At some point, you may find yourself at a crossroads: deciding whether to discard the narcissist or, more painfully, being discarded by them. Both experiences can be profoundly damaging, but the emotional fallout and the dynamics differ depending on who is in control of the final decision.

One of the most powerful tools to reclaim your power and protect your well-being is the silent treatment. While this may seem harsh, it’s one of the few tactics that can truly disrupt a narcissist’s toxic behavior. Here’s why the silent treatment is so effective, and three key reasons to consider using it when dealing with a narcissist.