EPISODE 6: ‘The Mental and Physical Toll of Working with a Narcissist’
Have you ever left a job feeling like a shell of yourself? Anxious, exhausted, second-guessing everything, and wondering how it got so bad?
In Episode 6 of Narcissism at Work, Leyya is joined by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani to explore the often invisible toll of narcissistic abuse in the workplace. From anxiety, burnout, and adrenal fatigue to disconnection from your sense of self, this conversation exposes how narcissistic traits in colleagues or leaders create environments that harm the body, mind, and spirit. The episode also unpacks the societal and cultural dynamics that allow these behaviours to go unnoticed or even be enabled.
What to expect in Episode 06: ‘The Mental and Physical Toll of Working with a Narcissist.’
A deep dive into how narcissistic abuse manifests mentally (such as anxiety, depression, PTSD) and physically (like headaches, hormonal imbalance, digestive issues, etc.)
Explanation of trauma responses like fight, flight, freeze, and fawn and how they play out in toxic work cultures
Why strong, confident people can be vulnerable to narcissistic exploitation
Cultural and societal pressures that keep people silent, including racialised and gendered stereotypes
A breakdown of how tools like ACT Therapy (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) support healing and recovery from narcissistic abuse
Practical steps for reclaiming your boundaries, energy, and self-worth
Why it matters
Far too many people endure chronic stress and trauma at work without naming it for what it truly is: abuse. When the harm comes from someone charismatic, successful, or in power, it's easy for the behaviour to be minimised or normalised, leaving the target anxious, burned out, and detached from their reality.
This episode breaks the silence. It provides language, validation, and frameworks for what many have wrongly dismissed as "just work stress." More importantly, it provides a roadmap for healing that starts with the nervous system and returns to your core values. If you're stuck in a toxic environment or feel like you're constantly on edge, this conversation is a mirror…and a lifeline.
Key Takeaways
Narcissistic abuse is trauma, and it affects your whole system: mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Symptoms are often misdiagnosed, especially in high-functioning professionals.
Gaslighting, manipulation, and control tactics can erode your sense of judgment and self-worth.
You are not weak. Narcissists often target strong, empathetic people because of their strengths.
Healing requires unlearning societal norms that glorify toxic hustle, loyalty, and self-abandonment.
You can recover, rebuild trust in your body, and redefine your version of success.
Frameworks & Therapies Mentioned:
WHO Guidelines on symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma
Polyvagal Theory (Stephen Porges): Understanding your nervous system's responses
ACT Therapy (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
IFS (Internal Family Systems)
EMDR Therapy
The STUF Framework (Sensations, Thoughts, Urges, Feelings)
If you want to explore these therapies further, check out The Narcissistic Abuse Healing Programme by Dr. Daksha Hirani. This self-paced digital course will start you on the path to full recovery. It lays out a step-by-step process which you can follow at your own pace. There are 10 modules, with worksheets where appropriate, to be followed in sequence. As a listener of Narcissism At Work, get 10% off with the code OTHERBOX10.
Quote highlights
“They will feed your fears and position themselves as the only person who can help you get what you need.” – Dr. Daksha Hirani
“I’ve always seen myself as strong, brave, a competent person. I couldn’t understand how I let it get so bad. But now I realise it’s not about weakness, it’s about how expertly these people play on our C.R.A.P.” – Leyya Sattar
“You don’t need anybody else to make you whole. You can do for yourself.” – Dr. Daksha Hirani
“Even if the healing feels messy, even if it takes time, you can always find your way back home.” – Leyya Sattar
* Throughout the series, Leyya and Dr. Daksha refer to C.R.A.P. which is an acronym that stands for Criticism, Rejection, Abandonment, and Punishment. These are the emotional triggers narcissists often manipulate to maintain control and keep you in a cycle of compliance, confusion, and self-doubt. Recognising when you're being pulled into these emotional traps is the first step to breaking free from them. C.R.A.P.
Resources & Further Support
Listen to all episodes: otherbox.co/podcast
Click here to access additional resources including Dr Daksha’s digital course here
Learn more about narcissism, burnout, and protective tools in our Diversity Dictionary course: otherbox.co/education
Subscribe, share, and rate the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Acast or wherever you listen.
Whether you’re just starting to question a toxic dynamic or deep into your healing, we hope this podcast helps you name it, understand it, and start to heal from it. Because work should work for you.
———
Narcissism At Work podcast is out now and is available wherever you listen to your podcasts. Check out our resources page here for support. Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with Other Box.
Need support for your team? Contact us to explore how we can help build healthier, safer workplaces.
