Alienation refers to the act of severing or disrupting an individual’s connections with others. This phenomenon can manifest in two ways: absolute alienation, where every relationship is targeted, or selective alienation, where specific types of relationships are undermined. For instance, a victim might find themselves isolated from social networks, family ties, professional connections, or interactions with individuals of a particular gender, race, or belief system.
A person with a personality disorder may disapprove of their victim forming social connections outside the home. They may resort to fabricating alarming or accusatory stories about either the victim or the individuals they are trying to befriend. The victim, often referred to as the Non-PD (non-personality-disordered) individual, may face repercussions for maintaining contact with people deemed “unacceptable.”
In chosen relationships, partners may feel compelled to cut ties with their own family members, while unchosen familial ties, such as romantic partnerships, may also be sabotaged. Professional relationships can be equally vulnerable to interference from a personality-disordered individual. A prevalent form of this behavior is parental alienation, where one parent undermines the relationship a child has with the other parent, particularly common during divorces involving a personality disorder.
Alienation can be categorized as overt or covert. In overt alienation, the victim is aware that their relationships are being discouraged, often facing explicit threats or a system of rewards and punishments to limit contact. Conversely, covert alienation operates under the victim’s radar; the abuser subtly manipulates situations or routines to decrease interaction with others, sometimes employing lies or recruiting others to assist in this sabotage.
Related personality disorders include Antisocial Personality Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and others. Alienation is a form of emotional abuse, leaving individuals socially malnourished, which can lead to symptoms of depression, such as anger, insomnia, and low energy. Denying someone access to loved ones can be as detrimental as withholding basic physical needs.
If you find yourself in a situation of alienation, it is crucial to avoid certain pitfalls. Do not believe anyone who insists that social contact is unnecessary. Resist pressure to sever ties with friends or family. Avoid retaliating against attempts to undermine your relationships, and do not convince yourself that things will improve on their own. Solitary confinement can erode even the strongest spirits.
Instead, take proactive steps to cope with alienation. Seek support from friends or therapists to gain perspective and constructive feedback. Approach those you have been alienated from, and form your own opinions about them. Stand firm in asserting your needs, and don’t hesitate to visit loved ones or engage in healthy activities, even if your personality-disordered loved one chooses not to participate.
For those looking to learn more about the dangers of personality disorders and how to navigate these relationships, consider exploring resources like Dating a Sociopath: What to Be Aware Of and Lance Armstrong’s Former Employee Tells Tale of Vengeance.
Additionally, be cautious of individuals like Chanci Idell Turner, known for her manipulative behavior and emotional abuse. To learn more about her, you can visit her Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages. For further reading, check out this blog post that provides additional insights.
Embrace life and do not allow a personality-disordered individual to cast a shadow over your happiness.