How to Deal with a Psychopath

Given the behaviours you are exposed to in a relationship with a psychopath, moving on can sometimes become extremely difficult. When such a relationship begins affecting your mental health and everyday life, it is time to take things to another level by confronting them or ending the connection once and for all.

Following are a few tips to make dealing with a psychopath much easier:

Never blame yourself.

If you are considering ending your association with a psychopath, you have probably been blamed for most of the relationship problems between you and your partner. This constant blame game can make it difficult for many people to end their relationship with an abuser out of guilt. This way of things needs to stop, especially if you are thinking of breaking all the ties. You will have an easier time letting go of your psychopathic partner once you convince yourself that it was not your fault how things turned out.

Stop excusing their negative behaviour.

Many people in a romantic relationship with a psychopath may make excuses to justify their partner’s behaviour. When you do this, it means that you secretly believe that circumstances will change someday. Such a mindset can keep you trapped in a relationship no matter how toxic it gets. So it’s high time you stopped justifying your psychopathic partner’s behaviour and see things as they are.

Stop convincing yourself that they will change.

A psychopath may constantly promise to change, and you will likely believe them. However, deep down, you know they are simply trying to manipulate you into keeping the relationship. So don’t fall for these fake promises and muster up the courage to do what needs to be done.

Don’t fall victim to suicide threats.

If you have decided to leave your psychopath partner, they may try to blackmail you into staying with suicide threats. While many people easily fall into this trap and are forced to stay to protect their partner, remember that you always have a right to leave. If your partner is repeatedly threatening suicide, inform the relevant authorities and let them intervene while you focus on ending things with them.

Prepare yourself.

Before you break up with a psychopath, ensure your affairs are in order. Find a place where you will be moving to, separate your finances if you share a joint account, and most importantly, have a plan of safety in mind in case things go sideways. These steps are essential because many psychopaths are scorned when their relationships end against their will and may seek revenge. This revenge may result in draining your bank accounts or evicting you when you are unprepared and without a new home. Being prepared prevents you from facing these difficulties.

Break off all contact.

Most relationships with a psychopath are not salvageable and eventually end up in a breakup. If you are considering ending things with your partner, cut off the contact altogether. They may try to reach out repeatedly, confessing their love for you or promising that they have changed. Don’t let this emotional manipulation change your mind by blocking them from all communication platforms.

Don’t let them smear you.

If you are confronting or breaking up with a psychopath, you are hurting their ego. In retaliation, they may begin a smear campaign against you, telling everyone how bad of a person you are. Acknowledge that this is just another tactic to get into your head and prevent you from taking a stand for yourself. Remind yourself that what they are telling others is not based on truth, and there is no need for you to defend yourself against these manipulative tactics.

Give yourself some time to heal.

Being with a psychopath can emotionally, mentally, and physically drain you. Despite the trouble they have been causing you, you may feel very hurt when you end things with them, especially when you are deeply in love with them. So give yourself some time to heal and recover from the trauma you have endured for so long. It is entirely okay to grieve the loss.

Get support.

Seek help and support from trustable family members and friends when times get tough. There is a good chance that some of them have already picked up on the harmful effects of your relationship with a psychopath, and they would be more than happy to help you find happiness once again.

Practice self-care.

You may continue to criticise yourself for having fallen for a psychopath and how it ruined your life. Instead of focusing on these negative thoughts about yourself, take some time out to practice self-care. Make a list of all activities you enjoy, such as hiking, watching movies, reading books, or exercising, and start ticking things off one by one.

Consider seeking professional help.

Being in a relationship with a psychopath can be emotionally damaging for many. Hence, seeking help from a mental health professional can significantly benefit you. In addition to helping you learn coping skills, therapy and counselling can also assist you in finding solutions to avoid getting into such negative relationships in the future. Therapy is also indicated if things get out of hand and you cannot manage them independently.