I love this image, though I would not say “normal narcissism,” I would say Ego. I don’t think we should use the same word to talk about being a healthy person. However, I think people need to see this and I am not as good with graphics.

The first column is a healthy ego, the second column is a healthy ego that could become unhealthy. The third column is unhealthy and could possibly be treated – if they went in to therapy and determined that they would be there for the long haul. The last column is more like a “Charlie Manson,” or a cult leader of some type. It is also a mass murderer, or a Luigi Mangione, Bryan Kohberger, Timothy McVeigh, type of person. It would be even more difficult, I imagine, to get this last column of people into treatment, even while behind bars.

How could the 2nd column become unhealthy? This person’s ego gets carried away with themselves. They may start out being a really great guy/gal, but as they rise through the ranks and gain more power, they begin to develop what we say is a “big head.” This would be people who are celebrities and suddenly believe they are better than everyone else. It would be people who are CEO’s, but it could also be a manager, district manager, store manger, etc… who has been in the field for so long and have lost sight of themselves. It can even be a person in non-profit management – where they are supposed to be there for the greater good. And, unfortunately, it could even be someone like a psychotherapist, attorney, professor, teacher, coach, doctor, anyone who is in charge of people that look up to them.

You must always trust your instincts. If you are minor child, you must turn to someone you trust and tell on this person who is taking advantage. Never stay quiet, never let someone get away with something.

If you are in a position of power, see yourself as a role model and think about your own mental health. Never feel as if “there is nothing wrong with me, I am fine.” It is important to always do work on yourself, mentally, physically, and spiritually.