A complex can influence the way you think about yourself and others. The God complex leads you to believe your power is on par with God. This condition is closely related to narcissistic personality disorder, a mental health problem that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.
What Is a ‘Complex’?
A psychological complex can be considered to be connected ideas that share similar emotional qualities while utilizing an influence on the person’s way of being, which they are unaware of. In other words, a complex can shape critical features of your personality.
Complexes are often spoken about as flaws that can have a big impact on your life and those with whom you have relationships.
Understanding the God Complex
When someone accuses you of having a God complex, they may think you have an inflated ego.
Perhaps you believe yourself to be more important, talented, or privileged than your coworkers. Any source of power or delegated responsibility becomes a verification that you are better than your peers. You might expect excessive praise and acknowledgment and view your methods as the only proper way to accomplish a task. This sort of self-obsession can lead to severe conflicts with others. It can manifest as a justification to behave a certain way or take a particular course of action that is unethical and even dangerous.
Similar to many other mental disorders, the exact cause of this complex is not known. Early childhood experiences and genetic predisposition could likely play a role.
Manifestations of the God Complex
This personality flaw can show up in a number of ways:
Gaslighting. Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that is used to invalidate another person’s experiences and feelings. The gaslighter does this to gain control over them by leading them to question their sanity while enforcing their reality.
Relationships. Unstable, short-lasting friendships and intimate relationships are a sign there is a problem. It could indicate that individuals chose to cut you off because of your toxic behavior.
Inconsideration. Does anyone ever complain that you do not care how your actions affect others? Having a God complex can mean you might be inconsiderate of others’ feelings and wishes.
Boundaries. Having a God complex could mean that you struggle to understand how others can feel differently than you do. Perhaps you tend to violate others’ boundaries without apology, thus inadvertently pushing them away.
Apathy. Due to being so consumed in the everyday happenings of your own life, you may find that you lack empathy and can be emotionally cold.
Validation. You may find that you cannot get validation from yourself; you need it from other people. Do you find yourself needing constant admiration?
Isolation. The God complex can cause you to self-isolate. A common reason for isolation is depression and anxiety. If you have a God complex, it is the product of thinking, “I don’t need anybody; I can do it better without them.”
What’s the Relation to Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
The God complex might sound a lot like narcissistic personality disorder (NPD); this is primarily because they are interrelated in symptoms and severity. The complex overlaps significantly with grandiose narcissism in particular. This complex is not considered an official disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Grandiose & Vulnerable NPD
The current understanding of NPD identifies two general forms: grandiose and vulnerable. Grandiose narcissism is said to encompass both positive and negative traits, including:
- charm, assertiveness, extraversion, self-confidence, self-efficacy, high self-esteem, and well-being
- exploitativeness, aggressiveness, antisociality, dominance, disagreeableness, entitlement,
manipulativeness, and exhibitionism
Vulnerable narcissism is typically associated with:
- hypersensitivity, hostility, introversion, incompetence, defensiveness, avoidance, passive aggression, low self-esteem, poor well-being, negative temperament, neuroticism, borderline traits, and mistrust
Either condition tends to share some characteristics, such as unstable interpersonal relationships and the need for special treatment. Recognizing these signs in yourself and others is essential for creating healthy relationships.
Many Avoid Treatment Because of Denial
Despite the uncertainty around whether the God complex is the same as NPD, it is crucial to seek out treatment if you see these signs in yourself.
Both disorders can cause significant hardship for yourself and for those in your life. Many people who struggle with NPD do not seek treatment because they do not see the error in their ways by the nature of the condition. Being willing to look closely at yourself will be necessary for therapy to be effective.
Those who do have a God complex or NPD are not without hope. Through therapy, you have a chance to improve the quality of your life and interpersonal relationships significantly.
The God complex causes a person to see themselves as the center of the universe. This exaggerated self-importance can lead to interpersonal problems because of how individuals justify selfish and cold behavior. A narcissistic personality disorder is closely related, and individuals must seek help if they notice signs in themselves. Avalon Malibu is a California state-licensed residential addiction and mental health treatment center located in Malibu. We are dedicated to treating adults who have personality disorders like narcissistic personality disorder. Many with this disorder avoid treatment because they are unwilling to acknowledge they have a problem. Therapy can greatly improve their lives and relationships. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, family therapy, and group therapy are offered as strategies to disrupt harmful thought and behavioral patterns. If you are curious about our program, please reach out for more information. We can help you overcome narcissistic personality disorder. Call today at (844) 857-5992.
