Inside Mental Health

Rethinking Narcissism: What Social Media Gets Wrong


Listen Later

Narcissism has become one of the most misused words in mental health — and social media hasn’t helped.

In this episode, host Gabe Howard is joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton to separate clinical reality from internet myth. Together, they break down what narcissistic personality disorder actually is, why confidence and disagreement don’t equal narcissism, and how terms like “gaslighting” and “love bombing” get distorted online.
We answer common questions like:

  • Can people with narcissistic personality disorder learn empathy?

    • How can loved ones’ support change without sacrificing their safety or boundaries?

      • If narcissism is a mental illness, why do we have trouble feeling compassion for people who have it?

        • Finally, Gabe and Kati discuss whether people with narcissistic personality disorder can change, what meaningful treatment actually looks like, and how loved ones can protect themselves while setting healthy boundaries.

          “If social media were accurate, narcissism would describe anyone who annoys us. But clinically? It’s something very different.” ~Kati Morton, author of “Why Do I Keep Doing This? Unlearn the Habits That Keep You Stuck and Unhappy”

          Our guest, Kati Morton, is widely recognized as a leading mental health advocate and educator. She holds a masters in clinical psychology and is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has a passion for education and empowerment and shares helpful insights through her YouTube channel. Kati is the author of three books “Are You Ok?,” “Traumatized,” and “Why Do I Keep Doing This? Unlearn the Habits Keeping You Stuck and Unhappy.” She hopes that by speaking candidly about mental health and encouraging viewers to reach out to get the support they need, we can remove the stigma associated with getting help.


          Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington.

          Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.


          Sharing the show with the people you know is how we're gonna grow! Thank you in advance. :-)

          Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

          ...more
          View all episodesView all episodes
          Download on the App Store

          Inside Mental HealthBy Healthline Media

          • 4.5
          • 4.5
          • 4.5
          • 4.5
          • 4.5

          4.5

          458 ratings


          More shows like Inside Mental Health

          View all
          The One You Feed | Personal Growth, Emotional Resilience & Purpose by Eric Zimmer

          The One You Feed | Personal Growth, Emotional Resilience & Purpose

          2,553 Listeners

          The Psychology Podcast by iHeartPodcasts

          The Psychology Podcast

          1,810 Listeners

          Speaking of Psychology by American Psychological Association

          Speaking of Psychology

          56 Listeners

          Therapy Chat by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C

          Therapy Chat

          679 Listeners

          Good Life Project by Jonathan Fields / Acast

          Good Life Project

          3,375 Listeners

          The Overwhelmed Brain by Paul Colaianni: Relationship and Emotional Abuse Expert

          The Overwhelmed Brain

          1,892 Listeners

          Savvy Psychologist by QuickAndDirtyTips.com

          Savvy Psychologist

          1,376 Listeners

          Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson

          Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

          2,528 Listeners

          Therapist Uncensored Podcast by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD

          Therapist Uncensored Podcast

          1,392 Listeners

          The SelfWork Podcast by Margaret Robinson Rutherford PhD

          The SelfWork Podcast

          1,189 Listeners

          The Michelle Chalfant Show — Life from the Adult Chair by Michelle Chalfant

          The Michelle Chalfant Show — Life from the Adult Chair

          1,537 Listeners

          Psychologists Off the Clock by Debbie Sorensen, Jill Stoddard, Yael Schonbrun, Michael Herold & Emily Edlynn

          Psychologists Off the Clock

          326 Listeners

          Inside Schizophrenia by Healthline Media

          Inside Schizophrenia

          209 Listeners

          Psychology Unplugged by Dr. Corey J. Nigro

          Psychology Unplugged

          756 Listeners

          The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

          The Mel Robbins Podcast

          20,222 Listeners

          Inside Bipolar by Gabe Howard & Dr. Nicole Washington

          Inside Bipolar

          260 Listeners