Covert Emotional Abuse and Narcissistic Parents: Breaking Free from the Invisible Chains

Many people think of abuse as something obvious—yelling, hitting, or bullying. But sometimes, abuse is more subtle, hidden beneath the surface. This type is called covert emotional abuse. It’s sneaky and difficult to spot, especially when it happens in families. When the abuser is a parent, the damage can last into adulthood. It can affect relationships and the way we see ourselves.