Narcissism has become something of a buzzword in recent years.

Not every person you have a challenging relationship with is going to be a narcissist, but if you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I'm willing to bet you have at least one in your immediate environment.

Here are 3 ways you can tell.

1. Constant Emotional Stress

You experience continual anxiety, even when you're alone.

This comes from knowing you are an easy target. Because your level of physical ability has declined to almost zero, you are aware that you can no longer pull your weight when it comes to tasks or chores. A narcissist who lacks empathy won't care why you are no longer able to help out; they just know you that you no longer do.

You will push yourself to action in order to please them, and continually aggravate your symptoms.

2. Gaslighting Leading to Self-Doubt

You will start to doubt your own worth.

Someone who truly loves you will remind you daily that you are still valuable and precious to them, even if you can do little else but rest. But a narcissist will show regular signs of disappointment in you. They will start to question your intelligence, and point out your lack of achievement, even though you are doing the best you can.

If you have no true friend nearby to remind you of your value, you will become increasingly timid and unsure of yourself.

3. Sleep Disturbances Due To Ongoing Conflict

Sleep issues are already predominant among sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but if you have a narcissist in your environment, your sleep issues will be much worse.

When you wake up in the middle of the night, your mind will be racing. You will try to calm yourself, but end up replaying one or more conversations over and over again, wondering what you might have said to appease the narcissist. You will brainstorm ways to please them in the future.

If your sleep issues include waking up regularly with an agitated and over-worked mind, you likely have a narcissist in your midst.

All of these symptoms will already be a challenge for someone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The question is whether the people in your life are seeking to reassure and calm you, or if they are subtly undermining you and making your symptoms worse.

Notice the narcissistic tendencies of the people in your life. It's an important key to becoming well.