Brian Thompson: A Modern David vs. Goliath in the Battle Against InvisaNarcs
Discover how Brian Thompson’s story represents the clash between individuals and corporate InvisaNarcs. Uncover lessons for reclaiming power through Identify, Minimize, Control.
Abuse No More
4 min read
Discover how Brian Thompson’s story represents the clash between individuals and corporate InvisaNarcs. Uncover lessons for reclaiming power through Identify, Minimize, Control.
Is David vs. Goliath Still Relevant Today?
Have you ever felt powerless against a system so vast it seemed untouchable? Like every effort to stand up for yourself was met with indifference, resistance, or outright denial? For many navigating the healthcare industry, this isn’t just a feeling—it’s reality. The tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has cast a spotlight on the enduring struggle between individuals (David) and colossal institutions (Goliath).
But this isn’t just about one man or one company. It’s about a broader issue: the rise of InvisaNarcs. These aren’t people—they’re systems that operate like narcissists, manipulating, exploiting, and controlling while hiding behind policies, branding, and bureaucracy.
In this blog, we’ll explore how Brian Thompson’s story epitomizes the David vs. Goliath dynamic, delve into the systemic behaviors of InvisaNarcs, and use the Identify, Minimize, Control (IMC) method to empower you in the fight against these invisible giants.
Who Was Brian Thompson?
The Goliath He Represented
Brian Thompson led UnitedHealthcare, the largest health insurer in the United States, covering over 49 million people. Under his leadership, the company achieved record-breaking profits, cementing its place as a corporate giant. But alongside those profits came increasing scrutiny.
Patients faced denials of essential care, creating financial and emotional distress.
Providers were left navigating convoluted systems, delaying necessary treatments.
Lawsuits and investigations revealed practices prioritizing profit over people.
This wasn’t just business as usual—it was Goliath at its finest, using its sheer size and resources to maintain control while individuals struggled to fight back.
The Tragedy of His Death
On December 4, 2024, Thompson was murdered outside the New York Hilton Midtown. Speculation surrounds the motive, but initial reports suggest the act may have been linked to systemic frustrations, particularly over denied claims and corporate practices. Bullets engraved with words like “deny” and “defend” reflect a deeper, more universal anger against the mechanisms of institutional narcissism.
This tragedy forces us to ask: how do individuals fight back against systems this powerful, and what can we learn from the dynamics at play?
Understanding InvisaNarcs in Healthcare
An InvisaNarc—a term I coined at Narc Slayer Academy—describes institutions that operate with the traits of a narcissist. They thrive on control, manipulation, and exploitation, cloaking their behavior in layers of bureaucracy and good PR.
How InvisaNarcs Behave: The Goliath Playbook
Grandiosity: They present themselves as saviors, claiming to deliver unmatched care or services while hiding their true priorities: profit and power.
Exploitation: Patients, employees, and providers are treated as resources to extract value from, not as human beings.
Gaslighting: They create confusion, blame individuals for systemic failures, and deny responsibility.
Control: Policies and practices ensure dependency, leaving little room for alternatives.
In healthcare, this means:
Denying Claims: Using arbitrary reasons to reject coverage for necessary treatments.
Delaying Approvals: Slowing down care to minimize payouts while patients suffer.
Opaque Policies: Making it nearly impossible to navigate systems without professional help.
The David vs. Goliath Dynamic
David’s Reality: The Individual in the System
For individuals like you and me, facing an InvisaNarc system feels insurmountable. It’s not just the financial strain—it’s the emotional exhaustion of being gaslit, denied, and dehumanized. Each denied claim or confusing policy is like another stone in Goliath’s sling, knocking you down before you can stand back up.
But just as David’s sling turned the tide, individuals have tools to fight back. The key lies in recognizing the system for what it is and using strategies to reclaim your power.
The IMC Method: Your Sling Against InvisaNarcs
Fighting an InvisaNarc like a giant healthcare system requires a clear, actionable plan. That’s where Identify, Minimize, Control (IMC) comes in—a method to help you navigate, survive, and thrive despite the odds.
Step 1: Identify the InvisaNarc Behaviors
To fight back, you need to recognize the system’s tactics. Start by asking:
Where are they gaslighting me? Look for contradictions in policies or communications that make you doubt yourself.
How are they exploiting me? Identify points where the system profits from your confusion or vulnerability.
What control tactics are in play? Pinpoint areas where choices are limited or dependency is enforced.
Example in Healthcare:
A patient is denied coverage for a surgery their doctor deems essential. The insurance company claims it isn’t “medically necessary,” despite clear evidence. This is exploitation and gaslighting at work.
Step 2: Minimize Their Power Over You
Once you’ve identified the tactics, take steps to reduce their impact. This might mean:
Educating Yourself: Learn your rights as a patient or consumer.
Documenting Everything: Keep records of all communications, denials, and approvals.
Seeking Advocacy: Work with patient advocacy groups or legal professionals to hold the system accountable.
Example in Healthcare:
Appeal denied claims with documented evidence. Engage a patient advocate to support your case and ensure your voice is heard.
Step 3: Control the Narrative
Finally, take control of the situation. This involves:
Asserting Boundaries: Stand firm in your decisions and demands.
Amplifying Your Story: Share your experiences to shed light on systemic issues.
Demanding Transparency: Push for clearer policies and practices through advocacy or legal action.
Example in Healthcare:
File a formal complaint against unfair practices, ensuring it reaches regulatory bodies. Share your journey with others to empower collective action.
Brian Thompson’s Legacy: Lessons for Us All
Brian Thompson’s death is a reminder that the fight against InvisaNarcs isn’t just about individuals—it’s about systemic change. His story forces us to confront uncomfortable truths:
How do we hold institutions accountable?
How do we protect individuals from becoming victims of systemic abuse?
How do we ensure justice and fairness in industries like healthcare?
The answers lie in collective action, awareness, and empowerment. Each of us has a role to play in challenging Goliath, whether by advocating for policy changes, supporting whistleblowers, or refusing to be silenced.
The David in All of Us
Brian Thompson’s story may be tragic, but it also shines a light on the courage and resilience of individuals facing overwhelming odds. Whether you’re battling a healthcare giant or another InvisaNarc system, remember:
The battle isn’t easy, but every stone you throw chips away at the Goliath before you. And just like David, you’re stronger than you think. Together, we can expose and dismantle the InvisaNarcs that seek to control and exploit us. The power is in your hands.