Understanding the Emotional World of Psychopaths: Tears and Emotions Explained
When it comes to understanding psychopaths and their emotional landscape, the general perception is often skewed. Contrary to popular belief, psychopaths do not view crying as a sign of weakness or an inability to handle emotions. Instead, they may use emotional displays strategically, whether to manipulate a situation or to fit societal expectations.
Psychopaths and Emotional Manipulation
A common misconception is that psychopaths do not cry or do so only to manipulate. However, this is not entirely accurate. As one psychopath candidly admits, tears can be used as a tool when necessary. Emotions, in this context, are not something to be overwhelmed by but rather a tactic to be utilized for manipulating one's environment.
Example:
Consider a scenario at a funeral. Standing amidst mourning, a psychopath can easily fake a few tears to maintain an image of sympathy or to get someone to feel a certain way. The ability to empathize, in this case, is likened to a performance, not a genuine emotional response.
According to the psychopath, genuine sadness or any form of emotional response is not a part of their emotional repertoire. They perceive emotions as tools to be used when strategically advantageous, rather than a deeply felt internal experience.
Negative Emotions: Sadness and Depression
While the portrayal of psychopaths as emotionless beings is misleading, they do experience negative emotions such as sadness and depression. However, these emotions are often channeled into more tangible and often harmful behaviors rather than being expressed through traditional emotional expressions.
For instance, they might experience significant psychological distress, such as when an individual deals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Bipolar II. These conditions can bring about profound emotional turmoil and depression.
A psychopath might describe the experience of prolonged depression episodes as:
“Tears and prolonged depression episodes are the pain of the soul. It is a spiritual pain that affects the brain and the body and the mood as well as the behavior.”
The individual in question acknowledges dealing with BPD and Bipolar II, inherited from their grandfathers. Despite their high functionality, these conditions can be immensely challenging, often leading to extended periods of introspection and isolation.
Management of Emotional Turmoil
Managing such profound emotional turmoil can be a monumental task. For someone living with BPD and Bipolar II, the cycle of dysphoric mania, where they feel the need to stay awake without stimulants, can be particularly distressing. Such conditions can lead to constant worry about daily problems and a fear of abandonment from close individuals, a continuous mental cycle that can be overwhelming.
The individual mentions that during these difficult times, they often prefer to isolate themselves, taking walks in the tranquility of the night to quiet their worries. This solitude is a means of seeking respite from the overwhelming emotions associated with their conditions.
Conclusion
While psychopaths can use emotional manipulation to their benefit, they do experience a range of emotions, including sadness and prolonged depression. This emotional experience, however, is often channeled into strategic behavior rather than traditional emotional expressions.
Key Insights:
Psychopaths may use tears and emotional displays as strategic tools rather than a genuine expression of feelings. Demonstrating understanding and empathy towards individuals with conditions like BPD and Bipolar II is crucial. Emotional stability and mental health can be significant challenges for those living with these conditions, regardless of their psychopathic traits.