Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is often shrouded in misconceptions, leading people to believe those diagnosed lack any capacity for emotion. However, individuals like Vic, who openly shares her experiences as a diagnosed psychopath on TikTok under the handle @VicThePath, are breaking down these stereotypes. Vic emphasizes that having ASPD doesn’t translate to a complete absence of emotions. Instead, she describes her emotional landscape as muted, comparing it to turning down the volume on feelings.
She experiences a spectrum of emotions like anger, sadness, and even joy, but they are significantly diminished compared to what neurotypical individuals experience. Vic finds herself at a curious disadvantage: while her dulled emotions prevent impulsive reactions, she also yearns for a deeper emotional connection, feeling a sense of "missing out" on the richness of human feeling.
There are, however, certain emotions that remain entirely foreign to Vic, including empathy, love, regret, and anxiety. She struggles to grasp their meaning, likening it to trying to conceive of a color that doesn’t exist. While she can intellectually understand these concepts, they lack a visceral, personal resonance.
Vic’s candid accounts are backed by research indicating that individuals with psychopathy can experience basic emotions, though often at a reduced intensity. Despite this, Vic expresses a tinge of envy for those who can fully experience the complexities of human emotion.
In one poignant video, Vic delves into the experience of sadness, admitting that the inability to love is a source of profound sorrow for her. She longs for the kind of love depicted in the opening scene of "Up", yet acknowledges the painful reality that she may never know such a profound connection. To cope with stress, she deliberately induces sadness by watching emotionally charged movies, recognizing that even this simulated experience offers a temporary release.
Vic’s openness about her unique emotional landscape challenges preconceived notions surrounding psychopathy. Her story sheds light on the inner world of those diagnosed with ASPD, highlighting both the limitations and the yearning for connection that can exist within this complex condition.
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re exploring the intricate realities of antisocial personality disorder, often misunderstood in our society. We have with us Vic, a TikTok creator who has been sharing her journey living with ASPD through her platform, @VicThePath. Thanks for joining us, Vic!
Vic: Thanks for having me! I’m excited to share my experiences and help clear up some of the misconceptions surrounding ASPD.
Interviewer: Absolutely! First off, there’s a prevalent belief that individuals with ASPD are completely devoid of emotions. How do you respond to that?
Vic: That’s a common misconception, and I think it’s really important to clarify. Just because someone has ASPD doesn’t mean they can’t feel emotions. For me, it’s more like my emotional experiences are muted—imagine turning down the volume on music. I can still hear the notes; they just aren’t as loud or vibrant.
Interviewer: That’s such an interesting analogy! So, what does your emotional landscape look like? You mentioned feeling anger, sadness, and joy—how do those emotions manifest for you?
Vic: Definitely! I do experience a spectrum of emotions, but they can sometimes feel a bit limited. For example, I might get angry, but it doesn’t reach the same intensity as someone without ASPD. I’ve learned to deal with these emotions differently, often analyzing them rather than fully immersing myself in them. It’s like watching a movie instead of being the main character.
Interviewer: That’s a fascinating perspective. Have you found that people react differently when they learn about your diagnosis?
Vic: Oh, absolutely. People tend to be either really curious or they pull away. There’s still a significant stigma attached to ASPD. When I share my experiences, some are shocked that I can articulate my feelings so well, while others are quick to judge based solely on the label of ‘psychopath.’ That’s why I try to use my platform to show the human side of living with this disorder.
Interviewer: It sounds like you’re really contributing to a much-needed conversation around mental health. What kinds of responses have you received from your followers on TikTok?
Vic: The responses have been overwhelmingly positive. Many people appreciate the insights and the fact that I’m just a regular person working through my diagnosis—it’s relatable. I’ve had followers share their own struggles and thank me for helping them feel less alone. It’s fulfilling to be part of a community that is breaking down stigma together.
Interviewer: That’s incredible! As a final thought, what do you hope for people to take away from your content and experiences?
Vic: I hope people can see that mental health disorders don’t define a person. We all have our battles, and understanding can go a long way in creating empathy. I want to encourage conversations that challenge stereotypes and foster connection rather than fear.
Interviewer: Thank you so much, Vic, for your openness and for shedding light on such an important topic. Your work is undoubtedly paving the way for greater understanding and acceptance!
Vic: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to discuss this with you, and I hope we can continue to promote awareness together.