Am i a sociopath?

Question

Time to be honest i guess. For like the last 6 months have been wondering if i am a sociopath. The thought that im a sociopath bothers me greatly. I guess from what i hear i manipulate sometimes i think i do it more subconsciously than any thing. I was sexually abused at the age of 12 to 16. I have no friends really havent ever had any. Im now 22. I stay to my self and have no social skills. I some times think of ppl as tools for getting something done or for surviving in general. I had a boyfriend which i would do anything for but he broke up with me. On if i have feelings part i dont know. I cried and felt sorry for the boy that died in the movie "alpha dog"(based on true story), and cried at and felt sorry for that one boy from iraq that was burned. I guess i feel sorry for ppl. I guess the reason i ask is cause i like have no social life let alone know how to start one which to me makes me think im a sociopath. Never had any friends or deep connections with ppl.

Additional Details

I have talked to my friends about it before they have all said what u have all said and that is to move on from the abuse and seek help about talking it. i don't think i think about the abuse that happened to me. The human mind is so complicated i wouldn't know if subconsciously its dragging me down or what.

i only have 2 ppl i consider friends 1 is a close friend

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

No, you're not a sociopath. For one thing you're concerned about being one, and you wouldn't be if you were one. What you've been through, I'd suggest that you have difficulty in trusting people...and very understandably so.

It's very honest of you to talk about this... and I'd imagine that you haven't got anyone better to talk to if you're putting this out there on the internet (for the real sociopaths to respond unkindly I expect).

Some things to consider:
Look at a kid the age you were... 12 - 16, and ask yourself...is that kid able to defend themselves? could they ever be responsible for what happened? of course not... so you yourself can let go of any guilt you might have.

What, today, are you going to give your abuser? are you going to hand them your life on a plate? no you are going to throw them out in the garbage and take your life back. Don't pass on what they did to you. Don't carry it around with you. You survived.

Think about joining a support group or seeing a therapist. I don't think you are crazy or are in need of help, I think you're in need of release. Only when you can release everything you're keeping behind this 10ft brick wall you've built around you, will you be able to move on and ...let other people in.

Answer 2

God, i feel really bad for you. Look, if you have problems like this, please go and see a psychologest and tell him your problems. I wouldnt say you have got that but you will get a proper diagnosses off of a psychologest. And please do not take eny ones diagnosses here because they and myself are not doctors or psychologest. Best of luck.

Answer 3

No, you are not, I have learned that in being abused,We tend not to trust people, because the person who abused us took all our trust away-this is totally normal.

Answer 4

first I do not think you are a sociopath, from what I understand a sociopath could not worry about being a sociopath, but it does seem you are going through a really tough time.

You need to find someone you can talk to, if not your family, maybe a doctor or counselor, but believe me, you can get through this, just remember there are people out there who want to help

Answer 5

The people above me are right.

it's about trust in people, and you don't have any.

You have to take a leap of faith and talk to someone: a shrink.

Just tell your parents you need to talk to a professional. If you go to a university there's people there that can help you. Go to the health center there and tell them you'd like to see a someone.

Answer 6

Aw I'm sorry for you dear. Being abused has scarred you for sure, but that is over and you really need to move on. Trust me, it's the only way. Dwelling on that part of your life is only creating more problems.

It is hard to get past but many of us have had this type of situation - don't get me wrong - child abusers should be locked up forever! But don't let your abuser win by letting him control your life now!

You don't sound like a sociopath, but I do agree that advice here will not change your life or help you overcome your inadequate feelings.

Seeing a therapist is the best way to get a grip on who you are.

Not having a bunch of friends in itself is not horrible, but you seem to want a close relationship and are not sure how to form it.

You sound very sincere and you are definitely a thinker which tells me you'll get what you really want in life!

Peace to you.

Answer 7

Hi there, I don't think you are as bad as you think you are. I just think its due to not mixing with others. Also the fact that you were abused would have made you sensitive BUT look at it in a positive light and try to focus on becoming more determined in life to start to live. You already made the first step you asked this question. Now keep reflecting and communicating with people on the internet who are positive, make sure you take your time in what you share (not too much personal details) as you don't know these people well enough as there are some who lie and manipulate too. Other than this try to take up martial arts. Go and watch first and observe what goes on and see if you would like it. It certainly will help you in many many ways. It will help you become more positive, determined, tougher (when you need to) and most of all you are very likely to make great friends. Beware though the art is to be able to defend yourself and be very good at it BUT THERE IS A FINE LINE you need to be aware not to become to cocky and it isn't a sport to hurt others but TO CONTROL YOURSELF AND YOUR ANGER AND ONLY TO YOU IT FOR SELF DEFENSE as this is the purpose of MARTIAL ARTS. Many people will respect you more if you can develop the skill of contolling your emotions and agression. You can develop great skills in being very tough by just defending as many martial artists get carried away thinking that attacking continually is what makes them so great and it in not. It is the defending that is the greatest skill to have and also how fast you move and be light on your feet. This is the sort of hobby to keep your mind active in a positive way so you won't think so negative and won't get so depressed and at the same time you will learn more about yourself, others, the art, and about life and at the same time you will make great friends. Just remember you have the right to choose your friends, so be wise and take your time to achieve goals that you want in your life. Be careful who you talk to about the abuse as it is personal and to TRUST SOMEONE they do have to earn it so you have every right to obeserve them and make sure they are worthy of your friendship. Always remember to learn to love yourself but never become Vain as then you will be over the top and will loose friends in the end. Good luck and I will keep you in my prayers and thanks for taking that step and if you want to add me to your contact list feel free. If not that is ok. Take care and be gentle with yourself and don't be so hard on yourself. We are all human and make mistakes and the main thing is we try to learn from our mistakes

Answer 8

I absolutely do not think you are a sociopath. The fact that you questioned this is the first thing that indicates this is not your problem.

I am not sure if you are in college, but that is one tool for breaking the ice socially. Also, if you can find any resources for counseling, I would suggest this. Having someone to talk to in a confidential situation may help lead you on a path that is much brighter then where you are today.

There is a a silver lining in the cloud. Go out, find someone you can talk to, and work on improving the things you'd like to improve most in your issues.

Things can and do get better. Recognizing it is step one many times, now move on to step two --- getting a counselor may help you tremendously here.

Good luck!!

Source(s):

have a degree with a minor in psychology, but I do not have expertise on diagnosis, just familiar with various levels of psychology