Emotional Detachment and Harmful Impulses: Seeking Help - Psychiatry

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I feel that my personality is not very good?


Hello, Doctor : D Well...
I'm not quite sure which doctor to ask.
After seeing your specialties in dream analysis and psychotherapy, I decided to reach out.
How should I put this? I am basically an optimistic person and have no issues interacting with friends; they all like me.
My family is strict but still within a normal range.
However, I have a small problem: since childhood, I have had a very low sensitivity to the emotions of others and cannot timely perceive how others feel.
I attribute this to the serious and rigorous atmosphere at home, which did not provide enough practice in "noticing others' feelings." This has caused some confusion for me.

Moreover, I cannot perceive others as existing beings like myself; to me, they are just similar shapes, moving objects.
There may be individual differences, but they still feel different.
It's not that I feel superior; rather, it's like seeing something unfamiliar, a complete lack of understanding.
Therefore, I find it difficult to comprehend their emotional experiences and do not understand why they feel anger or joy.
Although I can understand how I would feel if I were in their shoes after some perspective-taking, I still cannot grasp the feelings of others outside of myself.

On the surface, this does not trouble me too much in social interactions because I have learned the appropriate responses and can react correctly in common situations.
Unfortunately, when faced with something not already in my "database," I feel blank.
At the same time, I often have impulsive thoughts of harming others, like killing small animals or cutting people open.
This is not out of anger; I have no anger towards people or society.
My life is quite smooth, and although there is some stress, I manage it well.
The people around me are friendly and lovely, yet I still have such thoughts, akin to sexual urges that arise unpredictably.
When these thoughts come, I feel a sense of rationality gradually being submerged.
I currently control it well, constantly reminding myself that if I act on these thoughts, it will lead to trouble later.
Sometimes I dream or, when unable to sleep, I imagine scenarios like being trapped in the mountains with friends and encountering bad people.
In these moments, I feel justified in wanting to harm others, thinking about cutting their tendons or smashing their kneecaps with a hammer.

I do not hate anyone; I just want to make them uncomfortable or unhappy.
Sometimes it's just curiosity, wanting to see what it looks like to cut open a knee or poke my fingers in to see if they scream.
It's purely curiosity, and thinking about these things does not excite or agitate me; it feels more like the curiosity and small joy of scientific observation.
To drive away these harmful thoughts, I engage in minor mischief—not in a verbally abusive or violent way, but in a manner that makes others feel inadequate or devalued.
This causes some distress.
I know I shouldn't use words to hurt them, yet I still do.

I have this tendency with friends as well, subtly attacking the vulnerable or using language to manipulate others.
I have excellent verbal skills and know how to use body language and speech to deepen others' impressions.
If someone is just ordinary and unlikable, I can use precise wording to instill negative impressions, making them very unlikable.
Honestly, I take pleasure in this; I could almost say it's a hobby.
Although I know it's wrong, I find it genuinely enjoyable.
Fortunately, my friends have not noticed; they still like me and see me as optimistic, cheerful, lively, considerate, and loyal.
Most of the time, I just say things off the cuff, using my eloquence and extensive knowledge at will.

Strangely, many of my more emotionally fragile friends are particularly drawn to and trust me, like magnets.
However, I tend to quickly discard them after drawing them close, knowing they will get hurt.
Yet, I cannot imagine or feel their pain, so knowing that such harm occurs only makes me want to do it more, rather than stopping myself.
Abandoning them is an impulse I cannot suppress; I genuinely want to do it and want to see them hurt.
Although I know this seems wrong, it is really hard to restrain myself, especially when I see how dependent they are on me.
They always say I am gentle, considerate, and understanding, that I am the only one who accepts them, but that is not true.
I am hurting them, yet they still self-reflect and feel terrible about themselves rather than blaming me for my deliberate abandonment or provocation.

I have talked about this with my family (of course, I omitted the parts about deliberately abandoning friends with severe depression and wanting to cut people open).
My family said that most people are like this; they cannot imagine another person as a similar individual and rely on experience to express their emotional feelings.
In reality, no one truly cares about others' feelings, so it doesn't matter.
They just advised me to be careful and not get caught in retaliation.
However, I still feel this is not quite right.
After all, I worry that one day, if I discover I can cut someone open without getting caught, I might actually do it.
Moreover, always treating deception and harming others as my main interests creates many obstacles and difficulties when I want to engage further with people.
I cannot speak the truth about my interests and can only skim the surface.

In summary, I feel that my personality is not very good, and I wonder if there is a way to improve it or if I need to seek formal medical help.
It seems that aside from wanting to cut people open, it is not too big of an issue.
However, I also doubt I could tell the truth at a hospital.
I hope you can give me some advice.

A, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/13

Dr. Zhong Mingxun reply Psychiatry


Your issue is a psychological concern rather than a disease.
In fact, everyone experiences emotional distress and may have impulses to act in certain ways, but reason helps us to control those impulses.
Changing one's nature is difficult and requires a long-term commitment.
If you truly want to change your personality, I recommend seeking a mental health clinic or psychotherapy center with qualified professionals.
Through psychotherapy, you will gain a better understanding of yourself, discover your true self, and gradually make changes.
However, it is essential to find a therapist you genuinely trust.

Reply Date: 2016/10/13

More Info


It sounds like you are grappling with some complex emotional and psychological challenges, and I commend you for reaching out for help. Your self-awareness is a crucial first step in addressing these issues. Let's break down your concerns and explore some potential paths forward.

Firstly, you mentioned a difficulty in empathizing with others and recognizing their emotions. This can stem from various factors, including upbringing and personal experiences. It’s not uncommon for individuals raised in strict or emotionally reserved environments to struggle with emotional awareness and empathy. While you’ve developed coping mechanisms to navigate social interactions, the underlying challenges remain. This lack of emotional connection can lead to feelings of isolation and may contribute to the harmful impulses you described.

The impulses to harm others, even if they are not acted upon, are concerning. They suggest an internal conflict that could benefit from professional exploration. It’s important to understand that having such thoughts does not define you as a person, but they do indicate a need for deeper introspection and possibly intervention. The fact that you find some enjoyment in manipulating others’ emotions and causing them distress is a significant red flag. This behavior can lead to toxic relationships and further emotional detachment, not only for those around you but also for yourself.

You also expressed a sense of curiosity about causing harm, which can be linked to a desire for control or understanding of power dynamics in relationships. This curiosity, while seemingly benign, can escalate if not addressed. It’s crucial to recognize that these thoughts and impulses can have real-world consequences, both for you and for those you interact with.
Given the complexity of your feelings and behaviors, seeking professional help is highly advisable. A mental health professional can provide a safe space for you to explore these thoughts without judgment. They can help you understand the root causes of your emotional detachment and harmful impulses, and work with you to develop healthier coping strategies and interpersonal skills. Therapy can also assist you in building empathy and understanding the impact of your actions on others.

You mentioned feeling hesitant to disclose your true thoughts in a clinical setting. It’s important to remember that therapists are trained to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and care. Being honest about your feelings, including the darker impulses, is essential for effective treatment. A therapist can help you navigate these thoughts in a constructive way, allowing you to understand and manage them without acting on them.

In the meantime, consider engaging in self-reflection practices, such as journaling or mindfulness exercises. These can help you process your thoughts and feelings more clearly. Additionally, exploring literature or resources on emotional intelligence and empathy may provide insights into understanding others better.

Lastly, it’s essential to surround yourself with supportive individuals who can provide constructive feedback and hold you accountable for your actions. Building healthy relationships based on mutual respect and understanding can gradually shift your perspective and help you develop a more profound connection with others.

In summary, while you may feel that your issues are manageable, the presence of harmful impulses and emotional detachment suggests that professional help would be beneficial. Therapy can provide you with the tools to understand yourself better and foster healthier relationships. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking this step can lead to significant personal growth and improved well-being.

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