Want to be able to identify a Sociopath?

JUNE 2017

Good Morning Blog Readers, Followers & Visitors ~

This month we will be talking about many issues that you've probably always wondered about, or had on your mind at one point in time or another.

Last month was Mental Health Awareness Month.  During the month of May, we discussed many mental health issues.  One of those issues was the mental health concern relating to the "Sociopath".

Today, we are going to use our Journals to take some important notes regarding the Sociopath so that you will have them to refer to when needed.  So here is the time to Bookmark the Blog, sign up to follow along by Email so that you won't miss a thing during the month of June.  You'll find the place to sign up to follow by Email in the right-hand column where it says, "Follow by Email".  Just add your email in the appropriate space, and click "Submit".

Now, for your Journal, please grab a nice new Journal for the month of June, because you will be using it for yourself and for your notes when you come to the Blog.  Make this an experience to remember by getting a Journal that you are attracted to.  You'll have to love it, because you'll need to use it and write in it, preferably daily.  Here is a good example of a beautiful Journal . . .

Journal for June

We're going to start the first page of our Journals for June with one very important topic - How are we feeling today?

Make sure that you are honest about how you are feeling.  The reason for this will be for you to do a check on your feelings this month as we discuss various topics here on the Blog.  Some of the topics that we will be discussing with make you think -- either about yourself, a friend, a co-worker, a family member, a neighbor, an associate, or some new person that just sort of pops up into your life out of nowhere.

With that being said, on to our first topic for the month of June . . .

Want to be able to identify a Sociopath?

Do you think you can easily spot a sociopath?  Think again. Sociopaths aren’t always the stereotypical "serial killer type" you might be thinking of.  These individuals come in all shapes and sizes.  In fact, there may be some sociopaths scattered around in your life somewhere.  Since sociopaths are experts at presenting themselves as everyday people, they can be very difficult to identify.  That is, unless you know the signs.

First, let's talk about the definition of a Sociopath: Sociopathy is also known as antisocial personality disorder, a type of chronic mental condition defined by dysfunctional and destructive ways that an individual thinks, perceives situations, and relates to others.  An individual with this personality disorder will typically have no understanding or regard for the distinction between right or wrong.  Their treatment of others can best be characterized by a callous indifference; they will antagonize or manipulate others without guilt or remorse.

Please make a note in your Journal that the causes of personality disorders are not fully understood.  They are thought to be the result of genetic and environmental influences.  Some may have the genes that make them predisposed to developing the disorder, while certain scenarios might trigger its development.  There is no effective form of treatment once the disorder has been diagnosed, as those affected have zero desire to change.  The only treatment is to completely prevent the disorder from developing.  This involves working with children who begin to show early signs of personality or conduct disorder.  If children reach their teenage years without receiving any form of preventative treatment, it’s almost guaranteed that the disorder will be permanent.  Now that is a scary thought!

Let's get into SCARY . . .

Ted Bundy

Portrait of An American Sociopath (Ted Bundy)

The most publicized case of a dangerous sociopath is the American serial killer, Ted Bundy.  Born under the name of Theodore Robert Cowell in a Vermont home for unwed mothers, he was raised by his grandparents.  As was common for illegitimate births in the 1940s, Teddy grew up thinking his grandparents were his parents, and that his mother was just his older sister.  His mother married Johnnie Bundy when he was five years old; but despite his stepfather's attempts to include him into the family, the young Teddy remained aloof from his parents and four other siblings.  He was good-looking, charismatic, and a bright student.  Despite an agonizing breakup in his college years, and thereafter discovering his true parentage, Bundy threw himself into his studies–his chosen field being, not surprisingly, psychology. Fostering a shrewd interest in politics, he became a very financially successful and charismatic Republican campaigner.

When he met up again with his former college love, Stephanie Brooks, he rekindled their romance.  But that came to an abrupt end when Bundy cut off all contact with her, as Brooks had done to him six years earlier.  His rage from their initial breakup manifested into Bundy's subsequent brutal attacks on women, all of whom shared similar physical characteristics to his ex.

Through the 70's, Bundy preyed on college-age women, committing various acts of sexual abuse, homicide, butchery, and necrophilia.  His victim count totals between 26 and 40, though some believe it may be even higher.  After two prison escapes, three trials, and almost two two decades of terrorizing young women, Bundy was executed the morning of June 24, 1989.

Don't be blind ~ Know The Signs

What we can learn from Ted Bundy's case is that sociopaths aren't easily identified because they know how to create an inconspicuous persona.  At least some of us know an actual sociopath, though we may not even be aware of it.  So what indicators can we look for?

Well, we’ve put together a list of tell-tale signs that sociopaths exhibit.  Sociopaths are manipulative, and they’ll suck the life out of you for their own benefit.  In some cases, like that of Ted Bundy, sociopaths can be extremely dangerous; they won’t hesitate to commit a crime to get what they want.  If you know someone that fits the following profile, it would definitely be in your best interest to stay far, far away from them!

Here are 11 Overt Signs Of A Sneaky Sociopath

1.  Superficial Charm

Sociopaths often appear to be very charming on the surface in order to create a facade.  They are very aware of the effect their charm or wit may have on others, as their pretense of likability allows them easily gain people’s trust.

2.  Narcissistic

Sociopaths are extremely egocentric, believing that they’re always right and that everyone should agree with their actions and opinions.

3.  Pathological Lying

Sociopaths will lie, and lie, and lie in order to create a false persona.  Lying comes naturally to them, because they aim to hide their true motives.

4.  Manipulative And Cunning

Sociopaths are extremely manipulative, attempting to find and exploit other people’s weaknesses in order to get what they want.

5.  Shallow Emotions

Sociopaths do not genuinely feel emotions.  All emotions that they exhibit are intended to fulfill an ulterior motive. Although sociopaths don’t feel emotions, many can fake their emotions, fooling the people around them.

6.  Lack Of Remorse, Shame, Or Guilt

Sociopaths are infamous for being devoid of these three emotions.  They do not feel bad about their actions, even if these actions hurt others.

7.  Incapable Of Human Attachment

Sociopaths are unable to form genuine relationships with others.  They will struggle to make friends or establish romantic relationships.  They may form relationships in order to appear normal, but they never experience the feelings that are present in functional, intimate relationships.

8.  Constant Need For Stimulation

Sociopaths get bored very easily, and they need constant stimulation in their lives.  This desire is related to their inherent need for self-gratification.  Their need for stimulation can cause them to take extreme and unnecessary risks that put themselves and others in dangerous situations.

9.  Lack Of Empathy

They are unable to empathize with others.  They are unable to relate to the perspectives or problems of others because they don't understand how the other person feels.  For example, if someone told you a sad story about a family member dying, you would feel empathic to their grief and pain, too.  A sociopath, on the other hand, would feel nothing.  In fact, lack of empathy exhibited by children could be an indicator of their later onset of antisocial personality disorder.

10.  Poor Behavioral Controls / Impulsive Nature

Sociopaths will exhibit very short tempers, as well as hostility, irritability, and aggression.  They’ll act on their impulses without thinking or caring about any potential consequences.  They may behave violently or impulsively, and also may have problems with drug and alcohol use.  These characteristics typically make people with antisocial personality disorder unable to fulfill responsibilities related to family, work or school.

11.  Promiscuous Sexual Behavior / Infidelity

Sociopaths are likely to be unfaithful and promiscuous, which is connected to their tendency to get bored easily.  Like we said earlier, they need constant stimulation.

IMPORTANT JOURNAL NOTATION:

Avoid Sociopaths At All Costs

Nothing good can come from having a sociopath in your life, especially in regards to a romantic relationship.  The best solution is to simply avoid these people at all costs.  Don’t let them con you into thinking that they’re nice and sweet, because they are only embodying a persona.  Whoever they are trying to portray does not actually exist.  If you suspect someone of being a sociopath, run your own sociopath test and look to see if they have any of the 11 traits listed.

Deep down, these people are extremely cold-hearted, and they completely lack the full spectrum of human emotion. The only person they care about is themselves.  No one else is important to them, and they see all other people as potential targets for their own selfish, deviant actions.

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Article Info Credit:  Ed Smith

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See you back here on the Blog for more exciting conversation!

Peace, Love & Light,

 René

©Copyright - René Allen - JUNE 2017 - All Rights Reserved