A 33-year-old American man Greg had spent the majority of his teenage and young adult years running into trouble with the law. Whether it was illegal speeding, using and selling drugs, or committing retail thefts, he had displayed extremely reckless and crime-prone behavior.
However, as he was sent to prison, he realized he was sick. In internment, in his early 20s, he was diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). For what he would lose self-control and commit irresponsible acts now had a name: Sociopathy.
In 2022, Greg featured in a Jubilee episode on YouTube titled “I am a Sociopath: Ask Me Anything”. A number of participants asked him about his lived experience as a diagnosed sociopath and he answered them openly.
He debunked the misconceptions about ASPD, stating: “Personally, I think that the stereotype is that they’re incredibly violent and malicious just to be mean, just for its own sake. At least for me, that’s not how it presents. More often than not people with antisocial personality disorder, or sociopaths, they’re just irresponsible, impulsive people that can lead to being a little aggressive and irritable. But the myth that we’re violent and out-of-control monsters is just blown way out of proportion.”
He also elaborated on the challenges he faced because of his mental health condition. This includes unkind, manipulative interactions with others around him and broken romantic relationships. He counteracted these problems by emphasizing the benefits of seeking mental health care for ASPD.
Elaborating on his diagnosis, Greg said: “I had felt out of control and didn’t understand why I was doing what I was doing for a long time, so knowing that there was an actual reason behind why I was doing these things, it was really kind of freeing in a way.”
He also highlighted the importance of practicing cognitive empathy, developing self-help coping strategies, and social support networks in managing his symptoms.
Misconceptions Surrounding Personality Disorders
Misconceptions surrounding personality disorders are a pervasive issue that has detrimental effects on the provision of appropriate treatment and support for individuals living with these conditions.
Personality disorders are mental health disorders characterized by persistent patterns of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that deviate significantly from societal norms and impair functioning. Unfortunately, misconceptions often surround these disorders, hindering progress.
One common misconception is the assumption that people with personality disorders are inherently “bad” or manipulative. This oversimplification fails to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of these conditions, which stem from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
It is crucial to recognize that individuals with personality disorders do not purposefully cause harm but instead grapple with underlying challenges that affect their perception and interactions. By challenging this misconception, society can foster empathy and support for those with personality disorders, empowering them to seek help and engage in effective treatment.
To address misconceptions surrounding personality disorders, it is crucial to conduct comprehensive education and awareness campaigns. Disseminating accurate information about the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options is vital for dispelling misconceptions and reducing stigma.
Mental health professionals, advocacy groups, and individuals with lived experience can play key roles in sharing knowledge and personal stories to foster understanding and empathy.