I feel numb to other people's suffering
in Psychology & Therapy ·
Respect, everyone. I’m right there with you; I share these exact same symptoms.
For a while, I actually felt for people. I was far too sensitive, I think...
A trivial example: back in high school, it hit me hard just seeing a classmate wearing cheap knockoff sneakers from a discount store. I don't know why, but I felt this intense wave of pity for him. It sounds stupid, I know. But things like that—seeing a stray cat hit by a car, or just witnessing anyone else's misfortune—it would trigger this deep sense of guilt in me regarding my own lifestyle.
Then, suddenly—I can't even pinpoint when—it all just stopped. Any emotion for others? Gone. For instance, I’ve been hanging out with the same group of friends for about a year now, and suddenly I've drifted toward a completely different crowd. These other people just bore me; their very presence irritates me.
It's the same with death. I feel zero compassion, even if it's someone close. It’s as if I’m incapable of forming any real bond with the people around me. When I was younger, I used to attach myself to people—friends, girls, family—but every single one of them ended up disappointing me. Usually, it’s those small gestures that show respect or affection that they fail at. It's like I was the type of person people avoided... though, analyzing myself, I am a perfectly well-adjusted person. No aggression, no suicidal ideation, nothing like that. I’m highly ambitious and driven to succeed, just like anyone else. Honestly, money is the only thing that truly drives me. I love earning it, I love spending it, and I love thinking about it. Quite simply, I'm happy when my wallet is full. Don't get me wrong, I'm not some psychopath counting pennies every second, but I am constantly thinking about it—how to make it, how to grow it, and what to buy with it. Money is always revolving around me; even though my main job pays poorly, I pull in a solid amount through side hustles. The thought of spending my entire life working for maybe $3,000 a month absolutely terrifies me.
I don't think I have a social problem. I get along with everyone and I'm not picky about personalities; I just can't stand being around junkies or chronic alcoholics.
For a while, I actually felt for people. I was far too sensitive, I think...
A trivial example: back in high school, it hit me hard just seeing a classmate wearing cheap knockoff sneakers from a discount store. I don't know why, but I felt this intense wave of pity for him. It sounds stupid, I know. But things like that—seeing a stray cat hit by a car, or just witnessing anyone else's misfortune—it would trigger this deep sense of guilt in me regarding my own lifestyle.
Then, suddenly—I can't even pinpoint when—it all just stopped. Any emotion for others? Gone. For instance, I’ve been hanging out with the same group of friends for about a year now, and suddenly I've drifted toward a completely different crowd. These other people just bore me; their very presence irritates me.
It's the same with death. I feel zero compassion, even if it's someone close. It’s as if I’m incapable of forming any real bond with the people around me. When I was younger, I used to attach myself to people—friends, girls, family—but every single one of them ended up disappointing me. Usually, it’s those small gestures that show respect or affection that they fail at. It's like I was the type of person people avoided... though, analyzing myself, I am a perfectly well-adjusted person. No aggression, no suicidal ideation, nothing like that. I’m highly ambitious and driven to succeed, just like anyone else. Honestly, money is the only thing that truly drives me. I love earning it, I love spending it, and I love thinking about it. Quite simply, I'm happy when my wallet is full. Don't get me wrong, I'm not some psychopath counting pennies every second, but I am constantly thinking about it—how to make it, how to grow it, and what to buy with it. Money is always revolving around me; even though my main job pays poorly, I pull in a solid amount through side hustles. The thought of spending my entire life working for maybe $3,000 a month absolutely terrifies me.
I don't think I have a social problem. I get along with everyone and I'm not picky about personalities; I just can't stand being around junkies or chronic alcoholics.