Bipolar Mum Journey

Am I a sociopath? I would argue not, although I do not shy away from my diagnosis. I have been very transparent about it, yet the more I learn, the more I question its accuracy. Narcissism and sociopathy often fall under the same category and are frequently intertwined. However, I find it hard to believe I could have raised three thriving children over a 15-year relationship if I were truly a sociopath. In comparison, my ex, who is a narcissist with histrionic traits, has left a trail of broken relationships, children, chaos, and destruction, hallmarks of narcissistic behaviour. I can discuss this openly because he is listed under Clare’s Law due to a restraining order from his sixth or seventh ex-partner. I feel it is my duty to speak in detail about domestic violence to help others avoid similar experiences. It is one thing to watch clips on social media from recent graduates, but I rarely see women discussing domestic violence from the perspectives of both victim and perpetrator.

Enduring narcissistic abuse profoundly damages one’s brain and self-worth. Therefore, if I am a sociopath, it may be because I was conditioned to become one from childhood abuse, long-term narcissistic abuse, domestic violence and SA cases.

According to extensive studies, sociopaths are made, whereas psychopaths are born. I believe that men who continuously harm women and children, leaving destruction in their wake, are the true psychopaths. Along with people who hide behind a keyboard to deliberately provoke and harm, others. This is why I dispute being labelled a sociopath.

There is only so much a person can endure before they snap. Then, we are vilified while the perpetrator escapes accountability.