One TikTok user is using her platform to debunk myths and answer questions about one of the world’s most misunderstood mental disorders.
Kanika Batra (@notkanikabatra) is an author, pageant contestant, and influencer who has been diagnosed with ASPD, otherwise known as antisocial personality disorder. She is considered a sociopath.
The Mayo Clinic defines ASPD as “a mental disorder in which a person consistently shows no regard for right and wrong and ignores the rights and feelings of others.”
Instead of hiding her diagnosis, Kanika has decided to become a mental health advocate and answer all sorts of questions about living with antisocial personality disorder on TikTok to go against the stigma and scrutiny that so many people with the disorder face. She also gives advice to those with the disorder based on her personal experiences.
One of her most viral TikTok videos answered the frequently asked question of whether or not she can experience love.
“You’re probably not gonna like me after this video,” says Kanika.
She then explains that she doesn’t feel many emotional connections to people except those who are extremely close to her. She considers those people to be a part of her, which she says makes her “fiercely loyal.”
This is why when someone hurts anyone that she considers to be an extension of herself, she retaliates.
TikTok; pictured above is Kanika in one of her videos
Kanika then goes on to explain that she doesn’t feel what neurotypical people feel. She has many experiences that we may consider to be normal or typical described to her in order to get a sense of them – like love.
“Love for me is very transactional,” explains Kanika. “The more benefit you bring to my life, the more I’ll bring to yours, and the longer you’ll stick around. Love for me is about taking off the mask and actually feeling comfortable.”
Kanika then mentions that if she does love someone, it’s because they make her feel safe in their presence. She also notes that she “unfortunately” has a dark mind and that there are maybe 2 people she can share her true thoughts and feelings with. Those are the people that she genuinely loves.
So how does Kanika go through life without giving in to her disorder? In another video, she explains that while she can’t be cured, there are all sorts of healthy coping mechanisms she can learn and continues to practice. She states that while therapy can sometimes teach sociopaths how to get better at lying about their feelings, some exercises used in therapy to discuss the consequences of actions “can help in the long run.”
Kanika has gained over 400,000 TikTok followers and receives thousands of questions and comments every day.
“I love your honesty,” commented one user. “It’s really fascinating to learn all of this, especially as an empath.”
To view the original TikTok video, visit the link here.
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