Psychic vampires, also known as “energy vampires”, are not the same as the blood-sucking variety that our culture is accustomed to. However, they can be just as scary.
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What is a Psychic Vampire, Exactly?
A psychic vampire is a person that emotionally drains others. They are often unable to recognize this controlling behavior.
Typically, psychic vampires are emotionally immature and not respectful of those around them. They can be present in all areas of your life, whether that be your work organization, social circle, or family unit.
Signs and Traits of A Psychic Vampire
Psychic vampires are sometimes difficult to pin down. Their behaviors can be written off as the result of a bad day or problems that they are having in their personal lives.
However, there are some key traits that almost all psychic vampires display. If someone in your life is exhibiting any combination of the following traits, it is likely they are a psychic vampire.
Lack of empathy
Is the person in your life consistently dismissing your problems because they “have it worse”? Do they struggle with viewing discussions from a perspective that differs from their own? Is it impossible for them to read others’ emotions and ask about how they are doing? If so, they may be a psychic vampire who is unable to demonstrate emotional intelligence.
Constant complaining
Psychic vampires tend to find the negative aspects of even the most joyful of circumstances. If you are excited about your job promotion, they take the opportunity to complain about the company they work for and how they want to switch careers. When they are around, psychic vampires make it difficult for you to enjoy the things in life that you take comfort in.
Need for attention
A healthy part of fostering social relationships comes from celebrating each other’s accomplishments and offering encouragement through difficult times. However, a psychic vampire tends to need constant affirmation. They never go out of their way to reciprocate the attention that is given to them.
A psychic vampire can be manipulative in nature. Be aware if someone is constantly making you feel guilty for not giving them adequate attention or accusing you of neglecting their needs.
If you are around a psychic vampire, you will likely find your social needs continuously going unaddressed. In a social relationship with this type of person, a majority of your focus will be devoted to validating and reassuring them, which can deplete your emotional energy.
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Making a mountain out of a molehill
Energy vampires will often exaggerate problems due to a sense of self-importance. This trait of psychic vampires goes hand in hand with their never-ending need for attention.
They will do or say anything, and stretch any circumstance, to draw much-desired attention to themselves. This type of behavior is depleting in nature, as it devotes attention to “problems” that don’t actually require a second thought.
A tendency to blame others
Psychic vampires often can’t hold themselves accountable for the mistakes they make. They look to their surroundings and blame everything and everyone but themselves. In problematic situations, they will go to you for nurturing and reassurance, but won’t be emotionally present for you whenever you face personal roadblocks.
You do not have to solely examine the person in question to determine if they are a psychic vampire. Do some self-reflection and analyze how you feel after spending time with this person. Do you feel more sad, overworked, irritated, or exhausted than you normally would without interaction with them?
If so, it is likely that they are a psychic vampire who is draining your emotional energy. It may be easier to analyze how you feel around the person first, and then determine if their behaviors are reminiscent of a psychic vampire’s.
Now That I Have Identified a Psychic Vampire, How Do I Deal with One?
If possible, cut ties with any psychic vampires in your life. They can distract from your career and personal goals, and make it harder to live life with a positive outlook.
Cutting ties with a psychic vampire can be difficult, especially if they were once a good confidant. For the sake of your sanity, you should consider taking small steps to distance yourself from a particularly draining person. Block them on social media, don’t return their calls or texts, and refuse to see them in person.
However, distancing yourself from an energy vampire completely can be difficult, especially if they are a co-worker, boss, family friend, or in-law that you can’t avoid seeing on a regular basis. If you find yourself in this type of situation, here are 5 tips you can implement to ensure a psychic vampire does not overtake your life.
Set boundaries
Psychic vampires are resourceful and manipulative. They can effortlessly pick out individuals who are compassionate, kind, and willing to indulge their desires for attention.
When interacting with a psychic vampire, lend a sympathetic ear only when deemed appropriate. Don’t give into their desperate, uncalled-for attempts at gaining attention. If possible, limit the number of phone calls or in-person hangouts that you have with this person to preserve your emotional health.
Plan accordingly
If you find it difficult to bring an interaction to an end after spending the entire day with a psychic vampire, plan ahead. Choose a public activity that lasts for a set period of time, like seeing a movie at a theater. This way, the psychic vampire won’t be refusing to leave your home due to unfulfilled attention needs.
Ideally, you can invite more people along whenever you spend time with them. A larger group will discourage them from using you for your attention.
Preserve your energy
Spending time with a psychic vampire can be emotionally draining. Know your own value and do not endure more than you have to.
Offering this person a lot of your energy and time can be detrimental to your well-being. Do yourself and this person a favor by investing a majority of your energy elsewhere. You will be happier overall, and the psychic vampire won’t be continually enabled by the energy you provide.
Take care of yourself
Take the last tip one step further by doing things to take care of yourself. Whenever you are away from the psychic vampire in your life, take advantage of their absence to recuperate.
There are many relaxing and productive self-care activities that can help you recover from a less-than-ideal day with a toxic person. Do what makes you happy. That could be:
- Listening to music
- Watching your favorite movie
- Cleaning your living space
- Going for a long walk
Don’t become one yourself
The negative energy of a psychic vampire can become contagious, especially if you are required to spend time with one. Maybe you are sick of hearing about their insecurities and doubts, so you begin to share yours to those in your life.
Don’t place a close friend or family member in an uncomfortable position. The best way to maintain healthy social relationships is to spread positive energy. Be sympathetic and understand differing points of view. It is important to be self-aware and avoid becoming a psychic vampire in someone else’s life.
Final Thoughts
Not everyone who occasionally exhibits self-absorbed behaviors or enjoys being the center of attention is a psychic vampire. They are unable to recognize the fault in the toxic behaviors they exhibit because they are addicted to their need for attention and validation.
Trust your instincts. If you have reason to believe that someone in your life is a psychic vampire based on their continuous display of the signs mentioned in this article, take the necessary precautions to ensure your mental health remains a priority in your life.
Alissa Monroe is a self-proclaimed “psychic junkie” with over 10 years of experience in the world of psychics, tarot, and spirituality. Her goal is to help people find happiness through spiritual enlightenment and self-discovery.
