Are you an energy vampire?

Do you have a co-worker, a neighbor, or even a friend who makes you run the other way? Somebody who seems to always complain, talk about themselves, say bad things about others – and when they leave, you feel completely exhausted?

The topic of “energy vampires” was recently discussed on the popular mental health blog PsychCentral.

WHYY’s behavioral health reporter Maiken Scott and psychologist Dan Gottlieb discussed “energy vampires” in their weekly conversation.

“I really hate this label” said Dan Gottlieb, “because we don’t need any more labels, but I understand what it is referring to.”

“Many of these people who complain all the time are depressed, or there is something empty inside of them, they have a need that’s not fulfilled.” Gottlieb added that they want to be known. “When I tell you about my aches and pains, my real motive is not to dump on you, but to have you truly understand me.”

Take a listen for his advice on dealing with people who drain your emotional energy.