Do most people who are mean to others suffer from depression?

Question

Is that what makes them mean? Their own mental suffering? Or is it something else?

Answer 1

There's no easy answer--it depends, case by case. Certainly a lot of mean people are unhappy, and take it out on others. But some are quite happy and enjoy their meanness.

Answer 2

My guess is no, because most sadists, that is those who are neurotically compelled to inflict and control are also narcissistic or megalomaniac and experience a different kind of sense for self worth that is more like an ecstasy or euphoric high than an equality ideal. The sadists self concept is blended with some kind of superstition or religion of a distorted nature. This abnormally self aggrandized perception is discovered in many serial killers and racist fanatics. The probable basis for depression is transformed chemically differently in the manic psychotic, so that what would produce depression is redirected to a different mode of production in the brain feeding the high rather than the low. My explanation for that is, the ability for self reflection is destroyed or superimposed over to mask its existence as its self (the redirection), what would be guilt and shame is revalued as a plus, the struggle, which makes one great (the superstition), all that is negative becomes the Will, and what would have been normal Will becomes an evil distraction as temptation or degradation, but such people are usually hypocrites (the raping for women and men in some cases).

see Robert William Pickton or Son of Sam killer.

Answer 3

I don't know many people that I consider mean as depressed. They pretty much take their aggression and depression out on others. The people that I see as most depressed are those who always want to be politically correct and do not have an outlet for their issues.

Answer 4

Perhaps low self esteem, or a pattern of distorted thinking.
I knew someone that believed that everyone was out to hurt them. This individual also held the belief that you treat others like they treat you. As a result of this combination, this person was malicious...always found a way to be mean or cruel.

Answer 5

I wouldn't necessarily say that makes them suffer from depression, but a low self esteem for sure. They make fun of others to look sufficient in their own eyes when their really not. They think by belittling others, it will eleviate their own self esteem.

Answer 6

Not necessarily.

Hostility or aggression could be the result of frustration or lowself-esteem.