Summing up my personal experiences, insights from others within the BDSM community, and some psychological studies, I confidently state that psycho-masochism is a condition where a person has an exceptionally heightened sensitivity, leading to intense emotional swings that often follow a cyclical pattern—fluctuating between two extreme mood states.
In simpler terms, a psycho-masochist is someone who needs intense psychological shocks and emotional experiences to maintain a sense of balance. If this tension release doesn’t happen, they spiral into depression, only to eventually pull themselves out into a surge of emotional activity before the cycle repeats itself.
Psycho-Masochism vs. Masochism:
The key difference between psycho-masochism and traditional masochism lies in the focus. Psycho-masochists seek psychological tension relief rather than physical pain. While physical pain may play a part, it’s secondary to the emotional and mental process. For them, reaching a state of subspace and experiencing endorphin highs is not the end goal—it’s simply a result of the intense psychological release.
The Experience for Psycho-Masochists:
For a psycho-masochist, the climax of an experience often involves both physical and emotional breakdowns. Crossing the pain threshold, intense emotional release, and even moments of despair are key to their experience. I remember one psycho-masochist vividly saying, “The most important thing for me in these sessions is to cry and feel miserable.”
Submission and Psycho-Masochism:
Although psycho-masochists are not typically drawn to physical pain, they may still find satisfaction in the submissive role, but not for the usual reasons. For them, the focus is on psychological dominance and submission. They seek a deep, emotional experience that aligns with their role as the “bottom.” Interestingly, while they may be psycho-masochists, they are not always submissives.
Understanding Psycho-Masochism:
At the heart of psycho-masochism is the desire for psychological stress, breakdowns, and emotional pain. These individuals are not seeking submission for its own sake—they’re after the emotional journey. These intense experiences help them maintain their emotional balance, preventing them from falling into depression. Their emotions swing like a pendulum, moving from euphoria to deep sorrow.
For Tops working with psycho-masochists, it’s crucial to understand that these individuals aren’t looking for conventional BDSM play. Their focus is on enriching their inner world and managing their emotional state. Interacting with them requires a high level of sensitivity and an understanding of their unique emotional needs.
