An "energy vampire" generally refers to a person who drains emotional and mental energy from others, leaving them feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or depleted after interactions. These individuals often seek attention, support, or empathy in a way that saps the vitality of those around them, sometimes using guilt, martyrdom, or negativity to manipulate others. They tend to be self-centered, needy, and can monopolize conversations or social interactions, causing emotional stress that can affect physical health over time
. In folklore and occult beliefs, a "psychic vampire" is a creature said to feed off the life force or psychic energy of others, though there is no scientific evidence supporting the existence of such energy or the vampires that drain it. The term has been extended metaphorically to describe people who drain emotional energy, often called emotional vampires
. In popular culture, specifically the TV series What We Do in the Shadows , an energy vampire is a type of vampire that drains the willpower and life force of others not by blood but through boring or frustrating interactions. The character Colin Robinson exemplifies this type, sapping energy from both humans and other vampires, which humorously explains why the vampire characters in the show are ineffective at dominating the world-they are drained by him. Unlike traditional vampires, energy vampires in the show are unaffected by sunlight and can drain energy simply by talking or being present
Summary:
- Real-life concept: A person who emotionally and mentally drains others, often unknowingly or manipulatively.
- Folklore/occult: A mythical being that feeds on life force or psychic energy.
- Pop culture (What We Do in the Shadows): A vampire who drains energy through mundane or irritating social interactions rather than blood.
This concept bridges psychological, folkloric, and fictional interpretations of "energy vampires" or "energy suckers."
