There is definitely much truth to the assertions made in this article. However, it seems like more needs to be said. For example, if psychology”psychiatry is “fake” ,then how do we help people whose thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are objectively out of touch with reality?
Great observations from the practical and in-the-trenches perspective! They show what Aristotle shows in his Treatise on the Soul (“De Anima”), viz., that, aside from medical problems of the bodily organ of the brain caused by disease or physical trauma, “psychological” problems need wise advice about the moral choices to make.
I, too, read your column for years, clipping them and mailing them to our daughter. I can't believe you weren't tarred and feathered for you heresy of common sense. Sadly, Dr. Spock and his nonsense was the "accepted" dogma and we are now reaping what was sown with generations of shallow narcissist twits.
I am inclined to agree! Couple of quick anecdotal first-hand experiences support your claims. 1. My sister has some mental illness and substance abuse issues - her longtime psychologist prescribed her Adderall for YEARS - telling her she was suffering from PTSD (stemming from when our grandfather died). She abused the drug on insanely high dosage most of her adult life. Our entire family felt helpless against this person as she continued to perpetuate my sister's self-destructive behavior. 2. Due to a confluence of circumstances I went through a short period of time where I felt abnormally anxious and borderline depressed - I sought help first by scheduling a visit with a doctor just to talk - this person immediately prescribed me anti-depressants - even after telling her I was not interested in taking meds. I then switched to a psychologist who promptly did the same. Finally (this is all within a month or so) I reached out to a therapist who suggested I start exercising again since I used to be a collegiate athlete. THIS made all the difference, seriously - working out everyday was like taking medicine for me. The anxiety quickly went away and I was reminded of how beneficial daily exercise can be for mental health. I've often wondered why the first two professionals didn't suggest the same - and worse, how many other individuals seeking similar advice would have simply taken the drugs, assuming these people "knew best." Something is definitely not right!
I,too, read your column for years, clipping them and mailing to our daughter. I'm surprised you weren't tarred and feather for your heresy of common sense. Sadly, the mainstream preferred the idiocy of Dr. Spock, resulting in generations of self absorbed and shallow narcissist twits. We are now reaping what was sown.
I read your column faithfully every week in the Jacksonville Times-Union. I raised my children on your principles, particularly "The Law of the Soggy Potato Chip." I bought one of your books many years ago.
Thank you. You were a fount of great good sense and a huge help raising my children. They are now grown adults with their own families. No drugs, no alcohol, no gambling. They are solid productive members of society.
There is definitely much truth to the assertions made in this article. However, it seems like more needs to be said. For example, if psychology”psychiatry is “fake” ,then how do we help people whose thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are objectively out of touch with reality?
Great observations from the practical and in-the-trenches perspective! They show what Aristotle shows in his Treatise on the Soul (“De Anima”), viz., that, aside from medical problems of the bodily organ of the brain caused by disease or physical trauma, “psychological” problems need wise advice about the moral choices to make.
Great insights, John Droz and John Rosemond!
Ah to hear some truth, so refreshing!
I, too, read your column for years, clipping them and mailing them to our daughter. I can't believe you weren't tarred and feathered for you heresy of common sense. Sadly, Dr. Spock and his nonsense was the "accepted" dogma and we are now reaping what was sown with generations of shallow narcissist twits.
I am inclined to agree! Couple of quick anecdotal first-hand experiences support your claims. 1. My sister has some mental illness and substance abuse issues - her longtime psychologist prescribed her Adderall for YEARS - telling her she was suffering from PTSD (stemming from when our grandfather died). She abused the drug on insanely high dosage most of her adult life. Our entire family felt helpless against this person as she continued to perpetuate my sister's self-destructive behavior. 2. Due to a confluence of circumstances I went through a short period of time where I felt abnormally anxious and borderline depressed - I sought help first by scheduling a visit with a doctor just to talk - this person immediately prescribed me anti-depressants - even after telling her I was not interested in taking meds. I then switched to a psychologist who promptly did the same. Finally (this is all within a month or so) I reached out to a therapist who suggested I start exercising again since I used to be a collegiate athlete. THIS made all the difference, seriously - working out everyday was like taking medicine for me. The anxiety quickly went away and I was reminded of how beneficial daily exercise can be for mental health. I've often wondered why the first two professionals didn't suggest the same - and worse, how many other individuals seeking similar advice would have simply taken the drugs, assuming these people "knew best." Something is definitely not right!
I,too, read your column for years, clipping them and mailing to our daughter. I'm surprised you weren't tarred and feather for your heresy of common sense. Sadly, the mainstream preferred the idiocy of Dr. Spock, resulting in generations of self absorbed and shallow narcissist twits. We are now reaping what was sown.
I read your column faithfully every week in the Jacksonville Times-Union. I raised my children on your principles, particularly "The Law of the Soggy Potato Chip." I bought one of your books many years ago.
Thank you. You were a fount of great good sense and a huge help raising my children. They are now grown adults with their own families. No drugs, no alcohol, no gambling. They are solid productive members of society.