Coming - Mental health warnings on social media

 Minnesota will require mental health warnings on social media next year and other states may follow.

"I think the evidence is very clear that social media use is linked with depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, all sorts of terrible mental health conditions," says Democratic state Rep. Zack Stephenson, the main sponsor of the law. "You'll see a message telling you that prolonged use of social media can lead to those outcomes."

Stephenson says the labels, while not yet written, will be like warnings for tobacco products or alcohol, and it's up to the Minnesota Department of Health to decide what they say.

"If you had expected big tobacco to make cigarettes less addictive in the '50s and '60s, you would have been sorely mistaken," Stephenson says. "Addiction was their business model. And the same thing is true for big tech."

For more click here.

While the primary concern is the negative impact of social media on youth, it also has negative impacts on adults as well. The primary impact on adults is the scamming that occurs with lonely adult males who get sweet talked out of their money by posers who promise love and affection. I have seen this occur numerous times in my psychotherapy practice.

Book review - Never Change by Elizabeth Berg

Elizabeth Berg's novel "Never Change" tells the bittersweet story of Myra Lipinski, a 51-year-old visiting nurse who considers herself a contented spinster, living quietly with her dog, Frank. Her ordered life is upended when she is assigned to care for Chip Reardon, the "golden boy" she secretly adored in high school. Chip, once the popular and handsome athlete, has returned to his hometown to die from an incurable brain tumor, having chosen to forgo further treatment.

Their reunion forces Myra and Chip into a poignant redefinition of their past roles. Myra, who always felt like an outsider in high school, now finds herself in a position of intimacy and care with the man she once worshipped from afar. As Chip's health declines, their relationship deepens, exploring themes of memory, longing, and second chances, even in the face of imminent loss. The arrival of Chip's former girlfriend, Diann, adds another layer of complexity, but ultimately, Myra finds herself in a loving connection, albeit with a man whose time is running out.

Therapeutic Benefits of Reading "Never Change":

Reading "Never Change" can offer several therapeutic benefits, particularly for those grappling with themes of:

Grief and Loss: The novel directly confronts the reality of terminal illness and impending death. It can help readers process emotions related to loss, both for themselves and for loved ones, by offering a sensitive portrayal of a character facing the end of life and those caring for them.

Acceptance and Letting Go: The story highlights the importance of accepting life's unpredictable nature and finding peace even in difficult circumstances. Chip's decision to forgo treatment and Myra's journey to accept their limited time together can be a powerful lesson in letting go of what cannot be changed.

Second Chances and Unconventional Love: For those who feel they've missed out on love or connection, the novel offers a hopeful message about finding profound relationships in unexpected places and at unexpected times, even in the twilight of life. It challenges conventional notions of romance and happiness.

Empathy and Compassion: Myra's role as a visiting nurse and her deep care for her patients, including Chip, fosters empathy in the reader. The book delves into the emotional complexities of caregiving and the human desire for connection, encouraging readers to consider the perspectives of both the ill and those who care for them.

Self-Discovery and Identity: Myra's journey allows her to shed old insecurities and embrace a more authentic version of herself. The novel can encourage readers to reflect on their own identities, past regrets, and the potential for personal growth at any stage of life.

Living Fully: Despite the somber backdrop of terminal illness, "Never Change" celebrates the richness of human connection and the importance of living fully, even when faced with limited time. It reminds readers to cherish moments and find joy in the present.

This book can be used to facilitate discussions about caregiving for human service professionals in all disciplines.

Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution

 This podcast discusses crisis intervention, focusing on the natural restorative process of systems and the limitations of crisis counseling. It emphasizes the importance of "environmental manipulation" or external controls to manage crises, particularly in power struggles. David G. Markham, LCSWR highlights the role of incentives in conflict resolution and the necessity of a safe, structured environment for productive discussions, advocating against "cancel culture" and promoting differentiated leadership. The email uses examples from various fields, including behavioral economics and family systems theory, to support its points. Ultimately, Markham stresses the importance of creating a supportive space for professional growth and development.

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The contribution of trauma to genocide is multigenerational.

 Perhaps the intersection of clinical mental health services and politics is trauma.

There is a fascinating discussion on this topic between Chris Hedges and Gabor Mate. It is worth reading and or listening to or both.

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Understanding The Borderline Mother: Helping Her Children Transcend the Intense, Unpredictable, and Volatile Relationship, the book

Understanding The Borderline Mother: Helping Her Children Transcend the Intense, Unpredictable, and Volatile Relationship by Christine Ann Lawson is an extremely important book for any psychotherapist or layperson interested in the impact of parenting by a person with Borderline Personality Disorder.

The impact is huge and can be multigenerational. Dr. Lawson, in lay language and with clear case examples describes the dynamics that occur between mother and children and somewhat with fathers. She also has clear suggestions for how adult children can manage the relationship with the Borderline mother.

I believe this topic is so important that I am planning on posting a series of articles on this blog as I re-read and study the ideas in this book further. I am developing a new category on the blog which I am entitling, Borderline Parenting. While the focus of Lawson's book is on mother's, fathering plays a critical role  well.

In addition to reading this book and being a psychotherapist, I also have personal experiences with the topic which undoubtedly fuel my interest and resonance with the material described.

I highly recommend this book.

This is article #1 in a series of over 21 articles on borderline parenting.

Death notification: A Father's Grief

David Markham's account details the devastating night his family was involved in a drunk driving accident. The narrative recounts his frantic efforts to locate his injured wife and children at various hospitals, culminating in the heartbreaking discovery that two of his children died. Markham's description poignantly portrays his grief, the challenges of delivering devastating news to his surviving family, and his ultimate decision to become a DWI victim impact panelist to honor his deceased children and prevent similar tragedies. The included discussion guide proposes questions for reflection on the events described.

To read the article click here.

 

Psychotherapy happens in a political environment

 Summary

David Markham's email argues that psychotherapy inherently involves power dynamics, particularly concerning clients' self-determination. He contends that therapists face ethical dilemmas when clients' choices clash with restrictive governmental policies, citing reproductive healthcare and LGBTQ+ rights as examples. Markham suggests that these conflicts create a situation analogous to a totalitarian regime, forcing therapists to operate covertly to uphold their ethical values and support clients' rights. He emphasizes the potential legal risks for therapists who openly advocate for their clients in such circumstances. The email prompts reflection on the political dimensions of psychotherapy and the challenges faced by therapists in upholding ethical principles.