What Is He Thinking?

Depression

Dealing With the Uncertainty of the Quarantine Timeline

Michael Bader D.M.H. on May 26, 2020

The time dimension of the self-quarantine is important because it mirrors depressive thinking, namely that there is no end in sight for our suffering.

The time dimension of the self-quarantine is important because it mirrors depressive thinking, namely that there is no end in sight for our suffering.

President Donald Trump

Suffer the Little Children

Michael Bader D.M.H. on July 7, 2018

Trump's policy of separating kids and parents elicits deep identifications and outrage. We are all touched by the loss of innocence.

Trump's policy of separating kids and parents elicits deep identifications and outrage. We are all touched by the loss of innocence.

Depression

Depression as a Social Disease

Michael Bader D.M.H. on February 28, 2018

Rather than make depression exclusively a function of individual psychopathology or neurochemistry, research now shows it is also a response to a sick culture and society.

Rather than make depression exclusively a function of individual psychopathology or neurochemistry, research now shows it is also a response to a sick culture and society.

Relationships

The Heart of the Matter

Michael Bader D.M.H. on February 6, 2018

Peter Gabel's new book helps us understand the sources of loneliness, fearful retreats into false self relationships,and how changing the world involves overcoming these obstacles

Peter Gabel's new book helps us understand the sources of loneliness, fearful retreats into false self relationships,and how changing the world involves overcoming these obstacles

One of the weirdest sexual behaviors exhibited by some of the men busted for sexual harassment is masturbating in front of a woman (e.g., Louis C.K.). The real cause is anxiety.

Diet

Gary Taubes's New Book Puts Sugar On Trial

Michael Bader D.M.H. on January 25, 2017

In The Case Against Sugar, science writer Gary Taubes shows how Sugar fronts distorted science and politicized nutrition politics to sell what Taubes shows is actually a a poison.

In The Case Against Sugar, science writer Gary Taubes shows how Sugar fronts distorted science and politicized nutrition politics to sell what Taubes shows is actually a a poison.

Empathy

The Decline of Empathy and the Appeal of Right-Wing Politics

Michael Bader D.M.H. on December 25, 2016

Child psychology can teach us about the current GOP.

Child psychology can teach us about the current GOP.

Depression

Bring Depression Out of the Closet

Michael Bader D.M.H. on November 2, 2016

Depression and anxiety have always stigmatized as weaknesses. Bruce Springsteen recently admitted to a lifetime of it. We should follow his lead.

Depression and anxiety have always stigmatized as weaknesses. Bruce Springsteen recently admitted to a lifetime of it. We should follow his lead.

Child Development

Bruce Springsteen: Born to Be Honest

Michael Bader D.M.H. on October 12, 2016

Bruce Springsteen's new book, "Born to Run," is not only a meticulous account of his rise to musical fame, but reflects insights born of over 30 years of deep psychotherapy.

Bruce Springsteen's new book, "Born to Run," is not only a meticulous account of his rise to musical fame, but reflects insights born of over 30 years of deep psychotherapy.

People want to be healthy, to form loving attachments, feel independent and have a sense of agency. Inhibiting beliefs formed in childhood interfere. But no one wants to be sick.

Gender

Boys Will Be Boys

Michael Bader D.M.H. on August 9, 2016

Masculinity is based on the suppression of vulnerability and dependency. It is not only socialization that's the culprit but the problem boys have separating from female mothers

Masculinity is based on the suppression of vulnerability and dependency. It is not only socialization that's the culprit but the problem boys have separating from female mothers

Tolerate failure in order to succeed.This is true if you golf or play a sport, write, or pretty much do anything that requires learning and mastery. The Serenity Prayer says it all

Artificial Intelligence

Automation Takes Jobs and Universal Basic Income Might Help

Michael Bader D.M.H. on July 2, 2016

Artificial intelligence, robotics, and the rise of freelance or "gig" economy, is eliminating millions of jobs and we need a Universal Basic Income to deal with it.

Artificial intelligence, robotics, and the rise of freelance or "gig" economy, is eliminating millions of jobs and we need a Universal Basic Income to deal with it.

Authenticity

Trump, Sanders and the Longing for Authenticity

Michael Bader D.M.H. on June 10, 2016

We are so used to the phony kabuki dance of politicians and are so estranged from each other, that we seek authenticity & see it in Trump's demagoguery and even Sanders' directness

We are so used to the phony kabuki dance of politicians and are so estranged from each other, that we seek authenticity & see it in Trump's demagoguery and even Sanders' directness

Pessimism

Hillary Plays the Cynicism Card

Michael Bader D.M.H. on March 3, 2016

Cynicism results from the frustration of our needs for meaning and purpose and plagues our politics.

Cynicism results from the frustration of our needs for meaning and purpose and plagues our politics.

The PTSD seen in vets is reinforced by social attitudes of dissociation, denial, and neglect. Healing requires community.

Loneliness

The Politics of Loneliness

Michael Bader D.M.H. on December 23, 2015

The verdict is in: Loneliness is on the rise in America today. We all suffer from it. The Right speaks to it through jingoism and scapegoating. Progressives need to address it too

The verdict is in: Loneliness is on the rise in America today. We all suffer from it. The Right speaks to it through jingoism and scapegoating. Progressives need to address it too

ADHD

Phones With Buttons

Michael Bader D.M.H. on December 9, 2015

Modern corporate practices involving customer and technical support lead to long and frustrating waits. These frustrations are viewed by corporations as the cost of doing business.

Modern corporate practices involving customer and technical support lead to long and frustrating waits. These frustrations are viewed by corporations as the cost of doing business.

Imposter Syndrome

The Imposter Syndrome in Progressive Leaders

Michael Bader D.M.H. on November 19, 2015

Progressive political leaders have a special version of the Imposter Syndrome, a set of beliefs in public leaders that they don't deserve the power and authority that they actually have. For progressives, this often stems from a guilty over-identification with the underdog. They react my diminishing their power and status to their own detriment and that of their movement

Progressive political leaders have a special version of the Imposter Syndrome, a set of beliefs in public leaders that they don't deserve the power and authority that they actually have. For progressives, this often stems from a guilty over-identification with the underdog. They react my diminishing their power and status to their own detriment and that of their movement

Addiction

The Science of Addiction and Recovery

Michael Bader D.M.H. on October 16, 2015

Common sense says that something becomes addictive because of its intrinsically powerful attraction. Johann Hari and other have shown that this is wrong, and that the context is crucial. By context they mean the history of emotional abuse, neglect, and isolation. Recovery groups, at their best, work because they provide a contradictory context of love and community

Common sense says that something becomes addictive because of its intrinsically powerful attraction. Johann Hari and other have shown that this is wrong, and that the context is crucial. By context they mean the history of emotional abuse, neglect, and isolation. Recovery groups, at their best, work because they provide a contradictory context of love and community