Psychiatry in Society

Environment

Saving Ourselves from the Dangerous Inept

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on December 19, 2018

Few people understand that we are on a path that, unless changed in the next decade or so, will lead to the destruction of our planet as a viable place to live on.

Few people understand that we are on a path that, unless changed in the next decade or so, will lead to the destruction of our planet as a viable place to live on.

Health

Coping with an Unstable President

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on December 10, 2018

Just as silence allows an abuser to continue abusing, our silence is assent when it comes to a dangerous regime.

Just as silence allows an abuser to continue abusing, our silence is assent when it comes to a dangerous regime.

Health

Inequality as an Economic Disease, Violence as a Symptom

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on December 7, 2018

A rise in inequality resulting from corruption, oppression, and exploitation fosters the conditions that breed violent behavior, including mass shootings.

A rise in inequality resulting from corruption, oppression, and exploitation fosters the conditions that breed violent behavior, including mass shootings.

Leadership

Them-versus-Us America

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on December 4, 2018

“Us” is becoming a subculture needing someone to blame to maintain cohesion. This will shape future behavior, and battle lines solidify.

“Us” is becoming a subculture needing someone to blame to maintain cohesion. This will shape future behavior, and battle lines solidify.

Persuasion

Our Nation’s Danger from Within

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on December 3, 2018

The president possesses one of the most influential positions for telling people how to think, feel, and behave.

The president possesses one of the most influential positions for telling people how to think, feel, and behave.

Psychiatry

The Ethical Malpractice of Silence

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on October 25, 2018

Professionals can no longer be derelict in their duty to protect the public.

Professionals can no longer be derelict in their duty to protect the public.

Sport and Competition

Abuse of Power as Pathology

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on October 1, 2018

Power is also an all-too-attractive end for pathological individuals who might try to seize it through any means.

Power is also an all-too-attractive end for pathological individuals who might try to seize it through any means.

Gender

Violence Against Women as Societal Dysfunction

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on September 26, 2018

The cataclysm of the “#MeToo” movement, starting in October 2017, we can interpret as an impulse for healing a societal ailment.

The cataclysm of the “#MeToo” movement, starting in October 2017, we can interpret as an impulse for healing a societal ailment.

Health

Inequality as a Lethal Disorder

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on September 20, 2018

To better understand violence and other societal ills, we must look at inequality as a disorder in itself.

To better understand violence and other societal ills, we must look at inequality as a disorder in itself.

Environment

Environmental Violence as Collective Suicidality

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on September 12, 2018

Environmental violence isn't a matter of a difference of opinion or priorities but of life or death—and whether we will all live together or die together.

Environmental violence isn't a matter of a difference of opinion or priorities but of life or death—and whether we will all live together or die together.

Health

Nuclear Violence as Madness

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on September 4, 2018

We are playing a gamble that makes our children more likely to die of a nuclear war than of a car crash.

We are playing a gamble that makes our children more likely to die of a nuclear war than of a car crash.

Law and Crime

Prisons as a Form of Societal Violence

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on August 24, 2018

If a system does not serve its purported function but targets minorities and serves as a surrogate ghetto, then the whole system requires reconsideration.

If a system does not serve its purported function but targets minorities and serves as a surrogate ghetto, then the whole system requires reconsideration.

Health

Violence as a Societal Mental Disorder

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on August 17, 2018

Now that we know that violence is societal, we may devise a system of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Now that we know that violence is societal, we may devise a system of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Psychiatry

A Societal Psychiatry for Survival

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on August 10, 2018

Psychiatry has not prepared itself for mental health issues at larger scale; the entire nation, if not the world, is suffering as a result.

Psychiatry has not prepared itself for mental health issues at larger scale; the entire nation, if not the world, is suffering as a result.

Health

Fascism or Not Fascism?

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on July 27, 2018

In the US, an antidemocratic wave has ushered in Donald Trump, transforming what used to be a battle of ideologies into a battle of sickness versus sanity, falsehoods versus facts.

In the US, an antidemocratic wave has ushered in Donald Trump, transforming what used to be a battle of ideologies into a battle of sickness versus sanity, falsehoods versus facts.

Health

Treason or Not Treason?

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on July 20, 2018

It is a moment when defending democracy, the rule of law, and human rights also means responding appropriately to a mental health problem.

It is a moment when defending democracy, the rule of law, and human rights also means responding appropriately to a mental health problem.

Health

Psychiatrists Challenge a Gag Order

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on July 16, 2018

Maintaining a healthy democracy involves each of our following norms and standards, especially in times of intense social and political pressure.

Maintaining a healthy democracy involves each of our following norms and standards, especially in times of intense social and political pressure.

President Donald Trump

Escalating Dangers in the Trump Era

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on July 8, 2018

Submission brings its own safety, but creates a condition for symbiosis to occur with a leader impaired enough to possess a drive to dominate, not govern.

Submission brings its own safety, but creates a condition for symbiosis to occur with a leader impaired enough to possess a drive to dominate, not govern.

Health

Mental Health Experts Urge Revision of the Goldwater Rule

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on June 28, 2018

Our proposal is that the APA recognize the importance of psychiatrists’ social responsibility to warn the public when they discern danger to its well-being.

Our proposal is that the APA recognize the importance of psychiatrists’ social responsibility to warn the public when they discern danger to its well-being.

Health

Mental Health Experts Advise Duties to Warn and to Protect

Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div. on June 25, 2018

Childhood trauma is just one of the dangers that mental health professionals have predicted and feel the duty to warn about regarding the current presidency.

Childhood trauma is just one of the dangers that mental health professionals have predicted and feel the duty to warn about regarding the current presidency.