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Generics are now approved for adults in the treatment of BED and for individuals aged 6 years and older in the treatment of ADHD. The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it has approved several generics for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorder (BED). The first generics of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) capsules and chewable tablets are now approved for the treatment of ADHD in patients aged 6 years and older and for the treatment of moderate to severe BED in adults. These approvals follow the FDA’s announcement of the shortage of an immediate-release formulation of amphetamine mixed salts (Adderall) on October 12, 2022. “The shortages of stimulants (largely generics) have been a nightmare to children, families, and their practitioners,” Timothy Wilens, MD, chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and codirector of the Center for Addiction Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, told Psychiatric Times®. “At a public health level, it is important for policy makers to understand their multifaceted nature and work together to help alleviate such severe, impactful shortages in the future.” With the approval of the lisdexamfetamine dimesylate generic for the treatment of ADHD, more patients with ADHD may have access to treatment. In addition to approving generics, the FDA has announced that it will continue to address the ongoing Adderall shortage by providing assistance to manufacturers, monitoring supply, and sharing updates and other information about the shortage. Related Article:

— News and commentary from the psychiatry world Flotation Therapy The FDA approved the first generic forms of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse) capsules and chewables to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients 6 years and older, as well as moderate to severe binge-eating disorder in adults. Hopefully this will ease the burden of the ADHD medication shortageopens as children head back to school. (CNBC) Many psychiatrists in clinic are struggling to keep up with their electronic patient messages (STAT) In people with anorexia, twice-weekly, 60-minute flotation therapy sessions for a month helped decrease body dissatisfaction compared with usual care. (eClinicalMedicine) From 2004 to 2019, rates of depressive disorders among kids remained stagnant. (JAMA Pediatrics) Mothers who took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors after giving birth experienced a benefit not only in their own depression, but also their child's externalizing problems and ADHD symptoms up to 5 years later. (JAMA Network Open) Childless men -- an often forgotten group -- struggle with grief and loneliness (The Guardian) Mental health spending exploded during the pandemic, as telehealth options made care more accessible, a study in JAMA Health Forum found. Clara Hill, PhD, the co-director of a now-closed Maryland psychology clinic connected to 18 retracted papers has retired. (Spectrum) Civilians answering mental health distress calls instead of police officers is becoming the norm in many big U.S. cities. (AP) The national telepsychiatry provider Talkiatry expanded its child and adolescent psychiatry services to another five states. (Fierce Healthcare)

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. People with SUD have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s) such as alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, to the point where the person's ability to function in day-to-day life becomes impaired. People keep using the substance even when they know it is causing or will cause problems. The most severe SUDs are sometimes called addictions. People with a substance use disorder may have distorted thinking and behaviors. Changes in the brain's structure and function are what cause people to have intense cravings, changes in personality, abnormal movements, and other behaviors. Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision making, learning, memory, and behavioral control. People can develop an addiction to: Alcohol Marijuana PCP, LSD and other hallucinogens Inhalants, such as, paint thinners and glue Opioid pain killers, such as codeine and oxycodone, heroin Sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics (medicines for anxiety such as tranquilizers) Cocaine, methamphetamine and other stimulants Tobacco/nicotine Repeated substance use can cause changes in how the brain functions. These changes can last long after the immediate effects of the substance wears off, or in other words, after the period of intoxication. Intoxication is the intense pleasure, euphoria, calm, increased perception and sense, and other feelings that are caused by the substance. Intoxication symptoms are different for each substance. When someone has a substance use disorder, they usually build up a tolerance to the substance, meaning they need larger amounts to feel the effects. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people begin taking drugs for a variety of reasons, including: To feel good — feeling of pleasure, “high” or "intoxication." To feel better — relieve stress, forget problems, or feel numb. To do better — improve performance or thinking. Curiosity and peer pressure or experimenting. People with substance use and behavioral addictions may be aware of their problem but not be able to stop even if they want and try to. The addiction may cause physical and psychological problems as well as interpersonal problems such as with family members and friends or at work. Alcohol and drug use is one of the leading causes of preventable illnesses and premature death nationwide. Symptoms of substance use disorder are grouped into four categories: Impaired control: a craving or strong urge to use the substance; desire or failed attempts to cut down or control substance use. Social problems: substance use causes failure to complete major tasks at work, school or home; social, work or leisure activities are given up or cut back because of substance use. Risky use: substance is used in risky settings; continued use despite known problems. Drug effects: tolerance (need for larger amounts to get the same effect); withdrawal symptoms (different for each substance). Many people experience substance use disorder along with another psychiatric disorder. Oftentimes another psychiatric disorder precedes substance use disorder, or the use of a substance may trigger or worsen another psychiatric disorder. How Is Substance Use Disorder Treated? Effective treatments for substance use disorders are available. The first step is recognition of the problem. The recovery process can be delayed when a person lacks awareness of problematic substance use. Although interventions by concerned friends and family often prompt treatment, self-referrals are always welcome and encouraged. A medical professional should conduct a formal assessment of symptoms to identify if a substance use disorder is present. All patients can benefit from treatment, regardless of whether the disorder is mild, moderate, or severe. Unfortunately, many people who meet criteria for a substance use disorder and could benefit from treatment don’t receive help. Because SUDs affect many aspects of a person’s life, multiple types of treatment are often required. For most, a combination of medication and individual or group therapy is most effective. Treatment approaches that address an individual’s specific situation and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems is optimal for leading to sustained recovery. Medications are used to control drug cravings, relieve symptoms of withdrawal, and to prevent relapses. Psychotherapy can help individuals with SUD better understand their behavior and motivations, develop higher self-esteem, cope with stress, and address other psychiatric problems. A person's recovery plan is unique to the person's specific needs and may include strategies outside of formal treatment. These may include: Hospitalization for medical withdrawal management (detoxification). Therapeutic communities (highly controlled, drug-free environments) or sober houses. Outpatient medication management and psychotherapy. Intensive outpatient programs. Residential treatment ("rehab"). Many people find mutual-aid groups helpful (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, SMART Recovery). Self-help groups that include family members (Al-Anon or Nar-Anon Family Groups). 13 principles of effective drug addiction treatment These 13 principles of effective drug addiction treatment were developed based on three decades of scientific research. Research shows that treatment can help drug-addicted individuals stop drug use, avoid relapse and successfully recover their lives. Addiction is a complex, but treatable, disease that affects brain function and behavior. No single treatment is appropriate for everyone. Treatment needs to be readily available. Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug abuse. Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical. Counseling— individual and/or group —and other behavioral therapies are the most commonly used forms of drug abuse treatment. Medications are an important element of treatment for many patients, especially when combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies. An individual’s treatment and services plan must be assessed continually and modified as necessary to ensure it meets his or her changing needs. Many drug-addicted individuals also have other mental disorders. Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment and by itself does little to change long-term drug abuse. Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective. Drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously, as lapses during treatment do occur. Treatment programs should assess patients for the presence of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases, as well as provide targeted risk-reduction counseling to help patients modify or change behaviors that place them at risk of contracting or spreading infectious diseases. Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse. These principles are detailed in NIDA's Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide. How to Help a Friend or Family Member Some suggestions to get started: Learn all you can about alcohol and drug misuse and addiction. Speak up and offer your support: talk to the person about your concerns, and offer your help and support, including your willingness to go with them and get help. Like other chronic diseases, the earlier addiction is treated, the better. Express love and concern: don't wait for your loved one to "hit bottom."; You may be met with excuses, denial or anger. Be prepared to respond with specific examples of behavior that has you worried. Don't expect the person to stop without help: you have heard it before - promises to cut down, stop - but, it doesn't work. Treatment, support, and new coping skills are needed to overcome addiction to alcohol and drugs. Support recovery as an ongoing process: once your friend or family member is receiving treatment, or going to meetings, remain involved. Continue to show that you are concerned about his/her successful long-term recovery. Some things you don't want to do: Don't preach: Don't lecture, threaten, bribe, preach or moralize. Don't be a martyr: Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to drink or use other drugs. Don't cover up, lie or make excuses for his/her behavior. Don't assume their responsibilities: taking over their responsibilities protects them from the consequences of their behavior. Don't argue when using: avoid arguing with the person when they are using alcohol or drugs; at that point he/she can't have a rational conversation. Don't feel guilty or responsible for their behavior; it's not your fault. Don't join them: don't try to keep up with them by drinking or using. Adapted from: National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Source: American Psychiatric Association Related Article:

Healthy relationships require the right mix of intimacy and independence. Those with insecure attachment struggle to get this balance right. They either worry excessively about their relationships or hold themselves back from fully committing to their partners. Shaped largely by early childhood experiences, insecure attachment can persist throughout the lifespan, affecting the quality and outcome of adult relationships. Thankfully, those with insecure attachment can learn to trust and commit to their relationships by adopting new beliefs and behaviors. Below are some suggestions for how to do this. Key Skills for Secure Attachment Learn about your attachment style Learn about the four main attachment styles as well as the associated thoughts and behaviors. This empowers you to spot trends in your relationship history and make a plan to break unhelpful patterns. Examine your beliefs about relationships Views about relationships tend to get set early in life. If your caregivers were unsafe or neglectful, you’ll likely be distrustful of your adult relationships. For that reason, it’s important to investigate what is actually true about your current relationships and abandon outdated beliefs and interpretations. Next time you hesitate to trust or commit to your partner, try to find evidence that justifies your concern. Consider that you may be projecting experiences from past relationships onto your current relationship. Worksheets for examining your beliefs: Act opposite to your anxious or avoidant style Those with insecure attachment tend to cling to their relationships (anxious style) or hold themselves aloof from them (avoidant style). If you have an anxious style, try taking small steps toward becoming more independent. If you have an avoidant style, try letting down your guard and initiating intimacy. The goal is to find the sweet spot where you have healthy levels of both intimacy and independence. It’s hard work to break a pattern, but remind yourself of the many rewards of improving your relationships. Increase your emotional awareness If you’re unable to manage and work with your emotions, you’ll likely be more reactive in your relationships, which decreases attachment security. Learning to express and tolerate your emotions makes you better able to empathize with those of your partner. Communicate openly and listen empathetically Working toward a secure attachment requires communicating your hopes, fears, and concerns in a respectful, open-hearted way. Non-verbal communication is equally important. Eye contact, nodding, and physical contact can help defuse tension when used skillfully. When conflict does happens, listen empathetically to your partner and determine how you can help each other feel understood and connected, even if you disagree. Seek out others with healthy relationships If you want to run a marathon, it’s helpful to surround yourself with successful runners. In the same way, you can improve your relationships by learning about how people with healthy relationships think and behave. Notice or ask how these individuals set appropriate boundaries in their partnerships. If you don’t have a partner, remember that seeking someone who is securely attached can make it easier in your own journey toward secure attachment. If you’re in a relationship, reflect on areas where improvement is needed. Minimize stressors Stress can worsen attachment issues, even among those with secure attachment. This is particularly true of relationship-related turmoil, such as frequent arguments or the prospect of separation or divorce. Be proactive by committing to self-care, addressing conflict before it escalates, and engaging in calming activities with your partner. An Integrated Approach To summarize, these are the steps you can take to work toward secure attachment and improve your relationship satisfaction: Learn about your attachment style Examine your beliefs about relationships Act opposite to your anxious or avoidant style Increase your emotional awareness Communicate openly and listen empathetically Seek out others with healthy relationships Minimize stressors These actions work with thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, giving you an integrated approach to breaking old patterns and becoming more securely attached. As you work toward secure attachment, keep this principle in mind: Relationship harmony revolves around skillfully expressing your attachment needs and discerning those of your partner. Set aside regular time to reflect on how you and your partner can help each other feel respected, understood, and loved. With consistent effort, this practice can lead to greater intimacy and a more fulfilling relationship.

Freud vs Jung The Ultimate Clash of the Unconscious: Freud vs Jung The key idea of the video is that both Freud and Jung recognized the power of the unconscious mind in shaping our thoughts and actions, with Freud emphasizing the influence of the unconscious and Jung emphasizing the need for conscious understanding to uncover deeper truths. The Ultimate Clash of the Unconscious How did Carl Jung's theory of the unconscious differ than Freud's? Like Freud, Carl Jung divided the human personality into three parts, but he looked at it from a different perspective. Unlike Freud, who stated that human mind centers upon the id, the ego, and the super ego, Jung divided the human psyche into the ego, the personal unconscious, and the collective unconscious. Freudian and Jungian Theories of the Unconscious Mind Introduction The theories that were put forward by Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung had a substantial influence on the development of the field of psychology. Both scholars took innovative approaches to study and understand the mind and their ideas keep causing controversy even in our time. Both scholars emphasized the importance of the unconscious in explaining human behavior, but their visions on the subject defer in many ways. The purpose of this paper is to discuss and compare Freudian and Jungian theories of the role of the unconscious mind in human behavior. Main body The concept of the unconscious mind is central to the work of Sigmund Freud. The psychoanalytic school of thought that was created by the scholar is based upon the idea that human behavior is primarily determined by the unconscious processes, of which people are not aware. Freud outlined the importance of early experience and relationships with parents in human development and saw suppressed childhood memories as the primary source of psychological problems among adults (Harris, 2009). The founder of psychoanalysis also suggested that trying to bring the unconscious drives into awareness causes anxiety and triggers defense mechanisms that serve to avoid and repress disturbing thoughts and memories. At the same time, the scholar believed that the unconscious could be understood by studying dreams, errors in speech, and unintentional acts. Like Freud, Carl Jung divided the human personality into three parts, but he looked at it from a different perspective. Unlike Freud, who stated that human mind centers upon the id, the ego, and the super ego, Jung divided the human psyche into the ego, the personal unconscious, and the collective unconscious. The Jungian notion of the personal unconscious is similar to Freudian underspending of the subject. Also, Jung’s idea of the collective unconscious is close to Freud’s ideas of the id. It is worth mentioning that Jung and Freud believed that the unconscious plays a vital role in people’s lives by significantly affecting their conscious behavior. However, unlike Freud, Jung held the view that the collective unconscious lies much deeper in the human psyche, modifying it at a fundamental level. The scholar thought that this type of unconscious is shaped by inherited patterns of thought and structures of behavior that he called archetypes (Lecci, 2015). Like French anthropologist Claude Lévi‐Strauss, Jung also believed that explanation for human actions could be found by studying myths that contain the archetypal stories (Iurato, 2015). Thus, according to this idea, mythology can be seen as a manifestation of the collective unconscious through language. Both Freud and Jung considered that dreams might reveal much about human behavior by making the unconscious visible to conscious. However, the visions the two thinkers had on the role of dreams and human sexuality are very distinct. Freud considered suppressed sexual desire to be the main cause of the psychological problems among humans and saw dreams as a manifestation of these unconscious thoughts (Kirsch, 2019). Jung, on the other hand, suggested that events and symbols that appear in dreams might have different explanation depending on their context. In his vision, the source of the content of dreams can be found not only in personal experience but also in archetypal stories. The scholar believed that they could be used as a tool to help a person solve his or her psychological problem. Conclusion Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung are among the most influential figures in the history of psychology. The ways the two scholars looked at the subconscious and personality had a big impact on each other and were partly similar, but at the same time, differed in many impotent ways. The thinkers took different approaches to the subject and put emphasis on different aspects of the subconscious, yet both of them had significant findings. I think that each theory provides a useful framework for studying personality, and the two schools of thought can complement each other.

Mindfulness has been defined as "a moment-to-moment awareness of one's experience without judgment" (1). This means having conscious awareness of one's own thoughts, feelings, sensations, and behaviors, without evaluation, or the formation of an opinion. You're acting mindfully when you listen to a song you love, and notice every tiny detail in the sound. Or maybe you've felt anxiety before a big event like a wedding or a job interview, you acknowledged that feeling, and chose to simply accept it. The opposite of mindfulness would be those times when your body works on "autopilot". Maybe you've eaten a meal and realized you didn't taste a thing, just because you weren't paying attention. Or maybe you've said something cruel out of anger, without realizing that your emotions were driving your actions, until it was too late. Over the past decade, mindfulness has emerged as a popular component to many types of psychotherapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). But what does mindfulness actually do for us, and for our clients? Does it really help? We decided to dig through the research to find some answers. Mindfulness and Mental Illness In psychotherapy, mindfulness training is regularly used as a tool to treat depression, anxiety, and stress. The good news is that it works, and it works well. Multiple meta-analyses suggest that mindfulness reduces clients' anxiety, stress, and symptoms of mood disorder, and the positive effects are maintained long-term (2, 3). One study even found that mindfulness training was as effective as anti-depressants at preventing the relapse of depressive symptoms, 16 weeks after treatment (4). Mindfulness-based treatments seem to work, but how? The most studied form of mindfulness training is called Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). In MBSR, clients attend an 8-week course where they practice a variety of mindfulness exercises such as meditation, discuss their stressors, and complete regular homework which encourages further practice of mindfulness skills. Other treatments, such as DBT, use mindfulness as a single part of a larger approach to therapy. In DBT mindfulness training is used to help clients learn to accept problems that they do not have control over, or cannot change. In each of these interventions, various mindfulness exercises are used with the idea that practicing will lead to a higher level of trait mindfulness. Trait mindfulness refers to a person's frequent experience of mindfulness (as if it is a personality trait), as opposed to only experiencing mindfulness during the course of an exercise. The verdict on increasing trait mindfulness seems to be positive. Some studies have found that those who regularly practice mindfulness develop changes in how their brain functions that contribute to emotional regulation, concentration, and cognitive processing speed (1). These changes may account for the long-term positive effects associated with mindfulness training. Mindfulness may also help in the treatment of mental illness by facilitating the use of other coping skills. For example, a client dealing with anger will be more likely to use a relaxation skill if they are mindful of their emotions, and identify their anger early. Mindfulness for Therapists Some researchers are beginning to look at the benefits of mindfulness not only for clients, but also for therapists. Because this area has been studied less thoroughly, many questions are still unanswered, but what we do know is interesting. Several traits of therapists that are associated with positive treatment outcomes are thought to be improved by mindfulness training. A few of these traits include empathy and compassion for clients, attentiveness during sessions, and increased comfort with silence (1). Therapists-in-training who were taught to use mindfulness meditation reported higher levels of self-awareness, improvements in their basic counseling skills, and overall wellness. The effects of mindfulness on symptoms of mental illness, such as anxiety and mood symptoms, hold true for clinicians as well. Mindfulness training might result in better stress-management and reduced levels of burnout among therapists. Unfortunately, treatment outcomes and their relationship with therapists' levels of mindfulness are still unclear. Initial studies indicate that there is no connection between a therapist's self-reported level of mindfulness and the treatment outcomes of their clients (1). However, when a therapist undergoes formal mindfulness training, their treatment outcomes tend to improve. This might just tell us that self-report is a poor measure of mindfulness, but further research will be required before making any assertions. Other Benefits of Mindfulness Mindfulness can clearly play a role in the treatment of mental illness, but how about its use in non-clinical issues? Individuals who practice mindfulness who are not suffering from mental illness still see psychological benefits such as an overall sense of wellbeing, improved concentration, and increased morality. Physical health benefits of mindfulness include improved immune functioning and improved cardiovascular health (1, 5). Relationships also benefit when at least one of the individuals has a high level of trait mindfulness (1). A few of these benefits include less emotional stress and better communication. Trait mindfulness also acts as a predictor of overall relationship satisfaction. After a review of the research, it's clear that mindfulness can play an important role in the treatment of several mental illnesses, and it can be used to improve the quality of life for normal-functioning individuals. If you would like to keep reading about mindfulness, and how it can be applied in treatment, I suggest picking up Jon Kabat-Zin's book, Wherever You Go, There You Are (linked below).

Avoiding Relapse. Achieving sobriety is tough, and so is maintaining it. We've put together ten tips to help you stay on track after you've decided to kick your addiction. That being said, these tips aren't a panacea, and one size doesn't fit all. Everyone should take the time to adapt these relapse prevention tips to their own situation. Check the end of the article for a printable version to keep near by and refer to in times of need, or to share with clients. The most important moment before relapse isn't the final decision to use a drug. It's when you decide to expose yourself to triggers. For example, a trigger could be going to a party or walking through the liquor section at the store. Before encountering your triggers, you still have most of the control. Not your craving. If you're feeling the urge to use, try to wait it out. If you distract yourself for even 30 minutes, it's likely your craving will lessen in intensity. It might not totally disappear, but it will be easier to resist. Focus on replacing your past drug use with new positive activities. If you used to go home after work and drink, you'll need to make a new plan to occupy yourself. Going home and staring at a wall will eventually lead to staring at a wall with a drink in your hand. Don't try to do this alone. Sharing your goals for sobriety with a friend makes all the difference. They can hold you accountable when you're making questionable decisions ("I'm just going to the bar to hang out, I won't drink!") and they can offer a kind ear when you're struggling. Remind yourself that cravings will pass. Have you ever had that experience when you're sick where you can't remember what it feels like to not be sick? The same thing happens with cravings. Give it time, and believe it or not, the feeling will go away. You'll have to make sacrifices beyond giving up the drug. If you previously used during specific activities (for example: watching a game on TV, going to concerts, or spending time with friends), you may need to make changes. This might mean not watching the game, or making new friends who are sober. This can be really hard, but that's what makes it a sacrifice. Have a plan for when things get bad, because at some point, they will. People get fired, hearts get broken, and sometimes people leave us forever. Develop a plan to get through these major life challenges--without the use of drugs--before they happen. Don't become complacent with your sobriety. If you someday consider having "just a glass of wine with dinner", don't make the decision lightly. If you've struggled with addiction in the past, you are much more likely to develop an addiction again. If you do relapse, don't give up. A lot of people find it helpful to keep track of how long they've been sober, but don't confuse this count with the true goal of leading a happy and fulfilling life. If you're at day 100 of sobriety, that's great. However, if you make a mistake and end up back at day 0, know that you are not starting over (you have knowledge, experience, and confidence. In other words: Slipping up is not a license to go on a binge. Come up with new rituals. How do you celebrate holidays, promotions, or any other happy occasion? If your answer includes any sort of drug, you'll want to get creative and figure out something new. Go wild with a hobby for the day, treat yourself to a nice dinner, or take a weekend trip. Make sure it's something you can get excited about. If you found these tips helpful you can print them out to keep handy, or to share with clients. Check out the worksheet version in the link below:

Describe Clearly and concisely describe the facts of the situation, without any judgement. "You have asked me to work late 3 days this week" Express Use "I" statements to express your emotions. "I feel overwhelmed by the extra work I've been given." Assert Clearly state what you want or need. Be specific when giving instructions or making requests. "I need to resume my regular 40-hour work week" Reinforce Reward the other person if they respond well to you. Smiling saying "thank you", and other kind gestures work well in reinforcement. Mindfullness Describe Clearly and concisely describe the facts of the situation, without any judgement. "You have asked me to work late 3 days this week" Appear confident Use body language to show confidence even if you don't feel it. Stand up straight, make appropriate eye contact, speak clearly, and avoid fidgeting Negotiate Know the limits of what you are willing to accept, but be willing to compromise within them. “I’ll finish the extra work this week, but I won’t be able to manage the same amount of work next week.” DEAR MAN Instructions: Choose a specific interpersonal challenge you are dealing with, or that you have dealt with in the past. Answer the prompt for each step to create a plan for communicating about the issue Describe: What are the facts of the situation? Do not include opinions or interpretations. Express: Write an “I” statement to express your feelings: “I feel _____ when _____.” Assert: How will you tell someone what you need? Respond with the specific language you will use. Reinforce: How will you reward the other person for responding well to you? Mindfulness: What is the goal of your interaction? What other topics might distract from the goal? Appear confident: Describe the posture, eye contact, and tone of voice you will use. Negotiate: What are the limits of what you are willing to accept?

Feel-good hormones: How they affect your mind, mood and body Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. Once released by glands into your bloodstream, they act on various organs and tissues to control everything from the way your body functions to how you feel. One group of hormones are nicknamed the "feel-good hormones" because of the happy and, sometimes, euphoric feelings they produce. They're also considered neurotransmitters, which means they carry messages across the spaces between nerve cells. What are the four feel-good hormones? Dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin. Hormones - how they affect your mind, mood and body. You can boost levels of these hormones with some simple lifestyle changes, like diet, exercise, and meditation, and possibly improve your mood in the process. Do you need a supplement? There are many natural ways to increase levels of feel-good hormones in your brain, including with diet, exercise, and by spending time with the people you care about. In a quest to feel better and prevent depression, it’s tempting to reach for a supplement as a quick pick-me-up. For most people, supplementing these hormones isn’t necessary. And in some cases, supplements can cause unwanted and even serious side effects. For example, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) supplements help to raise serotonin levels in the brain. However, their use is linked to liver and brain damage, as well as a rare but potentially fatal condition called eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS) that affects the muscles, skin, and lungs. Before taking any supplements, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure the product you plan to buy is safe for you. You may not even need a supplement unless you are deficient in a particular hormone. And if you have a condition that’s marked by abnormally low levels of one of these hormones, such as Parkinson’s disease, your doctor can recommend medication to treat it. Here are the links to articles looking at each of the four feel-good hormones and how they work: Dopamine Serotonin Endorphins Oxytocin

What is the Collective Unconscious? Carl Jung Collective Unconscious term introduced by psychiatrist Carl Jung to represent a form of the unconscious (that part of the mind containing memories and impulses of which the individual is not aware) common to mankind as a whole and originating in the inherited structure of the brain. What Is Carl Jung's Collective Unconscious? Sometimes referred to as the "objective psyche," the collective unconscious refers to the idea that a segment of the deepest unconscious mind is genetically inherited and not shaped by personal experience. This notion was originally defined by psychoanalyst Carl Jung. According to Jung's teachings, the collective unconscious is common to all human beings.1 Jung also believed that the collective unconscious is responsible for a number of deep-seated beliefs and instincts, such as spirituality, sexual behavior, and life and death instincts. History Born in Switzerland in 1875, Carl Jung founded the school of analytical psychology.2 Britannica. Carl Jung: Swiss psychologist. He is responsible for proposing and developing the psychological concepts of the collective unconscious, along with introverted and extroverted personalities. Jung worked with Sigmund Freud, another prominent psychologist during that time. In his early studies, Jung's work affirmed many of Freud's ideas. But as time went on, the two eventually split in their principles of psychology—including their thoughts about the development of the unconscious mind. The biggest difference between their explanations of the unconscious mind is that Freud believed that it was the product of personal experiences, while Jung believed that the unconscious was inherited from the past collective experience of humanity. What Is the Purpose of the Collective Unconscious? According to Jung, the collective unconscious is made up of a collection of knowledge and imagery that every person is born with and is shared by all human beings due to ancestral experience.3 Though humans may not know what thoughts and images are in their collective unconscious, it is thought that in moments of crisis, the psyche can tap into it. Key Concepts of Cark Jung's Collective Unconscious Understanding Jung's beliefs of the collective unconscious also require understanding the concepts surrounding these beliefs. Archetypes Jung believed that the collective unconscious is expressed through universal archetypes. Archetypes are signs, symbols, or patterns of thinking and/or behaving that are inherited from our ancestors. According to Jung, these mythological images or cultural symbols are not static or fixed. Instead, many different archetypes may overlap or combine at any given time. Some common archetypes that Jung proposed for explaining the unconscious mind include:4 Anima: Symbolized by an idealized woman who compels man to engage in feminine behaviors Animus: Woman's source of meaning and power that both creates animosity toward man but also increases self-knowledge Hero: Starting with a humble birth, then overcoming evil and death Persona: The mask we use to conceal our inner selves to the outside world Self: The whole personality; the core of the total psyche Shadow: The psyche's immoral and dark aspects Trickster: The child seeking self-gratification, sometimes being cruel and unfeeling in the process Wise old man: The self as a figure of wisdom or knowledge. For example, wizards and revered teachers frequently appear in the media and marketing messages to reflect this archetype.5 What Are Jung's Four Major Archetypes? In his book "Four Archetypes," Jung shared the archetypes he considered to be fundamental to a person's psychological makeup: mother, rebirth, spirit, and trickster.6 Jung C. Four archetypes. Complex Beliefs Jung was convinced that the similarity and universality of world religions pointed to religion as a manifestation of the collective unconscious. Thus, deep-seated beliefs regarding spirituality are explained as partially due to the genetically-inherited unconscious. Similarly, morals, ethics, and concepts of fairness or right and wrong could be explained in the same way, with the collective unconscious as partially responsible. Phobias Jung used his theory of the collective unconscious to explain how fears and social phobias can manifest in children and adults for no apparent reason. Fear of the dark, loud sounds, bridges, or blood may all be rooted in this collective unconscious due to an inherited genetic trait. In support of this, research indicates that some children are afraid of the dark not because of a negative experience they've had during the nighttime, but because darkness activates an exaggerated response by the amygdala—the part of the brain associated with the processing of emotions—resulting in the development of an innate or unprovoked fear.7 Dreams Dreams were thought to provide key insight into the collective unconscious. Jung believed that due to the archetypes represented, specific symbols in dreams are universal. In other words, the same symbols mean similar things to different people. At the same time, Jung believed that dreams are highly personal and that dream interpretation requires knowing a great deal about the individual dreamer. Freud, on the other hand, often suggested that specific symbols represent specific unconscious thoughts. More than just being repressed wishes, Jung felt that dreams compensate for parts of the psyche that are underdeveloped in our waking lives. This has allowed for the study of dreams as an instrument for research, diagnosis, and treatment for psychological conditions and phobias.8 Interpretation of Carl Jung's Collective Unconscious Historically, there has been some debate around whether the collective unconscious requires a literal or symbolic interpretation. In scientific circles, a literal interpretation of the collective unconscious is thought to be a pseudoscientific theory.4 This is because it is difficult to scientifically prove that images of mythology and other cultural symbols are inherited and present at birth. Conversely, a symbolic interpretation of the collective unconscious is thought to have some scientific grounding because of the belief that all humans share certain behavioral dispositions.9 Ongoing Research Researchers are continuously trying to increase their understanding of the collective unconscious. For instance, a 2015 study suggests that the gut microbiome may play a role in how the unconscious regulates behavior.10 If so, studies of gut microbes could be a part of the future of psychiatric research. Another example is a 2022 study published in Digital Geography and Society that investigates the role that the collective unconscious may play in our thoughts and behaviors while interacting on social media platforms.11 Thus, Jung's ideas continue to be assessed to better understand the collective unconscious and how it works.

The Illusion of Reality Alan Watts Who is Alan Watts? A prolific author and speaker, Alan Watts was one of the first to interpret Eastern wisdom for a Western audience. Born outside London in 1915, he discovered the nearby Buddhist Lodge at a young age. After moving to the United States in 1938, Alan became an Episcopal priest for a time, and then relocated to Millbrook, New York, where he wrote his pivotal book The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety. The Illusion of Reality. In 1951 he moved to San Francisco where he began teaching Buddhist studies, and in 1956 began his popular radio show, “Way Beyond the West.” By the early sixties, Alan’s radio talks aired nationally and the counterculture movement adopted him as a spiritual spokesperson. He wrote and traveled regularly until his passing in 1973. “Perhaps the foremost interpreter of Eastern disciplines for the contemporary West, Alan Watts had the rare gift of ‘writing beautifully the un-writable’. Watts begins with scholarship and intellect and proceeds with art and eloquence to the frontiers of the spirit. A fascinating entry into the deepest ways of knowing.” — LA Times The Early Years (1915-1938) Alan Wilson Watts was born on January 6, 1915 in the countryside near London, England. From a young age Alan was fascinated by Asian art, literature, and philosophy (his mother’s students were children of missionaries to Asia). His parents recognized his bright and inquiring nature, and encouraged Alan to write. His father, a businessman, would bring Alan to the Buddhist Lodge in London, where as a teenager, Alan became editor for the Lodge’s journal, The Middle Way. In 1932, he produced his first booklet, An Outline of Zen Buddhism, a summary based on the Zen writings of D. T. Suzuki. In 1938, Alan moved to the United States to study Zen in New York, where he soon began lecturing in bookstores and cafes. The Middle Years (1939-1959) In 1940, Alan published The Meaning of Happiness, a book based on his talks. Ironically, the book was issued on the eve of the second World War. After a brief time in New York, Alan moved to Chicago and enrolled at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, deepening his interest in mystical theology. Alan was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1944, but by the spring of 1950, Alan’s time as a priest had run its course, and he left the Church and Chicago for upstate New York. There he settled into a small farmhouse outside Millbrook and began writing The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety. In early 1951 Alan relocated to San Francisco, where, at Dr. Frederic Spiegelberg’s invitation, he began teaching Buddhism at the American Academy of Asian Studies (which later became the California Institute of Integral Studies). Drawing quite a crowd, his classes at the Academy soon blossomed into evening lectures open to the public and spilled over to local coffee houses frequented by Beat poets and writers. Alan’s career took to the airwaves in 1953, when he accepted a Saturday evening slot on Berkeley’s KPFA radio station. That year he began a broadcast series titled “The Great Books of Asia” followed in 1956 by “Way Beyond the West” — which proved to be quite popular with Bay Area audiences. Re-broadcast on Sunday mornings, the show later aired on KPFK in Los Angeles as well, beginning the longest-running public radio series — nearly 60 years at this writing. The Later Years (1960 to 1973) By the mid-fifties a “Zen Boom” was underway as Beat intellectuals in San Francisco and New York began celebrating and assimilating the esoteric qualities of Eastern religion into an emerging worldview that was later dubbed “the counterculture” of the 1960’s. Following the 1966 publication of The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are, which sold very well, requests for appearances poured in. Alan lectured at colleges throughout the U.S. and conducted seminars at fledging “growth centers” across the country, such as the world-renowned Esalen Institute of Big Sur, California. Broadcasts of his talks continued at KPFA and KPFK, and spread east to WBAI in New York and WBUR in Boston. The weekly shows attracted a wide audience and Alan became an important figure in the counterculture movement. As the movement gathered steam, the San Francisco Bay Area became a hotbed for radical politics, and a focal point of interest in Far Eastern ideas of enlightenment and liberation. The growing movement united civil rights activists, antiwar protesters, and members of the Free Speech movement, drawing thousands of young people to the Bay Area in 1967. After his stirring performance at a “Zenefit” for the San Francisco Zen Center, and a celebrated article on “Changes” in the Oracle alternative newspaper, Alan soon became recognized as a spiritual figurehead of the revolutionary movement. (Recorded at the Avalon Ballroom on April 6, 1967, Alan’s Zenefit lecture is titled Zen Bones.) By the late-sixties Alan was living on a ferryboat in Sausalito in a waterfront community of bohemians, artists, and other cultural renegades. Alan’s ferryboat soon became such a popular destination that to maintain his focus on writing, he moved into a cabin on the nearby slopes of Mount Tamalpais. There he became part of the Druid Heights artist community in the late sixties. Continuing to travel on lecture tours into the early seventies, Alan was increasingly drawn to life on the mountain, where he wrote his mountain journals (later published as Cloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown), penned his monograph The Art of Contemplation, worked on his autobiography In My Own Way, and wrote his final book, Tao: The Watercourse Way. However, soon after returning from a whirlwind lecture tour that took him through the U.S., Canada, and European, Alan passed away in his sleep on November 16, 1973, on the mountain he loved. Of life on the mountain, he wrote: “I was filled with that odd sensation the Japanese call yugen: watching wild geese fly and being hidden in the clouds; watching a ship vanish behind the distant island. I feel in some sense that I have lived on this mountain, that the experiences, the meetings, the goodbyes, the smell of food wafting through the trees, encountering wandering mystics on the many wiggly paths to the summit are all a fundamental and basic part of my makeup, which, in a certain sense of the word ‘me,’ they are. When I close my eyes I see faint images of light through the leaves, of cabins and their interiors full of Aztec hangings, singing bowls, prayer rattles, Eastern art, dresses and instruments and strange furnishings. There are some places that seem to, through a collective upsurging in creative joy, find their way to a spot outside of time and from there send waves rippling up against the shores of our own slices of the here and now.” – Alan Watts

| Wayne Dyer "The Very Important Reason Why Raising Your Energy Matters" Biography of Wayne Dyer Wayne W. Dyer, Ph.D.,is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. He’s the author of more than 37 books (20 of which have been national best-sellers), has created many audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows. His books Manifest Your Destiny,Wisdom of the Ages,There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem, and The New York Times bestsellers 10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace,The Power of Intention,Inspiration,Change Your Thoughts—Change Your Life, Excuses Begone! and Wishes Fulfilled have all been featured as National Public Television specials. Dr. Dyer’s first feature film, The Shift, released in 2009, and the film based on Dr. Dyer’s life, My Greatest Teacher, released in 2012. Important reason why raising your energy matters. Dr. Wayne Dyer, affectionately called the "father of motivation" by his fans, began his author career in the early 1970’s by traveling the country alone and selling his first book, Your Erroneous Zones, from the trunk of his car. That book went on to sell more than 30 million copies, becoming the bestselling book of the 70s. Despite his childhood spent in orphanages and foster homes, Dr. Dyer has overcome many obstacles to make his dreams come true. Today he spends much of his time showing others how to do the same. Dr. Dyer’s philosophy of giving to the world what one hopes to receive has been demonstrated by his commitment to philanthropy. His charitable contributions include donating one million dollars to Wayne State University in Detroit, MI (his alma mater), as well as raising over $150 million for National Public Television through his PBS specials. Dr. Dyer holds a doctorate in educational counseling from Wayne State University, and was an associate professor at St. John’s University in New York. When he's not traveling the globe delivering his uplifting message, Wayne is writing from his home in Hawaii.