Tag Archives: psychology

I Don’t Belong Here

I was intrigued by an essay positing that people with autism experience identity differently from neurotypicals. The writer had surveyed thousands of people in online groups, asking the simple question, Who are you? I didn’t really care about or agree … Continue reading

Posted in Disorders, grief, Words | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Finding Equanimity

The Sanskrit word upeksha means “equanimity, non-attachment, nondiscrimination, even-mindedness, or letting go.” Upa means ‘over,’ and iksh means ‘to look.’ You climb the mountain to be able to look over the whole situation, not bound by one side or the … Continue reading

Posted in Disorders, Religion | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

What’s Wrong With Me, Volume 500

All my life, I’ve wondered what the fuck is wrong with me. I’m curious and reflective by nature, and relentless about trying to figure shit out. I find it amazing that other people aren’t consumed by questions about their own … Continue reading

Posted in Disorders, Horrible Stuff, Words | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Do You See What I See?

When I first saw the picture above, I saw a guy about to jump. I still see that, but I’m aware that it’s just an ad for some new Nike’s. My brain is not good, or let’s say it’s not … Continue reading

Posted in Art, Disorders | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

The Weiner Vortex

No one warned me about the Weiner documentary. I expected a fun, lurid, behind-the-scenes look at Anthony Weiner’s well-earned fall from grace. But it’s deeply depressing, on every level. I had hoped to get over it, but now he’s back, … Continue reading

Posted in Horrible Stuff, News | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

The Sadness Of Shoes

I scrolled by these shoes today and felt their sadness. They’re trying hard to look gay and festive and boho, but you can see right through that shaky facade. They are about to cry. I don’t know about you, but … Continue reading

Posted in Disorders, Words | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

The Unbearable Softness of Being

I went to see my psychiatrist when he returned from his three week vacation. Before I could make a peremptory statement about my hair, he said brightly: “New Hair!” He had no idea what I’ve been through, hair-wise. This is the … Continue reading

Posted in Disorders, Fashion | Tagged , , | 24 Comments

Patti and Perspective

On Saturday, I met my Living Idol,   Patti Smith, and I was crushed that she didn’t ask to be my best friend.   She was actually perfectly nice, and autographed an old book of her poetry for me, but the distance … Continue reading

Posted in Art, Horrible Stuff | Tagged , | 23 Comments

Life Goes On

Isn’t is weird to see people going on about their business while a disaster devastates  one part of the world and a ruthless massacre takes place somewhere else? If you follow twitter, the incongruous tweets illustrate how most people go right … Continue reading

Posted in Horrible Stuff, News | Tagged , , | 45 Comments

When is Bitterness a Disorder?

Psychiatrists have defined a new subgroup of what is known as ‘adjustment disorders.’ Somewhat similar to post traumatic stress disorder, post traumatic embitterment disorder is triggered by a negative life event which “is experienced as a violation of basic beliefs … Continue reading

Posted in Disorders, News, Words | Tagged , , | 26 Comments