The Term "Mental Health"

[keirsey]

[Note this was a blog in response to a question about "bipolar disorder" on PersonalityZone]

The “other” important part of my father's work that is still vastly hidden, is in the area of "mental health." Of course, a problem is, first, one must say that my father would not use the word "mental" -- he finds that word useless, but more to the point he finds the use of the word “mental” as "counterproductive." The term "bipolar" is also a word that he finds as a dangerous label that psychiatry has recently created and used to make drug dependents of millions of people (including a significant number of kids, because they are the most vulnerable and easiest to drug in the long term). The overwhelming majority of psychiatrists make a living (often very lucrative) by prescribing pills. The fact that psychiatry is a more harmful practice on the whole, than helpful, is not recognized widely.

The issue of dealing the “problems” that are indicated by being branded “bipolar” either by medics or self-diagnosed (see Mistakes Were Made, but not by me), does not go away, despite the fact that the “bipolar disorder” does not exist. Having problems in life can persist and both putting labels or rejecting labels as the “problem” can contribute or ameliorate the problem. The key is, since the whole of psychiatry and partially psychology are in the dark ages, to recognize the important works that can give one tools and methods to cope or fix the problems that each individual encounters.

Since this “problem” is complicated and not easily explained by a few blogs entries, I will be creating blogs entries on this topic, and hopefully my dialog (or monolog) might help those interested. I will try to reveal some of my father’s work based on in the last sixty years. When in the future I am able to release or help publish his book Dark Escape, people can see and gain better understanding of this very important area.

[fuzzynavelnot21]

I am anxiously awaiting the new book. Do you have more to add to this topic now? Is there a place we can pre-order the book?

[keirsey]

I am anxiously awaiting the new book. Do you have more to add to this topic now? Is there a place we can pre-order the book?

I missed this question for awhile, the forums are getting busy, such that I don't see things as they occur and they get buried.

Regarding the publishing of Dark Escape, this a sore point. My father has been working off and on this stuff for literally at least 60 years. He is still working on it. Given his record I don't dare to try to anticipate when the book will be ready to publish.

I have several related blogs related to the subject previously written on the old PersonalityZone which is this archive.

http://brainsandcareers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22

http://brainsandcareers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=20

http://brainsandcareers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=21

[fuzzynavelnot21]

No problem at all. I didn't really give you a very specific 'problem' to solve, haha, so it was probably a bit frustrating to 'fix'.

About The Dark Escape- That is highly irritating but completely understandable. He has to get it 'right' and there are probably endless amounts of variables and research that could still be considered. Are you capable/willing to continue or 'wrap up' his research in order to get the book published if he becomes unable to do so? (Forgive the implications in this question. I know that you understand I in no way wish to upset anyone by my asking, but I still am compelled to apologize for any possible upsetting feelings this question evokes.)

[keirsey]

We will see what will happens on Dark Escape, if he doesn't finish it to his satisfaction, I will put it out in some form. I am theoretically capable of "tidying up" Dark Escape, but I certainly would not be capable of completing it in the way my father would, nor do I have the enthusiasm to do the research (he has done 10 out of 16). I am struggling with my leadership book: writing is hard because our Architect Rational attitude is it must be "right" for all time. My expertise is not in psychology, despite my close understanding of my father's work.

[fuzzynavelnot21]

I pretty much predicted most of that response, haha. Sounds good. Thank you for the response. I do have another question. What does 'he has done 10 out of 16' refer to?

[SunPath]

He has revised ten out of sixteen temperament case studies for the book. More than half-way!

[fuzzynavelnot21]

Awww, ok. Thank you for the clarification.

[Lord Vetinari]

I am struggling with my leadership book: writing is hard because our Architect Rational attitude is it must be "right" for all time.

Hardly a setback. All this does is ensure that every word written is worth reading.

[fuzzynavelnot21]

Yes, although a double edged sword, I agree we are indebted to Rationals for their analytical prowess and quest for truth.