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Narcissism and social media usage

Social media is an increasingly popular platform for advertisement, business, socialising, communicating, posting pictures and passing time but they are also an excellent place for self-promotion and enhancement. Whether narcissistic people spend more time on social media, the photo and selfie update frequency, the number of tweets, content, and followers can be relevant to narcissism traits.

Where to get treatment for Narcissism?

Julian O’Sullivan psychologist and Werribee based psychologist. who provides psychotherapy for narcissism among other disorders. He does so using psychodynamic therapy. He works with adults mostly and has 10 years of experience doing so.

 

But what is Narcissism?

It involves personality traits such as grandiosity illusion, high need for constant admiration, being cunning and trying to control others, being rude or abusive and arrogant, lack of empathy with other people’s feelings and selfishness and unreasonable expectations. There are effective psychotherapy methods available with the psychologists in Werribee, Melbourne services able to provide treatment for this. He targets such unreasonable expectations when doing so. However, behind this cover of high level of self confidence, there lies a fragile personality which can break if it faces any criticism. Fear, rage and shame, feeling alone and isolated, feeling less than other people, and less of a good person are the underlying feelings of a narcissist. Environment, genetics and neurobiology reasons can cause this mental issue. Parental overprotection, lack of love and intimacy in child and parents relationship and conditional love, overvaluation or devaluing kids in comparison to their siblings, being too merciful on the kids and giving them the permission for entitlement are the biggest known reasons for narcissism in young adults.

Social media in recent time is blamed to promote and rise in narcissism, but is it true?

We are living in the media era which is mainly used by millennials. This generation is reported to be “generation me” and there is a significant rise in narcissism between this generation. Some sociologists believe that we live in the age of entitlement (Firestone, n.d). There is a research done about narcissism and four hypotheses were tested. The results showed that people with narcissism do more activity on the social media and there was a correlation between self-promoting contents and photos and high narcissism as it was expected. For further information on treatment for this issue visit Julian O’Sullivan Growth Minded Psychology.

What are the treatments for narcissism? 

Treating narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can be challenging due to the nature of the condition, which often includes a lack of insight or unwillingness to acknowledge weaknesses or flaws. However, several therapeutic approaches and strategies have been identified as potentially effective in managing symptoms of narcissism and improving the quality of life for those affected. It’s important to note that treatment success varies from person to person, and a combination of therapies may be most beneficial.

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): The cornerstone of treatment for NPD is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, as the therapy must be tailored to each individual’s needs. Therapeutic modalities that have shown promise include:

– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals recognize and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors. For those with NPD, it can be used to address issues such as empathy development, social skills, and coping mechanisms for handling criticism or failure.

– Psychodynamic Therapy: This approach explores underlying unconscious motivations and early life experiences, aiming to uncover the root causes of narcissistic behaviors. Through this exploration, individuals may gain insight into their condition and learn healthier ways to relate to others.

– Schema Therapy: This integrates elements from various therapeutic models to treat personality disorders. It focuses on identifying and changing deeply ingrained patterns or schemas that are thought to underlie NPD, such as beliefs of entitlement or superiority.

Group Therapy: While challenging, group therapy can be beneficial for individuals with NPD by providing a space to practice empathy, receive feedback from peers, and develop healthier interpersonal skills. It’s crucial that these groups are led by experienced therapists who can manage the dynamics and ensure a constructive environment.

Medication: There are no medications specifically approved to treat NPD. However, medications may be prescribed to address co-occurring issues or symptoms, such as depression or anxiety, which can contribute to the severity of narcissistic behaviors.

Lifestyle and Self-Care: Encouraging a healthy lifestyle and self-care practices can support overall mental health, which in turn may help mitigate some symptoms of NPD. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and mindfulness or stress-reduction techniques can have positive effects.

Challenges and Considerations: Engagement in treatment is a significant hurdle, as individuals with NPD often do not recognize their need for help or resist therapy. Building a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect is crucial. Therapists need to approach patients with empathy and without judgment, fostering a safe environment for self-exploration and growth.

To sum up, treating narcissism requires a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual’s specific needs and challenges. Psychotherapy, particularly CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and schema therapy, plays a central role, potentially supplemented by group therapy, medication for co-occurring conditions, and supportive lifestyle changes. Success in treatment largely depends on the individual’s willingness to engage in the therapeutic process and the skill of the healthcare professionals involved.

A brief primer on the history of psychology and psychiatry

The journey of understanding the human mind and treating its ailments spans thousands of years, weaving through ancient civilizations, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and into the modern era of science and technology. This article explores the evolution of psychology and psychiatry, highlighting key developments and shifts in perspectives that have shaped the way we understand and address mental health today.

 

 The Ancient Foundations: Understanding the Mind in Early Civilizations

 

In ancient societies, mental health and the mind were usually intermixed with soulful, religious, as well as supernatural beliefs. The Egyptians, for example, believed in the concept of the heart and mind as centers of thought and emotion, while the Greeks and Romans made significant contributions to early understandings of psychology. Hippocrates, the Greek physician, proposed that mental disorders had physical rather than supernatural causes, suggesting that imbalances in bodily fluids, or humors, were to blame. This was a pivotal shift toward medical explanations for mental health issues.

 

 Medieval and Renaissance Perspectives on Mental Illness

 

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, explanations for mental illness regressed somewhat, often reverting to spiritual and supernatural causes. However, this period also saw the beginning of a slow shift towards more scientific approaches. The Renaissance, in particular, brought a renewed interest in humanism and the sciences, laying the groundwork for future exploration of mental health from a medical perspective.

 

 The Birth of Modern Psychiatry in the 18th and 19th Centuries

 

The 18th and 19th centuries marked the birth of modern psychiatry. The establishment of the first mental asylums, though often inhumane by today’s standards, represented an attempt to provide specialized care for the mentally ill. Pioneers like Philippe Pinel in France and William Tuke in England advocated for more compassionate treatment of psychiatric patients, challenging the prevailing norms of confinement and neglect.

 

 The Emergence of Psychological Science in the 19th Century

 

The 19th century also saw psychology begin to emerge as a distinct scientific discipline. Wilhelm Wundt established the first laboratory dedicated to psychological research in Leipzig, Germany, in 1879, marking the official birth of psychology as an experimental science. This period set the stage for psychology to develop its methodologies, theories, and areas of specialization.

 

Freud, Psychoanalysis, and the Unconscious Mind

 

Sigmund Freud’s development of psychoanalysis in the late 19th and early 20th centuries revolutionized the field of psychology. Freud introduced the concept of the unconscious mind and proposed that many mental disorders stem from unresolved conflicts and repressed traumas. His emphasis on the importance of childhood experiences and sexuality was controversial but undeniably influential, shaping much of early 20th-century thought in psychology and psychiatry.

 

 Behaviorism and the Study of Observable Behavior

 

In the early 20th century, the focus of psychology shifted with the rise of behaviorism. John B. Watson and later B.F. Skinner argued that psychology should concern itself only with observable behavior, discarding the study of the mind or consciousness as unscientific. This approach had a profound impact on psychology, leading to significant advances in understanding learning, conditioning, and behavior modification.

 

 The Humanistic Movement: Psychology’s “Third Force”

 

Reacting against the perceived limitations of psychoanalysis and behaviorism, the humanistic psychology movement emerged in the mid-20th century. Led by figures like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, humanistic psychology focused on individual potential, self-actualization, and the belief that people are inherently good. This perspective offered a more positive view of human nature and emphasized the importance of personal growth and self-understanding.

 

 The Cognitive Revolution and the Return to the Study of the Mind

 

The 1950s and 1960s witnessed the cognitive revolution, which marked a return to the study of internal mental processes. This shift was fueled by developments in computer science, linguistics, and neuroscience, which provided new metaphors and methods for understanding how the mind processes information. Research into perception, memory, decision-making, and problem-solving flourished, establishing cognitive psychology as a major field of study.

 

 The Integration of Psychology and Psychiatry: Towards a Holistic Approach

 

In recent decades, there has been a move towards integrating psychology and psychiatry, recognizing that a holistic approach is necessary to understand and treat mental health effectively. The biopsychosocial model, which considers biological, psychological, and social factors, reflects this integrated approach. Advances in neuroscience have further bridged the gap between psychology and psychiatry, offering insights into the biological underpinnings of mental health disorders.

 

 Contemporary Challenges and Future Directions in Psychology and Psychiatry

 

Despite these advancements, psychology and psychiatry face contemporary challenges, including the replication crisis, which has called into question the reliability of many psychological studies. The debate over the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and its categorization of mental disorders highlights the complexities of diagnosing and understanding mental health. Meanwhile, emerging trends such as digital mental health interventions and personalized medicine promise to reshape the treatment landscape.

 

The history of psychology and psychiatry is a testament to humanity’s enduring quest to understand the mind and alleviate mental suffering. From the philosophical musings of ancient civilizations to the cutting-edge research of today, this journey reflects our evolving perspectives on mental health and the continual refinement of our approaches to treatment. As we look to the future, the integration of diverse disciplines and the embrace of new technologies hold the promise of deeper insights and more effective interventions, continuing the centuries-old mission to improve mental well-being for all.

Depression

Depression is a disabling illness. It affects millions around the world each year. It is a risk factor for suicide. Symptoms include demotivation, fatigue, sleep disturbance, suicidal thinking, hopelessness, helplessness, low self-confidence. Often people with depression can make others get a heavy sinking feeling when talking to them. It is an awful condition which saddens greatly the loved ones with those who suffer from the condition. We recommend long term therapy to help people overcome this terrible condition which can get in the way of leading a normal life.