The following book reviews contain a mental health study on personality disorder. The first is mummy’s boy Norman; seconds out, round two is a private gentleman's club activity swirling out of control; after all, men will be men. We begin by exploring Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”, the psychological thriller, by providing various perspectives and interpretations that can better enhance your exploration of the film’s resilience and understanding of mental illness. Robert Bloch’s Psycho,...

To Kill a Mockingbird, a 1960 novel by Harper Lee, is an iconic masterpiece set in the 1930s Deep South that confronts American society's deep-seated prejudices and injustices. Positioned in the racially divided town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the story follows Scout Finch, a young girl coming of age in a world filled with racial tension and injustice. Whose father, Atticus Finch, defends an African-American accused of raping a white woman. Through the lens of Scout's...

Have you ever found yourself at the mercy of a situation, feeling like a leaf tossed in the wind? This is where the dichotomy of control steps in, offering a lifeline to clarity and calm in the chaos of life. It's a simple yet profound principle that can revolutionise how we handle our daily struggles. In this lesson, we'll unravel the layers of this Stoic wisdom, guiding you toward serenity in a world that often feels out of control. Join us as we explore the roots, principles, and...

Today's articles look at the darker side of love with abuse that requires reflection and consideration for the reader to contemplate. The 1955 novel Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov, a Russian-American novelist, handles the controversial subject of hebephilia, a profoundly unsettling and controversial exploration of obsession and the demonic aspects of human nature. The second is a 1994 movie, A Child's Cry For Help, which also tackles the sensitive subject of mental health in a dramatic and...

Our previous session discussed how literature and the media manipulated public opinion and shaped people’s beliefs and behaviours. Today, we have a closer look at Fake News. The Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Spectrum and a book reflecting the counterculture movement and challenges the traditional values, institutionalisation and incarceration in the 1960s. Can you guess what it is? Propaganda has historically shaped public opinion by disseminating information or ideas to promote a...

Obsessive love can be described as an intense and overwhelming feeling of love towards someone, which can lead to controlling behaviour and possessiveness. It often involves an unhealthy attachment to the other person and can have negative consequences for both the lover and the loved one. Idolatry, infatuation, and erotomania are terms used to describe different types of intense feelings or obsessions towards someone or something.  Here’s a brief explanation of...

The previous article briefly discussed how the power of literature was a deadly weapon through newspapers, radio, and other media outlets, used in antisemitic propaganda by Adolf Hitler to dehumanise and vilify his enemies, primarily the Jews he called parasites.  But for additional groups such as communists and non-Aryans, the word was used in Germany to describe a future genius race and then later labelled by philosophers as Social Darwinism to justify their despicable acts. [cited: Mein...

I proposed that books allow the individual to learn from their reading experiences and bibliotherapy to be the focus of therapy and self-reflection. Photography was suggested as a tool for conveying emotion and channels for self-expression. Then, like a vision, I observed a review by Andrew Pettigrew, which combined both aspects together. The premise of this work was a historical and cultural insight into the Second World War. It demonstrates the power of literature as a deadly weapon...

Although health professionals often use the term mental health, physicians recognise that many psychological disorders have physical roots. And this is why loneliness can significantly affect both your physical and mental health. In today’s fast-paced and connected world, it may seem counterintuitive to think loneliness is a prevalent issue. Loneliness is a serious problem that can significantly impact individuals. It is often referred to as the “loneliness epidemic” due to its increasing...

Our previous article briefly looked into the World of literature on mental health. We considered the early inclusion of mental health literature available to our young minds by viewing Christopher Robin’s friends and his mental state of mind. Leaving the door open for discussion concerning his imaginary friendship was either a coping mechanism or schizophrenia. Then, to whet your appetite, I introduced you to some stars in this field of work. One example was the Yellow Wallpaper (1892)....

What is Bibliotherapy? Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses literature to support mental health and wellbeing. It involves using books, poems, and other written materials to help individuals understand and cope with their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Bibliotherapy can be used in various settings, including schools, libraries, hospitals, and therapy sessions. Words and images in literature and poetry connect us to the past, showing that others have faced and overcome...

Mental health is an important and often misunderstood topic affecting millions worldwide. Raising awareness and promoting understanding of mental health issues is crucial to creating a more inclusive and supportive society. In recent years, literature has emerged as a powerful tool for exploring and shedding light on mental health experiences. Through relatable characters and thought-provoking narratives, texts and their emergence into film enable nonmedical individuals to gain insights...

The continuous presence of intrusive thoughts can create a constant sense of unease and fear. They have the power to make you question your own morality and sanity. The toll they take on you is not only mental but physical as well. The exhaustion caused by these persistent thoughts can affect your concentration, making it difficult to complete tasks or make decisions. Sleep disturbances may also occur due to the constant rumination induced by intrusive thoughts. The emotional impact of...

Is there a misunderstanding about anxiety in teenage girls? Anxiety is a common emotion experienced by people of all ages, but have we misunderstood its impact on teenage girls? In today's fast-paced, high-pressure world, it is essential to understand the unique challenges that young girls face. This article aims to shed light on the misconceptions surrounding anxiety in teenage girls and explore ways to support their mental health better. Over the past decade, the number of American...

Why do you struggle to resist a sugary snack or struggle with anxiety? The answer lies in our genes. Our genetic makeup plays an important role in shaping who we are and how we behave. Could it be possible that our genes are responsible for our circumstances? Genes are the segments of DNA that provide instructions for the development and functioning of our bodies. They determine our physical attributes, such as eye colour, height, and hair texture. However, genes also influence our...

A healthy mind is essential for overall well-being. It enables us to cope with the challenges of everyday life and maintain a positive outlook. But what does it mean to have a healthy mind?  It goes beyond just being free from mental illness; it encompasses having good mental health and emotional resilience. A healthy mind is characterised by clarity of thought, the ability to manage stress effectively, and the capacity to maintain balanced emotions. It involves cultivating positive...

Paranoid Schizophrenia: Learning and Managing this Condition Paranoid schizophrenia is a complex and often debilitating mental illness that affects approximately 0.5% of the population. Portrayed by a combination of hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised thinking, it can drastically impact a person’s ability to function in daily life. In this article, we delve into the essential aspects of paranoid schizophrenia, including its symptoms, causes, and available treatments. The term...

In the world of neuroscience and psychology, there are intriguing conditions that challenge our fundamental understanding of perception. One such condition is agnosia, which disrupts somebody’s ability to recognise or interpret sensory information. Agnosia usually affects only a single information pathway in the brain. If you have this condition, you can still think, speak, and interact with the world. While it may sound like a relatively simple concept, delving into the complexities of...

In our quest to unravel the complex workings of the human mind, we often encounter enigmatic conditions that confound our understanding. One such condition is Alexithymia, also known as (AKA) emotional blindness. This fascinating yet little-known phenomenon profoundly affects one’s emotional well-being. Unlocking the secrets of this mysterious condition is essential for gaining insight into the intricate mechanisms underlying our emotions and paving the way towards improved psychological...

A Comprehensive Guide To Mind-Wandering Do you often find yourself lost in your thoughts, utterly detached from the present moment? If so, you’re not alone. This phenomenon is known as mind-wandering, a common occurrence for many people. Here’s an article explaining everything you need to know about mind-wandering. Mind wandering is associated with many appellations, and you may recognise the term as daydreaming, off-task thinking, spontaneous stimulus-independent thought, or even...

Procrastination And Getting Things Done Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks or activities that need to be done. It is the tendency to put off important or demanding tasks in favour of more pleasurable or easier ones. It is a common trait many people struggle with, and research suggests that about 20% of individuals can be classified as procrastinators. What exactly causes people to procrastinate? Procrastination can be described as the gap between intention and...

Gaslighting in Relationships: How to Heal and Move Forward. Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse in which an individual manipulates another person to doubt their own perceptions, feelings and thoughts, ultimately leading them to question their sanity and sense of reality. Do you ever find yourself questioning your own memory, feelings, or sanity in your relationship? Does your partner try to convince you that your thoughts and emotions are wrong or even ‘crazy’? If so, you may be...

Echoism vs Narcissism: What’s the Difference? Have you heard of Echoism?  It’s a term that describes individuals who tend to repeat what others say to avoid conflict or assert their own opinions. In a world where narcissism often dominates our social media feeds, a lesser-known term offers a refreshing alternative: echoism, the other side of Narcissism Echoism being the opposite of narcissism, and it describes people who prefer to remain in the background and pursue a quieter, more...

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is often called the “silent killer” because it can go unnoticed until it causes severe health problems. In fact, hypertension affects over 1 billion people worldwide and is responsible for an estimated 7.5 million deaths annually. Understanding the risks of hypertension and how to prevent it is crucial for maintaining good health and longevity. What is Hypertension? Hypertension is a condition that occurs when the force of blood pushing...