M Abdullah Qureshi

I am a Clinical Psychologist and a Lecturer of Psychology at Government College, Renala Khurd. Currently, I teach undergraduate students in the morning and practice psychotherapy later in the day. On the side, I conjointly run Psychologus and write regularly on topics related to psychology, business and philosophy. I enjoy practicing and provide consultation for mental disorders, organizational problems, social issues and marketing strategies.

Categories
Uncategorized

Will My Depression Ever Go Away?

Depression is a huge problem in modern times. If you’re suffering from it, the pain can seem endless.

This is the point where you can wonder

“Will my depression ever go away?”

A painful question.

But the short answer is ‘Yes. Your depression can go away.’

In this article, I will show you how this can be possible.

While we have talked about how you can control your painful emotions, sometimes depression can completely cloud your mind. First, we’ll go over a quick understanding of what this condition is.

What Depression Feels Like

Depression is a mental health condition and a mood disorder characterized by

  • A persistently low mood, and
  • A significantly reduced interest in activity

The condition has multiple symptoms based on these two major features.

For example, if you are suffering from depression, you are likely to feel worthless. You will also be more likely to feel tired most of the day and your level of activity would also significantly drop.

This would mean that you will likely stay confined to your room, house or workplace, i.e places that are only involved in keeping you barely alive. Moreover, you’ll probably have sleep problems (insomnia or hypersomnia) and perhaps a feeling of restlessness throughout your days.

All of this makes depression a very painful condition. One can feel as if the pain and torment will never end. Life seems like a never-ending road of disappointments, grief and struggles with one’s circumstances.

No one wants to be in this mess. But why is it so difficult to let go of?

Why Does Depression Happen?

To understand why depression is so hard to let go of, one has to understand why it happens in the first place.

Well, it is difficult to pinpoint why this mood disorder occurs. However, studies point towards a few possible causes

However, depression cannot be pinpointed to just one cause. Rather, there are multiple reasons why it can happen.

Usually, there is a biological or sociocultural anomaly which predisposes a person to have problematic beliefs or cognitive or behavioral problems. When these problems aren’t addressed, the person progressively loses interest in life or their disappointment or negative moods increase.

As a result, one becomes depressed.

Will Depression Go Away on its Own?

A study conducted at Cambridge University found that approximately 53% of people with depression will experience spontaneous remission after 12 months. This means that even without treatment, depression can go away over time.

Through one angle, this does seem to paint a hopeful picture.

However, if left untreated, depression can reappear more easily and with severer symptoms. So, it is necessary to get the necessary attention for this issue.

Can Depression be Cured?

There is much to be hopeful for, according to current recent research.

Four approaches to treating depression have been particularly established by research.

  • Psychotherapy
  • Pharmacotherapy
  • Brain stimulation therapies
  • Lifestyle changes

Psychotherapy

A fairly large study published in World Psychiatry indicated that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective for treating depression. CBT operates on models of depression, such as the cognitive triad. In this therapy, you will be trained to

  • Reframe negative thought patterns, and
  • Develop healthier coping mechanisms.

According to the study quoted, CBT is just as effective as medication — and when combined with medication, it can offer even better outcomes. Importantly, CBT and other psychotherapies are proven to work not only for mild depression but for more moderate and even persistent cases.

In psychotherapy, an individual goes over their social and psychological issues with a trained mental health professional, a psychotherapist. Some key areas that the psychotherapist and the individual work on are related to resilience, problem-solving, developing better communication skills, cognitive restructuring, improving assertiveness, emotional release (catharsis), addressing traumas, and many other areas of the individual’s psychology.

Modern psychotherapies that are effective include

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Dialectic Behavior Therapy
  • Mindfulness-based Therapies
  • Psychoanalytic Therapy

Pharmacotherapy

Pharmacotherapy refers to treatment of disorders using medication.

While the long-term benefits of antidepressants are lesser compared to psychotherapy, using medications is the first line of treatment in psychiatry.

There is evidence that some antidepressants work better than others for some people. However, what works best for you can only be decided once you actually start pharmacotherapy. Your psychiatrist will monitor the effects of a single medication or a combination of multiple medications over the course of days and/or weeks. Eventually, the goal is to help you manage your depression and experience of psychological pain and distress.

That being said, it is very much recommended to pursue psychotherapy along with medication. The combination can be far more beneficial.

Brain Stimulation Therapies

These therapies refer to a set of treatment options that usually stimulate parts of the brain by using electromagnetic waves.

Some examples of brain stimulation therapies are

  • Electroconvulsive Therapy
  • Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation
  • Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Brain stimulation is usually done when an individual is nonresponsive to both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. It is a comparatively extreme form of treatment and is conducted by a medical team.

However, careful consultation is required before you decide to pursue this because of the side-effects involved.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle has a profound effect on the symptoms of depression. Factors such as sleep, exercise and eating habits can greatly impact our day to day lives. This is because each of these factors are associated with neurobiological health as well as social aspects of life.

A simple improvement in exercise and better sleep schedule can help set you back on track. For example, according to a systematic review on comparing antidepressant therapy and physical exercise interventions, both treatments had the same level of positive effect on mild to moderate depression.

That being said, often individuals with depression are resistant to improve their lifestyle.

Thus, to help people make long-term improvements in their daily habits, psychotherapy can play a very important role. Moreover, for severer forms of depression, it is recommended that physical exercise be considered as an added management method.

Treatment-Resistant Depression

Sometimes, depression seems “treatment-resistant”. If you have been going to a therapist and taking medication regularly, you might still experience no improvement

Sometimes, initial treatments don’t bring the desired relief. However, studies have found that even when people don’t respond to their first or second treatments, there are still many paths forward.

It could be worthwhile to consider a combination of treatments.

For example, try combining physical exercise with psychotherapy and antidepressant therapy. Or perhaps you could consult your shrink and try a different form of psychotherapy or medication.

Lifestyle changes can make a huge difference. Improving your sleep schedule can also improve depressive symptoms and boost cognitive function. Moreover, it also reduces inflammation in the brain. So, improvements in your lifestyle can serve as a powerful adjunct to therapy or medication, offering both emotional and physical benefits.

So, will your depression ever go away?

For many people, the answer is yes — especially with a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan. Recovery might involve psychotherapy, medications, lifestyle changes, or newer biological therapies. It might involve trying more than one approach.

Recovery is not only possible; it’s expected when the right supports are in place.

If your current treatment isn’t working, don’t lose hope. New treatments, combinations, and strategies are emerging. Talk to your therapist and/or your doctor, advocate for your mental health.

Remember, healing is not a straight line, but it is real. Your depression can get better. You can feel better.

Categories
Organizational Psychology Business Psychology

An Entrepreneur’s Psychology: What Truly Drives Success?

Psychology is the study of mental processes, emotions and behavior. Its utility is everywhere. This also relates to business, where you are providing products and services to people. As such, an entrepreneur cannot run a business without knowing how to manage his/her own emotions or the needs of the employees.

In fact, their venture will most probably fail if they do not take into account psychological factors of their market! Every strategy has to cater to the consumer’s psychology.

Moreover, when managing a number of people in startups, it is important to maintain group cohesion without allowing ‘group think’.

So, for an entrepreneur, understanding and using psychology is crucial.

But what exactly is the psychology behind successful entrepreneurship?

I will draw from actual research, particularly that of Kaushal Mukherjee (2016) and Frese & Gielnik (2014), to demonstrate my points. This article will explore the core psychological characteristics and processes that define a successful entrepreneur.

So, let’s dive right in!

1. The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Not Born, But Built

Are entrepreneurs ‘greater’ humans? Well, they live and breathe much like the rest of us do. They need to eat food, drink water and sleep.

Mukherjee does away with the myth that entrepreneurs are “born to lead.”

I do admit that some traits can very well be innate to a person who sells innovation for a living. For example, trait conscientiousness of the Five Factor Model does relate to success in startups.

But are business icons somehow gifted by God or biology to rule by birth?

The simple answer is no.

The vast majority of innovators are shaped by experience. In fact, young entrepreneurs often lack the managerial or marketing know-how when they start out. This is why they are likely to fail in the beginning. However, they can gain confidence and competence as they make these mistakes and persist.

Steve Jobs: A Peak into an Entrepreneur’s Mindset

Steve Jobs use to have walking meetings. He thought that walking while discussing important matters can help align perspectives. This is an indication of someone who had a proactive approach to work.

Another interesting point was that he used to dress the same way almost every day.

Why?

Because this freed him of wasting too much time on deciding what to wear!

Parts of the Entrepreneurial Mindset

Their ability to persist, however, is a part of a mindset.

Motivation, a part of this mindset – particularly intrinsic motivation – plays a major. We’ll discuss what that means later on.

There are other parts of this mindset as well.

Frese & Gielnik note that the entrepreneur’s mindset has personal qualities such as self-efficacy, achievement motivation, and proactive personality​.

And for someone who has to take up as much responsibility as an entrepreneur does, they have to have – or build – certain qualities.

In a nutshell, a person’s mindset effects their chances of success. The more their activities and lifestyle choices align with their work, the better their focus can be.

2. Risk-Taking—but Calculated

Entrepreneurs are risk-takers.

However, studies make a crucial distinction: to be successful, one has to take calculated risks.

Mark Zuckerberg: A Calculated Risk for Virtual Reality

Mark Zuckerberg believes that online content will become more interactive. This explains why video content in news feeds has boomed over time. It also shows why his Edgerank algorithm prefers video.

And so, he believes the next big thing will be virtual reality.

It is a risk, and back then, VR wasn’t nearly as developed as it is now. So, he had two options. He could either purchase a virtual reality company early and pay less, or he could wait until the technology was better and pay a higher price.

He chose to act early.

As a result, his Metaverse has pushed the tech industry further than the horizons that seemed possible before. He did invest $2 billion in it. But eventually, it turned out for the better.

Mukherjee explains that successful entrepreneurs balance stability and innovation in business. Thus, they foresee consequences and assess alternatives. They also tend to share or shift risks through joint ventures or equity.

3. Motivation: The Driving Force

Earlier on, I mentioned intrinsic motivation as important for entrepreneurs. Well, Mukherjee outlines that both external and internal motivation play a major role in the process. Obviously, they want to improve their economic condition.

However, personal goals and psychological rewards like status or creative expression are sometimes more important.

Jeff Bezos and His Six Core Values

Jeff Bezos continually highlighted “Six Core Values” which motivated him in business.

  • Customer focus,
  • ownership,
  • action bias,
  • frugal living,
  • a high recruiting threshold,
  • innovation.

Bezos wanted Amazon to become entirely customer-focused company. He wanted Amazon to become the location where individuals go to look for and learn about whatever they wish to buy online.

And surely, Amazon expanded into toys, gadgets, music CDs, films, and more. The mega company restructured after the Internet stock market bubble burst. It was making money when other dot.com start-ups vanished.

Bezos’s experience with Amazon highlights just how important ambition and personal initiative can be for an entrepreneur to succeed.

Frese & Gielnik actually list down some motivators that students of psychology can be particularly interested in.

These motivators are

  • Goal-setting,
  • Personal initiative, and
  • Visionary thinking.

Entrepreneurs are guided by a vision of the future. This pushes them to persist even against uncertainty​. They are visionaries with a point to prove!

4. Innovation and Flexibility

Innovation is important in start-ups entering saturated markets.

They might launch new products. Or they could adapt new production techniques. Or they could simply move past outdated models. Openness to Experience is one of the five personality traits in the five-factor model. And this kind of openness to ideas can shape entire industries!

Henry Ford Pioneers Mass Production of Vehicles

Initially, Henry Ford wanted to ease farmers’ labor. His trucks were to assist them in transporting commodities to markets. However, things took a turn when the Ford Motor Company debuted the Model T, an automobile, in 1908.

Ford basically pioneered mass production. His company fused components created by different producers into a new manufacturing method.

Why?

Because he wanted to produce his utility car at a low cost. He broke down the skilled crafts prevalent in the early automobile production process into simpler tasks. This made it possible for unskilled labor to use specialized machines to do them.

By this, he not only made the car cheaper, but he also brought technological innovation into the market

Ford’s Model T also had a less flagrant appearance. For the majority of Americans with limited incomes, however, this was not an issue. Their primary concern was finding an affordable, and dependable means of transportation.

And so, the Model T sold very quickly. By 1923, half of all cars worldwide were Model Ts, and mass-production efficiency had reduced the price to less than $300.

Thus, Ford controlled the car industry.

Ford’s story shows how entrepreneurs have to be psychologically flexible. They have to keep an open mind. And they have to be ready to adjust plans on real-time feedback.

Entrepreneurial alertness

According to Frese & Gielnik, this is the ability to spot opportunities without actively searching for them. So, entrepreneurs have to be cognitively sharp and adaptive. This is instrumental in helping them overcome new problems innovatively.

5. Planning vs. Improvising: A Psychological Balancing Act

Successful entrepreneurs plan psychologically. They engage in mental simulations and “if-then” action strategies. Psychological planning enhances their execution, goal achievement, and resilience.

A Study on Entrepreneurial Action

A study conducted on adaptive actions among Entrepreneurs yielded interesting results. The researchers interviewed more than 40 entrepreneurs and found four major action-oriented themes

  • Urgency, which refers to acting, moving, and operating quickly;
  • Unorthodoxy, which involves taking action that is novel, non-obvious, interesting, and different from what might be expected;
  • Intended usefulness, which involves taking action that is meant to serve a specific purpose; and
  • Addressing immediate challenges or opportunities, which refers to acting in response to a specific crisis.

This model is better than rigid, overly detailed plans which can decrease adaptability. Instead, research shows that entrepreneurs who improvise in structure tend to outperform others​.

6. Grit: Passion, Stress Tolerance & Vision

We are emotional beings.

But passion is essential to keep a new venture going. Especially when the investment is low. Moreover, a high stress tolerance can help through uncertainty and setbacks. Because business innovators become so used to stress, they also end up making very rapid decisions. Entrepreneurs thus are psychologically strong and emotional intelligent enough to go through various challenges.

In short, they have a high level of grit.

Walt Disney, Failure and Success

A newspaper cartoonist in the early 1920s had a fantasy of starting a business making animated cartoons. He would have to leave his current job for it. But the risk seemed worth it.

The entrepreneur’s old supervisor at the Kansas City Star, where he was employed, said that this cartoonist “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” Nevertheless, the cartoonist left his job. He ventured into two unsuccessful businesses in the following time period. And he had no profitable cartoon films published.

However, he hired more people and took important lessons from his past blunders. The entrepreneur tried for a third time. He also founded the animation company that now goes by his name, Disney, in 1923.

Entrepreneurs are not robots. Rather, as Frese & Gielnik note, positive and negative emotions significantly influence entrepreneurial action.

There is a caveat here though.

While positive emotions like optimism can drive vision, overly positive emotions are not that great. For example, overconfidence may lead to faulty judgment. One thing that entrepreneurs can greatly benefit from is emotional regulation and learning from feedback​.

So, if you are thinking about starting a new venture, overcoming painful emotions is quite necessary. Moreover, conducting psychological tests of employees can also help you choose the person high enough stress tolerance or grit, as is required by the company.

Final Thoughts

The psychology of entrepreneurship is the engine behind an entrepreneur’s action, innovation, and eventual success.

People can have some great ideas. However, they can only succeed in the long-term if they think, feel, and behave adaptively in uncertainty. Their motivations have to align with growth, and opportunity.

Understanding this psychological foundation is vital. It can not only help aspiring entrepreneurs thrive but also guide mentors in making their ventures more effective and long-term. This is another example of how crucial studying psychology can be for a professional

Categories
Uncategorized Blog Psychological Interventions Psychological Tips

Why Psychology is Important

The word Psychology comes from two Latin words psyche, meaning ‘soul’ and logia, meaning ‘study of’. So, in essence, psychology is the study of consciousness and its outcomes, in general. In modern times, psychologists have shifted to the definition:

Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and behaviors.

As a separate discipline, psychology is a popular subject. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), psychology received 129,600 bachelor’s degrees in 2021–2022, placing it fifth among the top bachelor’s degrees.

This article will however not be about why should one pursue psychology as a discipline. Rather, I will explain how understanding mental process and behaviors is vital if you want to survive and progress in life.

So, let’s see why psychology is important!

Understanding Psychology Helps You Get What You Want

Here is a simple fact of the matter. Understanding others can help you make better decisions. Enough good decisions over a period of time and you can have the goal that you desire. Psychology thus helps majorly in making decisions which can optimize your life or get you out of a bad situation.

The following points show how psychology is important when you have a certain goal in mind.

Psychology Helps in Understanding Perspectives

Your boss has a narrative. Your client has a story to tell. Your friend has their own perspective.

Whoever the person is, they have a perspective that is based on a narrative of past events of their life. Understanding this narrative can be extremely helpful. It could be helpful in getting to know what the other person wants from you. It can be helpful in understanding what you have to do next to move towards what you want.

But not everything has to be about getting what you want.

Understanding the other person’s perspective can help you relate with them more. This can be extremely helpful when you want to pursue relationships.

After all, we are more likely to trust others if they do understand our perspective.

Psychology Helps in Managing Emotions

Ever felt overwhelmed by sadness or guilt or anger?

Human beings are emotional creatures. While emotions play a vital role in building empathy, being clouded by emotions often leads to bad decisions.

This happens because extreme emotions are often linked to the arousal of the Autonomic Nervous System. This system activates the fight or flight response. So, while going through extreme emotions we might make decisions that only give us relief in the short-term.

That is why individuals engage in violence when they are angry. Often, this violence results in some very painful consequences.

Consider the example of a young professional who has just entered the job market. Job markets are often not kind to fresh graduates. She sends out her CV to a bunch of organizations and gets no response from them. This is incredibly discouraging. If the young professional gives up on applying for jobs, she will stifle any opportunity that could have been possible.

This is even more problematic as it takes a number of tries (10+ applications) to land your first job. If being depressed makes her stop too early – she might miss out on an opportunity just around the corner!

Hence, it is vital to manage your emotions. Using certain psychological techniques and concepts taught in psychotherapy like cognitive restructuring, imagery, mindfulness, thought stopping and activity scheduling, you can manage these emotions far better.

Here are some brief ways by which you can manage painful emotions.

Psychology Helps in Managing Behaviors

Behavior is based on a basic principle. Edward Lee Thorndike proposed a Law of Effect which explains all behavior.

According to this law, behaviors which receive satisfying consequences are strengthened while behaviors which receive unsatisfying consequences are weakened.

Adding to this law is B.F. Skinner’s point that behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on both the antecedent (A) to the behavior (B) and the consequence (C) of the behavior as well. This is known as the ABC model of behavior.

Consider the example of a teacher not paying attention to disruptive students in the classroom. If this inattention is only from the teacher, while others in the class do attend to this disruptive behavior, the consequence is not potent enough for the student to stop misbehaving.

So, a psychologist would help the teacher come up with better strategies.

Psychologists use these behavioral principles to help people strengthen or weaken certain behaviors.

One can also apply this model to one’s own behaviors. Moreover, the ABC model can be used very effectively to manage behaviors of other humans as well.

Psychology Helps in Managing Human Relations

So far, we have talked about managing one’s own emotions.

But we can help regulate emotions of others as well. This would require one to understand the other individual’s perspective and behavior. While navigating through human relationships can require an individual to be compassionate, the most important point is to understand the other’s point of view and psychological content.

Understanding psychology can thus help you get out of very tough spots with others. Moreover, following behavioral principles can help you get favorable outcomes from others.

Consider the example of a Human Resource manager who receives a report that an immigrant employee said something misogynistic to a female coworker. Here, the HR manager would do well to understand whether the comments by the foreign employee were simply because of a difference of culture or something more sinister.

In short, the HR department would have to be aware of psychological biases or sociocultural context of both employees.

Do keep in mind that psychological techniques should not be considered a substitute to actual work. Some people do consider these to be more important (see Machiavellianism) than competence.

However, healthy work and domestic relationships are built on some actual substance.

Psychology Helps in Business

Finalizing business deals is an art. Often employing a certain attitude can get you the deal that you want. For this, one has to research their client or the party they’re dealing with.

Moreover, a study notes that managerial motivation can potentially increase in expanding profits for a business.

How?

Well, motivated managers are more likely to motivate their subordinates! Moreover, they are more likely to work harder at their jobs and cut less corners.

So, if you are running a business, it would be a profitable thing to motivate your manager(s) and employees! You can do this pretty clinically and cost-effectively if you know what already motivates them on a psychological level.

This is just one of many ways psychology could help you run a business

On the other hand, if you are planning to start a business, psychology is important then, too.

Consider the example of an entrepreneur building a start-up. Various problems come his way. The client response that was originally there has slowly dried up. What should he do?

If he panics, he can make rash decisions. Instead, as he understands his own psychology, he regulates his emotions and reaches out to his colleagues or staff. They bring in new solutions. Together, they conduct a cost-benefit analysis. Their minds combine together, and they now have a plan forward.

Had he panicked, shouted at his employees rashly or in any way demotivated his staff, he would have had a much harder time getting to a plan. Entrepreneural ego is a very real thing. This, as a concept of psychology, has the ability to make or break a startup.

Remember the simple fact that human beings are biological, social and emotional creatures.

Understanding psychology can thus be the ultimate tool to get what you want and help others out, in the social environment.

Psychology is not just necessary in understanding why people feel down. Rather, psychology is also the study of human flourishing.

So, make it a habit to observe others with an open mind. Also make it a habit to see between the lines and research the people around you. A simple attitude could make a huge difference.

And, folks, that is why psychology is important!

Categories
Dark Personality Psychology Personality Psychology

The Main Character Syndrome: A Philosophical Defence

the main character syndrome

Everything that we know about the world is filtered through our own subjective lens. Our trials and tribulations are unique. Our experiences might hold some similarities with others. However, they are distinct and separate from many of the people around us.

Even our siblings do not share the same views about everything. This reality is partly what causes the main character syndrome.

However, many of us are aware that we are not the only ones facing challenges very similar to us. Rather, every person we know has experienced almost the same spectrum of emotions as us.

But…

Plato posits the idea that some people are born different. And if they are cultivated in a certain way, they are the ones who are best suited to be leaders.

And is it not true?

I argue that it is desirable. But I am not sure if it is true.

A person with the main character syndrome, however, would agree with Plato. This person would believe that his/her goals in life are higher than others. This person would argue that they are destined to achieve ‘greatness’ in some way.

As most things in life, there is a positive aspect and a negative aspect to this thought.

Higher Goals in Life

Everyone’s goals are important to them.

But there still are goals that have a higher probability of making life better in some way for a large number of people.

You can either do it for the people around you. Or you can do it for yourself. In both cases, if one sets a high ceiling for themselves, there are chances you will be changing entire lives.

For example, Isaac Newton simply became curious about whether the speed at which the apple fell from the tree to the ground could be calculated, replicated and whether this rate was universal.

And he came upon the Law of Gravitation!

The goal does not have to address a global problem. But it is about solving a significant, functional problem. If it is a significant enough problem, even if you are doing it for yourself, you can help a lot of people!  

Belief in One’s Abilities

A clear positive of the main character syndrome is belief in one’s ability.

As social media grows in power with each passing day, we become even more embroiled in what we cannot do. According to a study, social media usage is linked to thinking that most problems in your life are caused because there is something wrong with you.

The main character syndrome can help you look on the other side.

I am bound to have a major impact on the world.

While the thought is not completely rational, it does provide you an opportunity to use your strengths.

Moreover, belief in possibilities can also reinforce you by itself. The higher goal that you have and the skills you develop along the way, all point to the confirmation that you are probably going to do something great.

There is obviously a mature way of looking at that.

But, what’s the point? The concept of destiny is in itself a motivator.  

Tendency to Improve

Research has indicated that grandiose narcissism is positively related to openness to change. That is, in order to improve one’s stature, grandiose narcissists can adapt to newer situations and skills.

When you are the main character, everything in your life is there to build your character. You are going to have entire character arcs and ultimately, you will get to the things you always wanted.

Or that’s basically what we think anyways.

Some important characters in your life fire you up. Some teach you important lessons. Yet others throw obstacles your way.

Being the main character that you are, you grow through it all. And you prove to your friends, family, the naysayers and the supporters that you truly are a force to reckon with.

This is actually a very useful approach to life.

Well, as long as you demonstrate enough grit.

Conclusion

The utility of any philosophy can be counted on how good it can either explain the world or improve it. For that reason, the main character syndrome can be a very positive condition for one to have. While it might not explain the world completely, it can make a person feel important in their life. They might actually end up doing a lot of good because of that.

However, there is always the danger of some event eventually knocking a person out of this mindset. Worse yet, such an event might knock them out of the positive part of this protagonist syndrome.

Whatever the case maybe, there are many positives to be gained from the main character syndrome.

Hell, even I might consider it!

Categories
Dark Personality Psychology Personality Psychology

The Positives of Machiavellianism

Positives of Machiavellianism

Classically, Machiavellianism has been seen as a negative trait. To define it briefly, Machiavellianism is a tendency towards intentionally and strategically manipulating others to gain and keep power and control. It is also a part of the Dark Tetrad traits of personality.

However, is there nothing positive to be gleaned from Machiavellianism?

I argue that there are small snippets of lessons that we might learn from this Dark Tetrad trait.

Navigating Through Organizations

In unstructured organizations, Machs seem to have an edge. They do best when they have less management oversight, less regulations, and greater decision-making authority. While this is not an ideal environment – it does show that Machiavellians can navigate through and perhaps benefit from work environments in which there is less discipline.

Moreover, if the individual displays some genuine sincerity, there are higher chances of professional success. Not only that, another aspect of Machiavellianism, ‘planfulness’ also can be beneficial for one’s success. Some research has also indicated that people high in this trait have better political skills.

Political skills, while often considered undesirable, do predict career success in certain situations. This is because workers who possess strong political skills may be able to manage their staff more effectively than through management techniques

Furthermore, Machiavellians tend to do better in marketing occupations, somewhat. Their expertise or confidence while promoting a certain product or service could be invaluable here.

However, there is an important caveat here.

According to Zettler and Solga (2013), work performance and Machiavellianism share a complex relationship. Having a high Machiavellianism level might improve work performance in the short term by creating positive initial impressions or a positive social reputation.

But in the long run, these advantages are countered by manipulative and cynical interpersonal interactions.

Manipulation with Low Cost

The belief in using manipulation to accomplish one’s goals in the workplace, when required, is known as organizational Machiavellianism. People who are at ease taking advantage of others and do it when it suits them are known as organizational Machiavellians.

Manipulation does not always have to be at the cost of the other person.

Instead, people who have high Machiavellian tendencies may also be very flexible and courteous; they are not always vengeful, cruel, or callous.

“(Monarchs) ought, at suitable seasons of the year, entertain the people with festivals and shows” (Machiavelli, p. 61).

Such conduct obviously comes across as courteous and accommodating.

As said earlier, manipulation done with genuine regard might actually portray the individual in a better light.

All without using deceit!

Learning Lessons from the Past

An important part of Machiavellianism is not repeating mistakes of the past. Also, incorporating positive points used previously can only increase your chances for success.

“… as to the mental training of which we have spoken, a prince should read histories, and in these should note the actions of great men, observe how they conducted themselves in their wars, and examine the causes of their victories and defeats, so as to avoid the latter and imitate them in the former.” (Machiavelli, p. 8)

If you disengage your personal cultural or social biases from your strategies you can also be open to try newer things.

This can actually be an adaptive attitude towards everything in life! Conventionally ‘good’ traits or practices can also be taken advantage of, if the person does not apply them smartly.

Competitiveness

According to a study on athletes, Machiavellianism is positively associated with task performance and competitiveness.

If you want to remain in power or gain it, you are likely to view others as your competition. This is, strictly speaking, not a bad thing. Competitiveness can predict better performance in various tasks. And competitiveness is associated with almost all the dark personality traits.

A Word of Caution

With the recent trend towards seeing ‘dark psychology’ as a positive thing, it does seem there are some benefits to it. Taking a look at authors like Robert Greene also would let you know some of the positives.

But there are major caveats to the popular explanation.

Is Machiavellianism Related to Intelligence?

Firstly, it is frequently believed that Machiavellians possess greater intellect. This perception is due to their proficiency in manipulating others, particularly when it comes to social comprehension. However, it is well documented that there is no connection between Machiavellianism and IQ.

One could also make the inference that Machiavellians would be better at interpreting emotions of others. However, here too there has been a negative correlation between Machiavellianism and emotional intelligence (EQ).

Conclusion

Niccolo Machiavelli was primarily concerned with advising rulers on how to best preserve order. He urged rulers to use a variety of actions, only a few of which were dishonest, in order to preserve the necessary order.

As a result, the Machiavellian concept is intrinsically complex.

Machiavelli’s manual translates into the use of dishonesty in the context of contemporary organizations, only when it is required to hold onto power and efficiently manage people.

Consequently, it should be evident that Machiavelli’s recommendations included more acceptable methods in addition to manipulativeness.

Categories
Psychiatric Disorders

What Causes Stress Disorders (Acute Stress Disorder & Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)

How intrusive thoughts in PTSD pollute the mind

Stress disorders are psychiatric conditions that occur as a response to psychological trauma. In this article, I will attempt to explain how these symptoms can develop following a traumatic event. There are two major stress disorders, known as Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

Trauma Response

Dramatic and malignant events in human life often can be traumatic. When a person’s sense of identity, worth and the meaning of everything they do has been challenged in a cruel incident, they tend to have long lasting effects. These vile incidents have two major aspects to them. They are

  • Physical
  • Psychological
  • Mixture of both

Physical Violence

Some traumatic incidents constitute physical or sexual violence. Both the actual happenstance of violence and the threat of violence can be considered ‘violent’ because of the involvement of extreme physical or sexual insecurity. If a certain incident made them extremely insecure about themselves, their life or autonomy, there is a chance that their responses to cope with it will be extreme as well.

Psychological Violence

Often events which cause a person extreme stress are psychologically violent. These incidents might involve exposure to or the response of extreme emotional disturbance and the loss of ‘belief’ or severe dysregulation of behavior. An example could be of a very emotionally draining divorce with a partner who was psychologically abusive.

Mixture of both

Traumatic events usually involve violence of both a physical and a psychological nature. For example, soldiers in war while also facing insecurity about their physical wellbeing also have to go through extreme amounts of psychological stress.

By the very nature of the extreme response to trauma in both Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, these violent incidents have both physical and psychological aspects.

Experience of Trauma in Acute Stress Disorder

Violence makes us hyperaware of the indications where that violence has a greater chance of influencing us. This includes the smell, sounds, and visual aspects that we were exposed to, during that incident.

So, every time the traumatized person is exposed to a similar environment or cue, they experience extreme psychological disturbance.

Why does this happen?

Well, because we want to protect ourselves from danger.

We are observing things around us, learning how things work so that we could either achieve a reward or stave off danger.

And when something really threatens our security, we tend to remember the cues around us. This is because the next time we are exposed to danger, we can cope better with it.

However, the emotional disturbance that a person with ASD or PTSD experiences during that traumatic event is too extreme. They can experience hyperventilation, severe anxiety, worry and their sleep cycle can also be disturbed significantly. These responses become conditioned to certain cues from the environment.

Thus, every time the person is exposed to similar cues, they generate such responses – especially if they pay attention to those cues.

In the case of Acute Stress Disorder, these conditioned responses become lesser and lesser, and stop before a month after the traumatic incident.

On the other hand, in the case of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, they persist for much longer periods of time.

Conclusion

Both Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder are very debilitating conditions. They can affect a person’s life to such a level that they might give up their jobs, shut off contact with others and even consider taking their own life. However, understanding how such a condition can start can help you cope with it and take the necessary actions.

If you or someone you know is experiencing this disorder, I would advise you to seek professional help. Do not take your mental health lightly!

Categories
Brain Health Psychological Tips

Your Phone is Not Your Friend

your phone is not your friend

A friend is a being that is there when you require help.

Now imagine something or someone that provides you with exactly the things you lack at the time.

You’re feeling bored? This friend provides you a lot of entertainment to witness and talk about!

You don’t feel good? This friend gives you a million things to watch and laugh at.

You feel heartbroken? This friend provides you with countless pieces of advice – often pretty contradictory.

But most of all, this friend provides you with exactly what you think you want.

And what we think we want is often not really what we require.

So, in this article, I will be talking about a few reasons why your phone is not your friend.

Easy Access to Lies

In your low mood, you can always pick up your phone, go on instagram, or facebook or tiktok and you would instantly see many people seemingly living their lives to the fullest.

Living their lives as no human can.

The simple fact of the matter is that social media portrays a very distorted version of reality. Everyone is often at their best – or worst – behavior and image.

Does a friend lie to you?

They certainly should not! I am not talking about the probability of whether a friend would lie to you or not. Rather the concept of a friend is someone who wishes you well.

Your phone, however, is not your friend.

Then what is your phone exactly?

Unhealthy Addictions

Simply put, social media, smartphones or any kind of technological devices are simply tools to help you perform specific functions. There is no ethical or moral substrate of such devices. However, what they can lead to is the main problem.

Vape pods were considered an innovation of technology. They were shown as a new way to help smokers quit tobacco! However, recently these pods are being banned across Europe because they have actually got many teenagers hooked on nicotine!

This was a device for helping people. But it ended up enabling an entire generation towards nicotine addiction.

Your smartphone on the other hand does not hand out just one problem.

This device, unlike the vape pods cannot be banned. Moreover, it has become a part of daily life. You need your phone to order food, get a cab, navigate the map, prepare and conduct meetings in the workplace. But just a few clicks away, there lie many of the most addictive applications ever created. These apps have been proven by research to induce stressful habits.

Among the myriad of issues, social comparison, anxiety, depression, loneliness are just a few of them.

Lower Productivity

 If you’re spending so much time on your phone, using social media, you are automatically letting it eat up your time to be productive!

Research has shown that social media usage drops employees’ productivity significantly. No wonder you are not able to get your tasks done on time! And even if you somehow get them done – think about how much better you can perform your tasks or go on new ventures just by using that time lost to social media!

Smartphone Addiction Can Mess up Social Interactions

Ever wonder why some of your elders complain about young people always being on the phone?

Well, try to get an important point across to someone who cannot maintain eye contact because they think something on their phone is more interesting.

Interesting does not equal to important. This is just one way constantly being on your phone messes up social interactions.

“The Machine is much, but it is not everything. I see something like you in this plate, but I do not see you. I hear something like you through this telephone, but I do not hear you. That is why I want you to come. Pay me a visit, so that we can meet face to face, and talk about the hopes that are in my mind.” (E. M. Forster, The Machine Stops).

While phones can be a tool to facilitate interactions, they reduce the human, irrational and emotional aspect of communication which is natural for us. Emotional expression serves an important function in our communication with other people.

Emojis may be able to give a surface level understanding of what you are feeling. But it cannot convey the entire emotion. Or the gravity of what you are talking about.

Conclusion

Our phones are devices that help us communicate. But unlike older times, they now also serve as portals to other people’s (slightly to highly) distorted presentation of the world. In fact, they have become a world in themselves because of the sheer amount of information they can give us access to.

But they are not a substitute for organic experiences. Much of the world is still organic. The food that we order, the cab driver we call, the people we see online – all are living inside an organic reality.

Let us not let our phones fool us into a world where we can access, download, delete and log out of any situation that we so desire.

Categories
Uncategorized Psychological Interventions Psychological Tips

How to Deal with Boredom

Boredom is a common experience that everyone faces at some time in their lives. It certainly is annoying. But it also has a profound impact on our psychological well-being and productivity. In this essay, we will look at practical solutions to deal with boredom.

I will also ask questions along the way – try to answer them!

While sometimes boredom is natural, prolonged boredom can have a harmful impact on mental health. According to research, it can lead to feelings of emptiness, worry, and even sadness. When managed properly, boredom can actually be a stimulus for creativity, problem solution, and self-reflection.

Strategies to Overcome Boredom

To build a happy and interesting existence, boredom must be addressed immediately as well as over time. Here are some evidence-based approaches:

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness entails being completely present in the moment and accepting your current situation without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, you may have a better understanding of your emotions and ideas. And by understanding them better, you can actually identify the source of your boredom.

Are you aware of the things around you? Can you hear the little sounds you miss every day? The traffic outside, the chatter right out the door – or within your office or bedroom. There are many things that you have missed – just by being inside your head!

Deep breathing, body scans, and focused observation are simple approaches that may turn routine jobs into intriguing experiences.

Engage in Creative Activities

Boredom may be effectively alleviated via creativity. Painting, writing, and playing music engage the brain. We thus feel a sensation of achievement and delight. Cooking and gardening are also creative activities that you can do.

Have you thought about creating something lately? A dish, a painting, a poem, prose or whatever you want to create? Isn’t it time to resume that?

Set Goals and Challenges

Boredom typically occurs when we lack direction. Setting defined, attainable objectives may increase your sense of purpose and motivation. Break down major goals into smaller chores to maintain a sense of progress and success.

When was the last time you set a goal for yourself? Or have you already set one and don’t know where to start?

Change Your Environment

Sometimes a change of location is all that is required to reenergize your thoughts. Changing your environment, whether by exiting your office, going for a stroll, or visiting a new area, can bring fresh insights and inspiration.

Have you gone out recently? Or have you been living in the same environment day in and day out?

Learn Something New

Challenging your brain with new information or abilities can also prevent boredom. Consider taking up a hobby, enrolling in an online school, or delving into a topic you’ve always been interested in.

What are the things you are interested in? Or had an interest in?

Continuous learning maintains the mind sharp and interested.

Connect with Others

Human connection is a natural cure for boredom. Contact friends, relatives, or coworkers to arrange a discussion or shared activity. Social relationships not only ease boredom, but also improve general well-being.

Are you neglecting your friends? Are you neglecting important relationships? Should you, maybe, check in with them?

Embrace Solitude

You don’t always have to run away from boredom. Sometimes, sitting with your boredom and allowing yourself to contemplate may lead to great insights and self-discovery. Journaling or meditating during these times might help you examine your ideas and feelings more fully.

Do you think you have been neglecting yourself?

If you have been, then perhaps it is time for a change!

Limit Passive Consumption

While surfing through social media or binge-watching TV shows may appear to be simple ways to relieve boredom, these activities frequently leave us feeling disappointed. Instead, choose active participation, such as reading a thought-provoking book, engaging in a virtual workshop, or doing a hands-on project.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is a known mood enhancer and boredom killer. Exercise causes the release of endorphins, which boosts mood and energy. Yoga, jogging, and dance may all bring a sense of purpose and success.

Have you been moving around lately? How about going out for a walk alone? Or getting that gym membership you have been thinking about recently?

Cultivate Gratitude        

Gratitude changes your focus away from what you lack and toward what you value. By keeping a thankfulness book or just focusing on the wonderful parts of your life, you may cultivate a sense of fulfillment and prevent boredom.

Is there something in your life that you are glad you have? It could be anything, a pet, a good friend, family – a good bedroom or bed.

Why not make it a point to acknowledge these things once a day, maybe?

Perhaps, it might change your mind.

When to Seek Help

Boredom that persists and interferes with your everyday functioning may indicate the presence of underlying disorders such as depression or anxiety. In such instances, receiving assistance from a mental health expert is critical. Therapy may help you recognize and treat the fundamental causes of your feelings, giving you the tools to manage them successfully.

Conclusion

Boredom, while frequently seen negatively, is a normal and important aspect of the human experience. By recognizing its psychological roots and implementing proactive techniques, you may turn boredom into an opportunity for growth, creativity, and self-improvement. Accept it as a signal to realign your life with activities and goals that are actually meaningful to you.

After all, in the words of existential psychologist Viktor Frankl, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

Categories
Psychological Tips

5 Ways to Make Winter Holidays the Best Time of the Year!

The winter holidays have just arrived as the world experiences the coldest days of the year. Whether you are religious, or not, there is something very cheery about the last week of December and the New Year to come! For some, this is a time of festivities. For others it is a time to relax and get cozy. However, for some it is not perhaps the season that they look forward to.

Whatever the case might be, winter holidays provide us with a chance to rejuvenate ourselves. It has been a long year after all.

So let’s go over 5 ways you can really enjoy your time off!

Set Realistic Expectations

The holiday season carries a slew of expectations. We expect that our décor would be beautiful. We believe that we will give and/or receive ideal presents. We also expect that the family gatherings would be warm and cozy.

Realistically, however, not all of our goals or expectations can or should be met. Setting unreasonable standards can cause tension and disappointment. Here are a few things you can do instead!

  • Prioritize traditions: Keep up with traditions that give you and your close ones joy and let go of the more burdensome ones.
  • Communicate your expectations: Talk about what you are expecting from the upcoming dinners or gatherings with family and friends to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Practice gratitude: Focus on what you have rather than what you need.

Controlling expectations can vastly decrease stress. It can also make it easier for you to relish the times that are most important.

Cultivate Meaningful Connections

Holidays and festivities can provide a fantastic time to enhance your social ties. However, socializing around this time can be overwhelming. This is especially true if you are dealing with family disputes or feel alone. So,

  • Connect more: Hang out with your friends, attend community events, or volunteer to alleviate loneliness.
  • Set boundaries: Limit encounters that are emotionally taxing or harmful to ensure your well-being.
  • Have quality interactions: Deep, meaningful communication frequently outperforms surface-level small conversations. Share memories, show appreciation, and participate in activities that promote intimacy.

Social ties are a vital component in promoting happiness and minimizing feelings of loneliness, making them essential over the holidays.

Embrace Mindful Practices                

The holiday season can be a flurry of shopping, cooking, and partying. This leaves little time for relaxation. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily practice might help you remain grounded.

  • Be present: Enjoy every moment, whether it’s a peaceful evening with hot chocolate or a festive Christmas celebration.
  • Meditate: Set some time aside for some peace and quiet for a few minutes everyday to decrease stress and enhance emotional resiliency.
  • Refrain from over-scheduling: Make time for self-care activities, such as reading a book, going for a stroll, or having a sleep.

Mindfulness enables you to appreciate the now instead of stressing about the past or future, which improves your whole holiday experience.

Balance Giving and Receiving

Gift giving is a ritual in many festivities, but it can also be stressful. Finding a balance between giving and receiving might make the encounter more enjoyable.

  • Keep it meaningful: Prioritize meaningful presents above expensive ones. Handmade objects, customized remarks, or experiences can have a greater meaning.
  • Express gratitude: Accept presents with thanks and avoid feeling obligated to return in like.
  • Be generous: Offer your time, attention, or aid people in need. Volunteering or supporting a good cause might increase your sense of accomplishment too.

Giving and receiving gifts are both important components of pleasure. Generosity activates brain areas associated with pleasure and happiness, generating a positive feedback loop.

Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

One can easily neglect healthy habits during the holidays. However, maintaining balance is critical for overall well-being. Here are a few things you can include in your checklist:

  • Physical exercise: Regular physical exercise helps alleviate seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and improve mood. Consider winter sports such as ice skating, skiing, or a brisk stroll in nature.
  • Eat mindfully: Limit holiday sweets and prioritize healthful meals.
  • Sleep adequately: Get enough sleep to manage stress and preserve emotional balance. Establish a consistent sleeping schedule, especially throughout the holidays.
  • Seek support from a trustworthy friend, family member, or therapist if experiencing stress or mental health difficulties.

Prioritizing self-care guarantees that you’ll have the energy and emotional capacity to truly enjoy the holiday season.

Bonus Tip: Create Your Own Traditions

The temptation to follow long-standing customs may often take away from the joy of the holiday season. Consider inventing new routines that appeal to you and your loved ones.

  • Cultural fusion: Combine customs from many origins to create a unique family or community.
  • Go on a personal trip: Enjoy your trip alone by pampering yourself or going on a solitary excursion.
  • New Year’s Resolution: Use the holidays to write, establish plans for the coming year, or relive memories.

Personalized rituals may make the holiday feel more real and meaningful.

The winter holidays may be spectacular. But remember, they don’t have to be flawless to be fun. You may make this season more joyful and fulfilling by following all of the little tidbits listed above. Remember, the holidays have typically the smallest moments of connection, thankfulness, and self-compassion.

Categories
Personality Psychology

Psychoeducation: Do I have Personality Issues?

Navigating through one’s troubles is difficult. To have issues is part of being human. However, it can often feel as if our problems are not really solvable.

So what does one do?

Perhaps one of your colleagues said something particularly rude to you. Or maybe things at home seem to be conflicted. Maybe the person you love or have feelings for has started acting cold. Problems in relationships are inevitable.

But do you feel as if others can never understand you?

Do you try to one-up every other person you are in conflict with?

Or perhaps you feel incredible ‘pain’ when the people you trust do not meet your expectations.

And you do not see this level of pain in others.

It’s not that you don’t feel happy. You feel very happy when things are going right.

But when things are not going okay, it becomes impossible to stand it. So, to cope with this, you react explosively or even violently. This can even mean that you try to control this pain by hurting yourself physically.

If you have felt this way throughout most of your life, you might have features of a personality disorder.

What is a Personality Disorder?

Personality is a complex system of enduring traits and/or behaviors. It remains generally stable throughout life. So, a personality disorder is basically enduring sets of traits or behaviors that cause significant problems throughout one’s life.

How does a Personality Disorder Develop?

Most personality researchers agree on the fact that personality starts developing during childhood when an individual is exposed to various concepts, beliefs and behaviors. For example, a child born to more conservative parents is more likely to have conservative beliefs and behaviors. However, as the child grows older, other people begin influencing him/her. Friends and peers became a major part of life during school years. Teachers also play a major role.

Nevertheless, at some point, the individual gathers enough information to adopt certain patterns of thinking and behaving.

Following this line of reasoning, a personality disorder emerges when there are some major conflicts early on in an individual’s life. These could be a very conflict-ridden relationship between the parents. Or it could be how a caregiver might be too strict or too lenient with this person.

Moreover, a child might be shamed publicly at school or in the playground, which could make them behave in ways to protect themselves. And these behaviors could then become very inflexible.

Experiencing Personality Issues

If an individual feels as if the environment that his or her parents or caregivers have given them does not match the environment of practical or general life – this causes problems. This happens for most – if not all – of us. However, imagine if your childhood environment was very mismatched with the environment outside, in practical life.

Personality issues and disorders are ‘out of the social norm.’ If they were within the social norms, they would not be called major problems.

Hence, people who experience these personality problems tend to feel as if they are separated from everyone else’s experience. They might not understand how ‘regular people’ deal with life’s tribulations so easily.

On the other hand, some people with personality issues might feel as if they deal with these problems better than others. They may view themselves as superior. Because that is what they have felt much early on in life.

Such individuals might try to seek out people who are like them. A person with narcissistic personality disorder might thus try to associate with individuals who they perceive better than others. Similarly, an individual with borderline personality disorder might feel more drawn to people that have been traumatized as well.

If you find that your attachment styles in social relationships compromise them, especially if this has happened throughout your life, there is a high probability that you have personality complications. Furthermore, if your social behaviors seem to cause others a lot of issues – or even if you alone think that they have always troubled others – there too is a high probability of personality issues.

However, how can you be sure that there really is a significant problem?

Why Self-Diagnosis Can Do More Harm than Good

Self-diagnosis is the behavior of assigning oneself a disorder and/or disease without consulting with a certified practitioner. This behavior is concerning because it can make the individual try to act according to the condition they have diagnosed themselves with. They might not have that issue. But they might try to assume the stereotypical image of the disorder.

Moreover, relying solely on self-diagnosis might result in the person not seeking the relevant management for the problem. The presentation of bipolar 2 disorder and borderline personality disorder can often be very similar. But the way they are treated is very different. Wrongly assuming that you have a personality disorder can unnecessarily put off the correct management plan.

Personality issues are significant problems in behavior that might elude to a personality disorder. If you believe that you or someone you know might have this, it is important to seek the relevant help. By doing so, you can help improve or even save lives.