These 10 Self-help Myths Will Destroy Your Life
The text is a critique of the self-help industry, debunking common myths perpetuated by self-help gurus. The myths include the belief that people can learn from their mistakes, that change is possible at any age, that trauma is an objective experience, and that parents should be friends with their children. The author argues that these myths are dangerous and perpetuated by self-interested individuals. The text emphasizes the need for critical thinking and self-awareness when consuming self-help advice.
Why We Love to Hate Celebrities (Interview in Superinteressante Magazine in Brazil)
Celebrities serve as mythical narratives and blank screens for fans to project their emotions onto. When celebrities deviate from these roles, it can provoke rage from fans. Celebrities who are narcissists use their false self to elicit constant attention and interest, and celebrity itself is a variant of narcissism.
Why I Remain Silent on Depp-Heard Trial (Interview in Superinteressante Magazine in Brazil)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial, stating that he will not comment on it as it is gossip and not academic. He criticizes mental health experts who have appeared on behalf of both parties, calling them unqualified. Vaknin then delves into the psychology of celebrity, explaining that celebrities fulfill emotional functions for fans, allowing them to indulge in wish fulfillment and daydreaming. However, when celebrities deviate from their prescribed roles, fans feel betrayed and humiliated, leading to a desire to punish and humiliate the celebrity.
Narcissist’s 3 Depressions
Narcissists experience three types of depression: loss-induced dysphoria, deficiency-induced dysphoria, and self-worth dysregulation dysphoria. Loss-induced dysphoria occurs when sources of narcissistic supply gradually fade away, while deficiency-induced dysphoria is an acute response to abrupt loss of supply. Self-worth dysregulation dysphoria is a reaction to a sudden drop in self-esteem and self-worth due to criticism or humiliation. Narcissists are not happy-go-lucky individuals; they are heavily wounded, traumatized, and grieving people who try to compensate for their sadness with a facade of happiness and grandiosity.
Self-destructive Narcissists and Psychopaths
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses self-defeating and self-destructive behaviors, including life constriction, depression, emotional numbing, dissociation, masochism, and insecure attachment. He explores the connection between introversion and clinical depression, as well as the impact of trauma on personality disorders. Vaknin also delves into the behaviors of narcissists and the similarities between narcissism and masochism. He concludes by examining the rejection of life by narcissists and psychopaths, and the impact of upbringing and environment on self-punishment.
Self-destructiveness: Learn to Identify It!
Self-destructive behaviors are common and often go unnoticed. These behaviors can be a rejection of life or a rejection of oneself in life. Examples of self-destructive behaviors include constricting life, love addiction, perfectionism, self-denial, depression, anxiety, numbing, dissociation, and masochism. These behaviors often stem from insecure attachment and a lack of self-love, leading to a scorched earth policy and an inability to form attachments.
Thrive: Your Future Path to Growth and Change (News Intervention Interview)
In this video, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses personal growth, psychological development, and maturation. He talks about various directions in the future of psychology, neuroscience, and technology that will allow people to evolve much more rapidly and thrive in difficult environments. He also makes service announcements about advertising on his videos, his availability for counseling in Hungary in July, and his recent interview on psychological growth with News Intervention. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of self-love for lasting psychological growth and positive neurological change.
YOU=Your Relationships+Self-states (Turnu Severin Intl. Conference on Psychology)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the controversies in modern psychology, the concept of self, and the formation of self-states through dissociation in infancy. He explains that healthy individuals have adaptive self-states that change in reaction to the environment, while those with personality disorders have dysregulated self-states that are protected and complete. He also discusses the connection between internal and external objects in psychology and emphasizes the importance of defense mechanisms for the proper functioning of self-states. Finally, he mentions the importance of early intervention in diagnosing and treating mental illness in children and adolescents.
How Narcissist Experiences His Collapse (Grandiosity Bubbles and Delusional Solutions)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the collapse of narcissists when they are unable to obtain supply. He explains the internal dynamics and various solutions narcissists adopt in response to this deficiency, such as delusional narratives, antisocial behavior, paranoid schizoid tendencies, and masochistic avoidance. The narcissist’s withdrawal symptoms are compared to those of a drug addict, and the role of magical thinking in their behavior is explored.
Is Your Child a Psychopath, Borderline, Narcissist? (Turnu Severin Intl. Conference on Psychology)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the signs of emerging personality disorders in children and adolescents, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. He also notes the prevalence of self-harm and substance abuse in those with emerging personality disorders and the effectiveness of psychotherapy in treating borderline personality disorder. In the lecture, Vaknin provides ten warning signs to look out for in children and adolescents, including attachment disorder behaviors, emotional dysregulation, and disturbed object relations with peers. He also discusses the importance of distinguishing healthy adolescent behaviors from signs of personality disorders.