Relationship Obsessive–compulsive Disorder (ROCD): Tormenting Doubts re: Partners and Relationships
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD), a form of OCD that focuses on intimate relationships. ROCD can manifest in two ways: relationship-centered, where individuals obsess over their own feelings towards their partner and the rightness of the relationship, and partner-focused, where individuals obsess over their partner’s perceived flaws. ROCD can be debilitating and negatively impact relationships and overall life. Treatment for ROCD typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and, in some cases, medication.
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.
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.
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.
Vaknin to Youth: Life Sucks, You’re On Your Own (Turnu Severin Intl. Conference on Psychology)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concepts of normality, madness, and the shifting landscape of mental health. He critiques the reliance on societal norms to define what is considered “normal” behavior, pointing out that societal norms can be flawed, as evidenced by historical examples like Nazi Germany. Vaknin argues that psychology and psychiatry are not sciences but rather systems of classification and control, and he emphasizes the importance of self-reliance, self-love, and personal power. He advises against giving others power over oneself and stresses the need for self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-trust, and self-efficacy as the foundation for mental health. Vaknin’s message is one of self-empowerment and the recognition that life is inherently challenging, but individuals have the internal resources to cope and thrive.
Metaverse: Conspiracy or Heaven? (With Divya Thakur)
Summary: In this conversation, Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of the metaverse, its potential impact on society, and the need for regulation to mitigate its negative effects. He highlights concerns about addiction, mental health, climate impact, and labor issues. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots activism, particularly by parents and women, to push for legislative measures to control the metaverse and protect society from its potential harms.
Deja-vu: Fight Back Gaslighting, Messing with YOUR Mind
Gaslighting is a manipulative form of communication where a power differential exists, often involving invalidation of emotions, twisting reality, and coercion. It can lead to lower self-worth, feelings of insecurity, depression, and anxiety. To combat gaslighting, it is important to recognize the situation, document events and feelings, assert oneself, seek support from others, and consult a professional if necessary. Gaslighting is a dangerous form of emotional abuse that can have long-lasting effects on mental health.
Narcissist’s Relationship Cycle Decoded and What To Do About It – Part 3 of 3
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses coping strategies for those in relationships with narcissists, including the concept of narcissistic mortification as a means to prevent hoovering. He explains that once in a relationship with a narcissist, one must adopt a different set of rules, potentially mirroring narcissistic behaviors to survive and eventually extricate oneself. Vaknin also addresses the importance of no contact as the only recommended strategy for dealing with narcissists post-relationship. He emphasizes the difficulty of removing the narcissist’s internalized presence (introjects) from one’s mind and offers advice on how to reverse the roles and regain control over one’s life. The seminar includes a Q&A session where Vaknin answers various questions related to narcissism and its effects on relationships and individuals.
Are We Transitioning to Doom or Doomed to Transition? (EXCERPT)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the multiple transitions humanity is currently experiencing, including political, economic, and gender-related shifts. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between men and women in a new way that reflects current realities. Vaknin also highlights the dangers of atomization, individual anonymity, self-worship, and self-sufficiency in the age of virtual reality and the metaverse. He believes that if men and women do not find a way to collaborate and adapt to these changes, the human species may be doomed.