[Fuzzybear]

And does this help you manage your bipolar (and other MI if you also have other MI), manage conflicts, ''deal'' with Narcissistic or other abusers?

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Fuzzybear

And does this help you manage your bipolar (and other MI if you also have other MI), manage conflicts, ''deal'' with Narcissistic or other abusers?

Hi Fuzzy!

I have found that any understandings of psych theories are not most helpful when trying to manage myself and/or in dealing with others. I find "coping skills" most helpful. It's very important, in my opinion, that we each have a big toolbox of coping skills to help us to cope with ourselves and with others.

Just my own experience.

Much Love ~

[*Beth*]

I find psych theories and analysis fascinating, but like WC posted, they are not that helpful when it comes to self-treatment. I mean, to a certain extent they are, but coping skills really help moment-by-moment.

There was a huge, sprawling old library when I went to college many years back. There was an entire section of Freud and other books on analytical psychology, also on Jungian theory. I used to love to sit in the aisle and read those books for hours. That's a wonderful memory for me.

But why do you ask, Fuzzy? Is there something you're wondering about?

[Wander]

Since my teenage years I have been fascinated by all things related to mind and mood. My first attempt at a Bachelors Degree was in Psychology, but I dropped out. For years I read very broadly, but in the last ten years I tend to study the crap out of any topic that comes up in my treatment. This is both helpful, and harmful - but mostly helpful. I tend to stick to peer-reviewed journals, and other legitimate articles to help gain a solid understanding (or as much as I can find) of what is troubling me, and how I can treat it. However, I am open to ideas that lie outside the 'standard'. I am a generally curious person so I genuinely just want to know as much as I can for knowledge sake.

Learning more about the illnesses I have, and possible treatment options, has helped me streamline my approach to managing the illnesses. The downside is I get a bit obsessed and serious about it all. I need to take regular breaks, and focus on my daily coping skills, and hands on managing my health. I think a healthy balance can be found.

[Purple,Violet,Blue]

I've also been drawn to understanding 'psychology'.

Honestly, I don't think anything cerebral helped as much as hearing on a daily basis in this forum that I deserve to be respected and treated well. That was incredibly powerful, and some osmosis between words said by others and my interior monologue took place.

I wasn't paying my fellow members to be supportive, as with t's, so I believed them.

And, I felt the same way about them. That they were lovely and deserved to be happy.

[sophiebunny]

I got a BS in psychology once, just because I was bored. I did learn the lingo. I understand the DSM V. I understand psychological testing. I learned some fascinating research studies. I understand more about abnormal psych. It was interesting.

I know very little on this topic. What little I have learned derived from the psychology courses I took. [I took four.] All of these courses were extremely interesting, but I, too, didn't find them particularly helpful in managing my illness.

Of the types of therapy I have had, CBT was the most useful for me. Some DBT coping skills (like mindfulness) are also valuable. It has been helpful, though, to understand my triggers and process events in my life that contributed to certain struggles. Writing my personal memoir and writing in my blog have also been therapeutic endeavors for me.

[Shoe]

Learning and reading about depth psychology really helped me out a lot to come to terms with my inner conflicts. When you used the term Analytical Psychology are you referring specifically to Jung's theory or methodology? I just watched an interesting interview this morning on YouTube.

The same lady has several other interviews with Jeffrey Mishlove that are also pretty interesting.
I couldn't afford a therapist even if one was available where I live. Howard Stern has a lot of money and stated that since he started seeing a psychoanalyst he really changed for the better. It takes so much time and money that only people like him can afford it. Most psychiatrists today just want to give you a couple of pills and see you a little later to see how the pills are working.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by Purple,Violet,Blue

I've also been drawn to understanding 'psychology'.

Honestly, I don't think anything cerebral helped as much as hearing on a daily basis in this forum that I deserve to be respected and treated well. That was incredibly powerful, and some osmosis between words said by others and my interior monologue took place.

I wasn't paying my fellow members to be supportive, as with t's, so I believed them.

And, I felt the same way about them. That they were lovely and deserved to be happy.

Great post purple. I'm still drawn to understanding ''psychology'' and you made a powerful point about supportive, thoughtful and lovely forum members and how there often is some osmosis between words said by others and our interior monologue. (this is why I always try to be thoughtful and supportive in replies).. ''That we are lovely and deserve to be happy''

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by Shoe

Learning and reading about depth psychology really helped me out a lot to come to terms with my inner conflicts. When you used the term Analytical Psychology are you referring specifically to Jung's theory or methodology? I just watched an interesting interview this morning on YouTube.

The same lady has several other interviews with Jeffrey Mishlove that are also pretty interesting.
I couldn't afford a therapist even if one was available where I live. Howard Stern has a lot of money and stated that since he started seeing a psychoanalyst he really changed for the better. It takes so much time and money that only people like him can afford it. Most psychiatrists today just want to give you a couple of pills and see you a little later to see how the pills are working.

Thanks for this reply and for the link. I'm thinking that learning and reading more about depth psychology would help me out in coming to terms with some inner conflicts. ''New thinking allowed'' - I like it

[Fuzzybear]

Thanks for the replies

[yellow_fleurs]

I'd say I know between beginner and intermediate amount. I've taken some psych courses and done some self study. One of my issues is overanalyzing everything in life, though, and actually it can just send me down a rabbit hole to try to apply it. It helps me to have a basic understanding, but sometimes it's easier for me not to try to figure out why someone's acting like they are (unless it's someone close to me and I want to understand them well) and to just recognize the behavior that is unhealthy and kind of set those boundaries with them or with myself. They can work out the how and why on their own time, I just need to know what doesn't work for me. This is a new approach I am taking, I am not necessarily good at it yet.