First of all, wow. How refreshing to read these words from a fellow mental health professional — for once, not myself: Violence is not a product of mental illness. Nor is violence generally the action of ordinary, stable individuals who … Continue reading
Is it possible to have too much self-esteem? It’s commonly thought “yes,” and the definition of “too much” self-esteem is labeled narcissism. This may be well and good, but the question remains: How do we quantify the “right” amount of … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, I work for a charity. I answer to the executive director who makes me responsible for various fundraisers that I am expected to plan, advertise and set up. However, she then undermines me by either doing things … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd: Many people seek mass wealth because it brings social status. Throughout history status has always existed in cultures. From kings and queens to tribal hierarchies. Even the animal kingdom has examples of status. Status appears to be … Continue reading
“If I back off and mind my own business, this means I don’t care.” I find this a recurring theme in the lives of many people, especially about their loved ones. Because of what I do for a living, I’m … Continue reading
All parents lie to their kids, claims a columnist writing for “Daddy Files” on Facebook [reprinted as “19 Lies Parents Tell Their Kids” at huffingtonpost.com 5/12/14] Says who? The writer-father, Aaron Gouveia, lists a number of lies (19 total) which … Continue reading
A lot of people love to do affirmations first thing in the morning – to keep themselves feeling peppy and positive. I myself have some favorite go-to affirmations which I love. But, I gotta say, sometimes I’ve noticed that affirmations … Continue reading
More and more people are writing me with questions about Asperger’s Syndrome. What is Asperger’s Syndrome? Is it a legitimate classification, or a faux disease? Regardless, what can one do about it? Asperger’s Syndrome is the latest, newest and coolest … Continue reading
In a recent article, I stated that being authentic and honest with others stems from a strong sense of self-esteem and self-respect. People with poor views of themselves tend to be phony, and pretend to like people or things they … Continue reading
Psychologist Mark Dombeck, writing in an online article entitled “Pedophile Priests: Monstrous But Not Monsters,” claims there are two possible ways to think about the subject. The first is the “monster” hypothesis and the second is the “all too human” … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, We recently bought a nice house here in the resort town where we live, and we occasionally welcome our friends to stay with us. Two of them stayed with us a few weeks ago and they were … Continue reading
A recent conversation between Dr. Michael Hurd and a media reporter re: substance abuse and addiction. If you think you know someone who is struggling with addiction, what should you do? If you know them well, ask them, “Can I … Continue reading