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Ordinary People (1980) - Conversation With Dr. Berger Scene

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"Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)" by Green Day

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"Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)" by Green Day

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Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) (Video Version)

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This video relates to learning, which is covered in Chapter 5.  In this case, the video we are seeing is an example of Classic Conditioning as portrayed in the popular show, The Office.  As shown in the video, Jim is conditioning Dwight.  Jim cites his inspiration for the "prank" being Pavlov's dog.  Pavlov conditions a dog to salivate to the sound of a bell, and Jim conditions Dwight to expect to receive an Altoid mint when he reboots his computer.  Jim uses the sound of the computer rebooting as the conditioned stimulus (NS).  Before this conditioning, Dwight has no reaction to the sound of the computer reboot.  Once Jim sets off the sound, he offers Dwight a mint, which he accepts.  Over time, Jim continues to reboot his computer, then offers Dwight a mint.  Eventually, Dwight becomes so accustomed to this reward system that one day, when Jim reboots his computer, Dwight automatically reaches out his hand.  Jim asks what Dwight is doing and Dwight replies with a shocked, “I don’t know” and says that his “mouth tastes so bad.”  Jim has successfully conditioned Dwight.  The sound of the computer rebooting goes from being a NS to a  Conditioned Stimulus (CS), that once was set off, causes Dwight to reach  for an Altoid (Conditioned Response).

We are able to see the acquisition of his conditioning.  The acquisition is the initial learning of the stimulus-response.  Jim conducts this conditioning in a timely manner, which is evidenced by its success.  Unfortunately, we do not see if Dwight continues to react to the CS weeks after, or if he goes through an extinction (of the response). As viewers, we must assume that he must go through this, otherwise it would be brought up in future episodes.  Therefore, there are also no instances of spontaneous recovery.  However, we see here a perfect example of an everyday example of classical conditioning.  This does not need to occur in a laboratory.  Most of the time, we are often unaware of the classical conditioning we have experienced.  For example, getting nauseous around a food you once loved, but learn to hate, due to getting sick after consuming this food.  I believe that Dwight would have continued to reach out his hand after hearing a computer reboot long after Jim stopped giving him Altoids.  Classical Conditioning is more common than we think and very effective.  If one has been classically conditioned to react badly to a specific sound, food, object, etc., it is very important to work with a specialist to get that conditioned response to be extinct, little by little.

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The scene seen here from Ordinary People (1980) connects to the first chapter of our psychology book.  In this chapter, we discussed all the different psychological professionals and areas of specialization.  The biggest subfield in psychology is clinical, so it is interesting to see Hollywood portray a psychiatrist focused on counseling.  Specifically, the therapist in this film is a psychiatrist named Dr. Berger (portrayed by Judd Hirsch).  Not every psychiatrist does counseling, but rather focuses on diagnosing and prescribing medication.  In this movie, we get to see a psychiatrist working one-on-one with a client through talk therapy.

The movie focuses on a teenager named Conrad Jarrett (portrayed by Timothy Hutton), as he deals with the tragic death of his older brother in a boating accident.  The movie begins with Conrad returning home after a long stay at a psychiatric hospital following a suicide attempt.  Once home, Conrad is greeted with a tense family dynamic and the stress of readjusting to everyday life at school after undergoing immense trauma.  After being integrated back into “normal” life, Conrad begins to see his psychiatrist, Dr. Berger.  Dr. Berger realizes that Conrad is dealing with PTSD and survivor’s guilt. Near the end of the film (after hearing about his friend’s suicide), Conrad suffers a breakdown and rushes to see Dr. Berger.  In this session, Conrad confesses that he feels responsible for his brother’s death.  Dr. Berger encourages Conrad to reflect on the night that his brother dies, by filling in as Buck and letting Conrad let out all of his distress.  Eventually, Dr. Berger gets Conrad to realize why he is so troubled...because he lived and his brother did not.  Conrad feels like he did the wrong thing by living.  Dr. Berger tells Conrad that living hurts, but, “Feelings are scary. And sometimes they're painful. And if you can't feel pain, then you're not going to feel anything else, either. You know what I'm saying?”  Conrad explains his fear of living, and Dr. Berger says it will be okay, because he has his back and is his friend.  This movie is a good representation of what a psychiatrist should be.  Dr. Berger helps Conrad come to terms with his broken family, loss of brother, and the suicide of his friend.  Dr. Berger doesn’t just diagnose, prescribe, and dismiss.  He diagnoses, listens, and supports Conrad.  He guides Conrad to the conclusion that he is not responsible for his brother’s death or his mother’s heartbreak.  This movie truly encompasses the importance of counseling in the field of psychology and how much one person can change another’s life for the better.

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The autobiography, The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx, bassist/songwriter of Motley Crue (one of my favorite bands) and Sixx A.M., directly relates to Chapter 4 in our psychology book.  In this chapter, we discussed consciousness and the altered states of consciousness.  Specifically, we are talking about psychoactive drugs.  Like many other rock stars in the 80s, Nikki partook in numerous amounts of drugs.  In his autobiography, he speaks of being on copious amounts of drugs, but mostly alcohol, cocaine, and of course, heroin (usually all at the same time).  As we studied, each of these drugs has side effects and the possibility of leading to fatality.  The Heroin Diaries documents the lowest point of Nikki’s life from 1986-87.  During this time, Nikki had become a full-blown addict.  He had passed the point of physiological and psychological dependence.  He could not function without these drugs in his bloodstream.  As he was downspiraling, he kept up a day-to-day diary that documented his life and how addiction managed to overtake everything.  He decided, many years later, to publish this diary.

Throughout the book, Nikki suffers through many cases of withdrawal, when he couldn’t get his fix or he was forced into a (temporary) detox by his manager.  He lost weight, lost sleep, and lost many valuable relationships (and was involved in many toxic ones).  Alcohol led Nikki to make various bad decisions due to inhibited judgement, act unruly, and lose quality sleep.  Alcohol is a depressant, which means that neural activities are calmed and slow body functions.  Specifically, alcohol stimulates the release of dopamine, which activates pleasure.  Cocaine gave Nikki an overwhelming high and sense of increased energy that led to countless hallucinations and episodes of psychosis.  Cocaine is a stimulant that  induces states of euphoria, creates high confidence/energy/hyperalertness, and speeds up breathing and heart rate.  Cocaine is highly addictive, as we see here.  Finally, heroin took over Nikki’s life and claimed him as its own.  Heroin gave Nikki a rush of calm like no other, and also brought him down from the cocaine induced psychosis.  It turned him into a shell of what he once was.  Heroin provides the user with an extremely addictive rush of pleasure.  It is an opioid, which suppresses physical sensations, binds to the same receptor sites as endorphins, and alters mood and emotion.  Nikki snorted, smoked, and injected heroin into all veins in his body, to the point where most collapsed. All of these drugs, especially in excess and taken simultaneously, can be fatal.  A combination of all of these drugs, especially heroin, should have killed him, and actually did...twice...on the same day.  Despite two fatal overdoses, Nikki is alive, well, and sober now.  One of my favorite quotes from this book is, “At this point in my life, I remember thinking the same thing.  The feeling of completely giving into your demons is hopeless, but when you can’t climb your way out of such a hole, you tend to crouch down and call it home (121).”  I think this book is a testament to all of the former addicts in the world.  Nikki is brave enough to share the darkest memories of his life with the world.  He uses his influence and experience to change many people's lives for the better.  This book has been given to those graduating out of rehabs and has inspired many.  I think this is because it shows the gritty, disgusting, and real part of addiction that many avoid addressing.  Psychoactive drugs can steal all aspects of life away, whether they actually kill you.

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The song, “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) by Green Day, corresponds to Chapter 6 in our book that covers memory.  Within this chapter we discussed long-term memory.  I feel as if this song touches on the concept of memory.  Green Day is my favorite band, and every time I listen to this song I feel nostalgic, especially when listening to the lyrics:

“So take the photographs and still frames in your mind

Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time

Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial

For what it's worth it was worth all the while.”

These lyrics deal directly with long-term memory.  Long-Term-Memory (LTM) is where experiences, events, rules, and judgements that have been acquired from sensory and short-term memory dwell.  There is no reason to believe that these memories cannot last forever or that there is a limit to what can be stored.  A memory is made by encoding, storing, then retrieving.  Memories are cue dependent, so information can be recalled with the right cue.  In the three memory model, information travels from the sensory memory, to the larger short-term memory (STM), then finally to the largest, long-term memory.  The sensory memory takes a “snapshot of our environment” and allows us to perceive the images, sounds, and atmosphere of the world around us.  These memories last about 3 seconds, but move on to the STM if the information in it interests us, is dangerous, unusual, or info we want.  The STM is more of a process or a temporary storage facility (decay of memory occurs when it is not used or not rehearsed).  Here, information is stored for 20-30 seconds if not rehearsed.  STM passes on information to the LTM and also receives information from the LTM in recall.  There are two types of LTM, but in this song, the focus is on declarative memories (explicit) and break off into episodic memories (personal reflection).  Declarative memories are the recollection of facts and events, and explicit memories are available through conscious effort.

This song focuses on taking in the world around us, especially the good things.  Then when we are feeling down, we can go into our long-term memories, where these “still frames” and “photographs” are stored, and recall them.  Not all of these memories are happy, but each is important.  Our “core” memories help make us who we are.  They reflect our values, important life changing moments, and so much more.  We do not have forever, so it is vital to try and make memories that are worth repeating.

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What's eating gilbert grape johnny depp and Leonardo lovable scene

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Metallica: The Unforgiven (Official Music Video)

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This scene from one of my favorite shows, Gilmore Girls, relates to stress, which is covered in Chapter 11.  In this chapter, we discussed the causes of stress, how stress can physically affect the human body in positive and negative ways, and how to cope with it.  I feel like this show accurately portrays the stressors that can come with college.  In this scene, we see the main character, Rory, dealing with a huge amount of stress.  Rory is in her freshman year at Yale University.  She goes home to find her mom, but cannot, so she confides in her ex, Dean.  At first, she is frantic and short-tempered, not wanting to talk to Dean.  She finally gives in, and breaks down.  She feels like a failure because she holds herself to such high standards.  This means that when she has to drop a class, it is the end of the world.  She usually would turn to her mom to calm down, but classes and schedules have gotten in the way.  Dean is able to calm her down and reassure her that it is okay.  Rory will probably not be completely okay until she talks to her mom. Stress is tension, discomfort, or other physical symptoms that arise when a situation strains one’s ability to cope well.  The stressor is the situation that causes stress.  In this scene, Rory’s stressors are having to drop a class in an ivy league school, standards that she holds for herself, expectations of the school and her family, and not being able to talk to her mom.  Rory’s stress is shown through behavioral and emotional responses.  Her behavioral responses are pacing with the phone, yelling at Dean, and crying.  Her emotional response is her apparent anxiety, fear, anger, and frustration with herself and the situation.  It makes sense that college is stressing Rory, because she falls into the age group of 16-22, where the biggest stressor is issues with school or at home.  Sadly, this is not just a dramaticized scene.  Many college students, including myself, have hit rock bottom.  It’s okay to have these moments, but not all the time.  Beginning college is a huge environmental change, so of course students will be thrown off, or even feel pressure.  Stress can take a huge toll on the body over a prolonged period.  It can lead to trouble sleeping/eating/digesting, heart disease, and other health issues.  This is why we need healthy coping mechanisms to keep us from developing any of these issues.  Some healthy coping mechanisms are journaling, trying to eliminate stressors, laughing, medication (if necessary), taking one thing at a time, talking to a counselor, etc.  Rory ended up using the healthy coping mechanisms of talking to a friend and crying.  Sometimes we just need someone to say “That sucks” or “I’m sorry,” to cheer us up a bit.  Support from someone we love can mean so much.  Also sometimes a good cry can relieve stress.  It is so important to have other people to confide in to share your problems and take some of the stress off of your shoulders.  Dean doesn’t try to lecture Rory or tell her she’s wrong.  He simply sits and listens. Even though Rory wasn’t expecting to break down in front of Dean, it needed to happen to relieve her from all of the stress building up.  As a stressed college student, I relate so much to this scene.  I find it a bit comforting to see someone, even though she may be fictional, who is successful, have a breakdown.  

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This scene from one of my favorite shows, Gilmore Girls, relates to stress, which is covered in Chapter 11.  In this chapter, we discussed the causes of stress, how stress can physically affect the human body in positive and negative ways, and how to cope with it.  I feel like this show accurately portrays the stressors that can come with college.  In this scene, we see the main character, Rory, dealing with a huge amount of stress.  Rory is in her freshman year at Yale University.  She goes home to find her mom, but cannot, so she confides in her ex, Dean.  At first, she is frantic and short-tempered, not wanting to talk to Dean.  She finally gives in, and breaks down.  She feels like a failure because she holds herself to such high standards.  This means that when she has to drop a class, it is the end of the world.  She usually would turn to her mom to calm down, but classes and schedules have gotten in the way.  Dean is able to calm her down and reassure her that it is okay.  Rory will probably not be completely okay until she talks to her mom. Stress is tension, discomfort, or other physical symptoms that arise when a situation strains one’s ability to cope well.  The stressor is the situation that causes stress.  In this scene, Rory’s stressors are having to drop a class in an ivy league school, standards that she holds for herself, expectations of the school and her family, and not being able to talk to her mom.  Rory’s stress is shown through behavioral and emotional responses.  Her behavioral responses are pacing with the phone, yelling at Dean, and crying.  Her emotional response is her apparent anxiety, fear, anger, and frustration with herself and the situation.  It makes sense that college is stressing Rory, because she falls into the age group of 16-22, where the biggest stressor is issues with school or at home.  Sadly, this is not just a dramaticized scene.  Many college students, including myself, have hit rock bottom.  It’s okay to have these moments, but not all the time.  Beginning college is a huge environmental change, so of course students will be thrown off, or even feel pressure.  Stress can take a huge toll on the body over a prolonged period.  It can lead to trouble sleeping/eating/digesting, heart disease, and other health issues.  This is why we need healthy coping mechanisms to keep us from developing any of these issues.  Some healthy coping mechanisms are journaling, trying to eliminate stressors, laughing, medication (if necessary), taking one thing at a time, talking to a counselor, etc.  Rory ended up using the healthy coping mechanisms of talking to a friend and crying.  Sometimes we just need someone to say “That sucks” or “I’m sorry,” to cheer us up a bit.  Support from someone we love can mean so much.  Also sometimes a good cry can relieve stress.  It is so important to have other people to confide in to share your problems and take some of the stress off of your shoulders.  Dean doesn’t try to lecture Rory or tell her she’s wrong.  He simply sits and listens. Even though Rory wasn’t expecting to break down in front of Dean, it needed to happen to relieve her from all of the stress building up.  As a stressed college student, I relate so much to this scene.  I find it a bit comforting to see someone, even though she may be fictional, who is successful, have a breakdown.  

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This scene seen here from What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993) connects to Chapter 8 of our psychology book.  In this chapter, we discussed development throughout the lifespan and disorders that may change the typical process of development.  This movie touches on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, which we discussed.  Autism is a sensitive subject, and must be depicted carefully.  I feel like Leo did a wonderful job portraying an autistic child without making a joke out of it.  He was even nominated for an Oscar for his performance, but unfortunately lost.  It is important for Hollywood to address disorders that affect so many American citizens.  The movie follows a teenager named Gilbert Grape (portrayed by an adorable young Johnny Depp), as he tries to provide for family, which includes his extremely overweight mom, who will not leave the house, his sisters, and his younger, autistic brother, Arnie (portrayed by an adorable young  Leonardo DiCaprio).  Their father has died, which leaves Gilbert solely responsible for keeping his family afloat.  In this specific scene, Gilbert comes back to the house during Arnie’s 18th birthday party, so he  can apologize to Arnie for freaking out, hitting him, and leaving.  He eventually is able to talk to Arnie and make up.  During this scene, we see autism displayed through Arnie’s words and actions.  Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder that is shown through problems in thinking, feeling, language, and social skills.  As the name implies, not every child with autism is exactly the same.  It is common for someone with autism to have issues speaking and not liking to be touched.  In this movie, Arnie acts younger than his age of 18.  Gilbert has to participate in a game of hide-and-go-seek to “find” and “speak” to Arnie.  Arnie acts like a typical toddler, showing little development in speech, actions, and feeling.  Arnie has a tick, laughs and giggles at inappropriate times, and makes little eye contact.  However, when Gilbert embraces him and apologizes, Arnie hugs him back and promises, “Don’t scare Gilbert, okay.”  Gilbert and Arnie then begin to rough house, and Arnie slaps Gilbert, all in good fun.  Despite there being a lack of development, Arnie is still able to emote and feel.  He is able to have a meaningful relationship with his family, especially his brother.  I think this movie really reflects how a child on the autism spectrum might act, and how to handle it poorly or properly.  It is not easy, but it is worth it.  This movie conveys the stress on all parties involved when dealing with developmental issues.  

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This scene seen here from What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993) connects to Chapter 8 of our psychology book.  In this chapter, we discussed development throughout the lifespan and disorders that may change the typical process of development.  This movie touches on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, which we discussed.  Autism is a sensitive subject, and must be depicted carefully.  I feel like Leo did a wonderful job portraying an autistic child without making a joke out of it.  He was even nominated for an Oscar for his performance, but unfortunately lost.  It is important for Hollywood to address disorders that affect so many American citizens.  The movie follows a teenager named Gilbert Grape (portrayed by an adorable young Johnny Depp), as he tries to provide for family, which includes his extremely overweight mom, who will not leave the house, his sisters, and his younger, autistic brother, Arnie (portrayed by an adorable young  Leonardo DiCaprio).  Their father has died, which leaves Gilbert solely responsible for keeping his family afloat.  In this specific scene, Gilbert comes back to the house during Arnie’s 18th birthday party, so he  can apologize to Arnie for freaking out, hitting him, and leaving.  He eventually is able to talk to Arnie and make up.  During this scene, we see autism displayed through Arnie’s words and actions.  Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder that is shown through problems in thinking, feeling, language, and social skills.  As the name implies, not every child with autism is exactly the same.  It is common for someone with autism to have issues speaking and not liking to be touched.  In this movie, Arnie acts younger than his age of 18.  Gilbert has to participate in a game of hide-and-go-seek to “find” and “speak” to Arnie.  Arnie acts like a typical toddler, showing little development in speech, actions, and feeling.  Arnie has a tick, laughs and giggles at inappropriate times, and makes little eye contact.  However, when Gilbert embraces him and apologizes, Arnie hugs him back and promises, “Don’t scare Gilbert, okay.”  Gilbert and Arnie then begin to rough house, and Arnie slaps Gilbert, all in good fun.  Despite there being a lack of development, Arnie is still able to emote and feel.  He is able to have a meaningful relationship with his family, especially his brother.  I think this movie really reflects how a child on the autism spectrum might act, and how to handle it poorly or properly.  It is not easy, but it is worth it.  This movie conveys the stress on all parties involved when dealing with developmental issues.  

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The song, “The Unforgiven” by Metallica, corresponds to Chapter 12 in our book that covers social psychology.  Within this chapter, we discussed the concept and dangers of conformity, groupthink, and social influence.  I feel as if this song captures these concepts well.  Metallica is another one of my faves, and this is my favorite song of theirs.  This has always been my go-to anti-establishment ballad, due to its true, but dark nature.  These verses perfectly display the atrocities that can occur socially:      “New blood joins this earthAnd quickly he's subduedThrough constant pain disgraceThe young boy learns their rulesWith time the child draws inThis whipping boy done wrongDeprived of all his thoughtsThe young man struggles on and on he's knownA vow unto his ownThat never from this dayHis will they'll take away”“They dedicate their livesTo running all of hisHe tries to please them allThis bitter man he isThroughout his life the sameHe's battled constantlyThis fight he cannot winA tired man they see no longer caresThe old man then preparesTo die regretfullyThat old man here is me”Sorry to lyric dump, but as I read back, I felt like it was necessary to write them out.  This song captures the horror that one man goes through as he is subjected to “labeling” by an all-powerful group.  He is “never free” and “never me” within this group.  There is an all-consuming, cult-like factor to this power.  Social influence is the process where a real/implied presence of others directly/indirectly influences the thoughts, behaviors, and feelings of an individual.  In this case, the boy, or “new blood” in question is “subdued” under the “rules” of a real presence, and through this process, his own thoughts and will are stolen from him.  Those who are younger are more vulnerable and easier to manipulate.  This is part of the reason why so many children are taken advantage of and manipulated in many ways.  Conformity is when one changes his or her own behavior to match that of other people. In the second verse, the social influence controls his life and the man strives to seek their approval.  No longer does he live for himself, but for the life of the group.  He has become “bitter” over a lifetime of being controlled.  This bitterness and lack of individualization is a side effect of groupthink.  Groupthink occurs when people place more importance on maintaining group cohesiveness than on asserting the facts of the problem with which the group is concerned.  There is pressure to not question the group's control and there is a lack of disagreement that allows no room to express different opinions.  Therefore, the man sung about in this song is forced to endure life without individuality.  Everything is for the group and there is no room for debate. The man retaliates by labeling back the controlling society as “unforgiven,” because he can never forgive them for the stripping away of his individuality. Also, he himself feels “unforgiven,” because he can never forgive himself for letting them strip away his freedom.  I feel like this song shows how powerful social presence can be.  Cliques, government/religious groups, etc. all have the capacity to hold social presence.  This song is a warning to not let your life be governed by someone else, because you will end up living in vain.  The further message is that it may be difficult to resist, but you should try with all of your heart.  Social influence may be positive, but it can also be very negative.  One must be wary in associations.  It is important to be able to think for one’s self.  It’s also important to be able to recognize people, especially children, who are suffering through this, and try to help them escape.  The ideal is to never sacrifice individual freedom for approval of an individual or group.         

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The song, “The Unforgiven” by Metallica, corresponds to Chapter 12 in our book that covers social psychology.  Within this chapter, we discussed the concept and dangers of conformity, groupthink, and social influence.  I feel as if this song captures these concepts well.  Metallica is another one of my faves, and this is my favorite song of theirs.  This has always been my go-to anti-establishment ballad, due to its true, but dark nature.  These verses perfectly display the atrocities that can occur socially:      “New blood joins this earthAnd quickly he's subduedThrough constant pain disgraceThe young boy learns their rulesWith time the child draws inThis whipping boy done wrongDeprived of all his thoughtsThe young man struggles on and on he's knownA vow unto his ownThat never from this dayHis will they'll take away”“They dedicate their livesTo running all of hisHe tries to please them allThis bitter man he isThroughout his life the sameHe's battled constantlyThis fight he cannot winA tired man they see no longer caresThe old man then preparesTo die regretfullyThat old man here is me”Sorry to lyric dump, but as I read back, I felt like it was necessary to write them out.  This song captures the horror that one man goes through as he is subjected to “labeling” by an all-powerful group.  He is “never free” and “never me” within this group.  There is an all-consuming, cult-like factor to this power.  Social influence is the process where a real/implied presence of others directly/indirectly influences the thoughts, behaviors, and feelings of an individual.  In this case, the boy, or “new blood” in question is “subdued” under the “rules” of a real presence, and through this process, his own thoughts and will are stolen from him.  Those who are younger are more vulnerable and easier to manipulate.  This is part of the reason why so many children are taken advantage of and manipulated in many ways.  Conformity is when one changes his or her own behavior to match that of other people. In the second verse, the social influence controls his life and the man strives to seek their approval.  No longer does he live for himself, but for the life of the group.  He has become “bitter” over a lifetime of being controlled.  This bitterness and lack of individualization is a side effect of groupthink.  Groupthink occurs when people place more importance on maintaining group cohesiveness than on asserting the facts of the problem with which the group is concerned.  There is pressure to not question the group's control and there is a lack of disagreement that allows no room to express different opinions.  Therefore, the man sung about in this song is forced to endure life without individuality.  Everything is for the group and there is no room for debate. The man retaliates by labeling back the controlling society as “unforgiven,” because he can never forgive them for the stripping away of his individuality. Also, he himself feels “unforgiven,” because he can never forgive himself for letting them strip away his freedom.  I feel like this song shows how powerful social presence can be.  Cliques, government/religious groups, etc. all have the capacity to hold social presence.  This song is a warning to not let your life be governed by someone else, because you will end up living in vain.  The further message is that it may be difficult to resist, but you should try with all of your heart.  Social influence may be positive, but it can also be very negative.  One must be wary in associations.  It is important to be able to think for one’s self.  It’s also important to be able to recognize people, especially children, who are suffering through this, and try to help them escape.  The ideal is to never sacrifice individual freedom for approval of an individual or group.         

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The autobiography, Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen, an American author, directly relates to Chapter 14 in our psychology book.  In this chapter, we covered psychological disorders.  This autobiography follows Susanna Kaysen’s two year experience as a patient in a psychiatric hospital during the 60s.  Kaysen is admitted for an attempted suicide and is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.  During these two years, she meets women dealing with a spectrum of disorders.  She meets ringleader Lisa (diagnosed as a sociopath), Polly (diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia), Georgina (diagnosed with schizophrenia), Lisa (diagnosed as a sociopath), and Daisy (diagnosed with anorexia and possibly OCD).  Through this autobiography, Kaysen conveys the struggle with psychological disorders and the journey towards getting better.   As previously mentioned, Kaysen is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD).  BPD is defined as a maladaptive personality pattern in which the person is moody, unstable, lacks a clear sense of identity, and often clings to others with a pattern of self-destructiveness, chronic loneliness, and disruptive anger in close relationships.  Kaysen is depressive  and prone to big mood swings, which is a common occurrence for someone with BPD.  She even attempted suicide by overdose.  This is also common for someone with BPD, since some attempt suicide as an attempt to manipulate others.  When addressing how she ended up in the hospital, Kaysen explains, “...It’s easy.  And it is easy to slip into a parallel universe.  There are so many of them: worlds of the insane, the criminal, the crippled, the dying, and perhaps the dead as well” (Kaysen 5).  This quote shows how often, those with psychological disorders feel like they are not part of the real world, but a world of illness, especially in a psychiatric hospital. I think an important part of this book is the point that anyone can develop psychological disorders.  It is not just for those messed-up few.  Every human has something that he or she isn’t proud of that is built into his or her personality.  Kaysen comments on a patient in the ward who has scars along her arms.  She says, “Scar tissue has no character. It's not like skin. It doesn't show age or illness or pallor or tan. It has no pores, no hair, no wrinkles. It's like a slipcover. It shields and disguises what's beneath. That's why we grow it; we have something to hide” (16).  Mental illness is plagued with stigma and shame.  Kaysen wants to convey that people should take a step back before throwing the stones of assumptions and insults.  She named this autobiography based on a painting with the same name.  After 16 years of being released from the hospital, Kaysen returned to the museum where she saw the painting.  She found the painting and looked at the girl pictured.  “Interrupted at her music: as my life had been, interrupted in the music of being seventeen, as her life had been, snatched and fixed on canvas; one moment made to stand still and to stand for all the other moments, whatever they would be or might have been.  What life can recover from thet?” (167).  Kaysen never says where her disorder stems from.  However, this quote makes it seem as if Kaysen may have been better off if she hadn’t gone to the hospital.  She was taken out of the world, and put into artificial scenery for people to gawk at her interruption.             

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The autobiography, Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen, an American author, directly relates to Chapter 14 in our psychology book.  In this chapter, we covered psychological disorders.  This autobiography follows Susanna Kaysen’s two year experience as a patient in a psychiatric hospital during the 60s.  Kaysen is admitted for an attempted suicide and is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.  During these two years, she meets women dealing with a spectrum of disorders.  She meets ringleader Lisa (diagnosed as a sociopath), Polly (diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia), Georgina (diagnosed with schizophrenia), Lisa (diagnosed as a sociopath), and Daisy (diagnosed with anorexia and possibly OCD).  Through this autobiography, Kaysen conveys the struggle with psychological disorders and the journey towards getting better.   As previously mentioned, Kaysen is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD).  BPD is defined as a maladaptive personality pattern in which the person is moody, unstable, lacks a clear sense of identity, and often clings to others with a pattern of self-destructiveness, chronic loneliness, and disruptive anger in close relationships.  Kaysen is depressive  and prone to big mood swings, which is a common occurrence for someone with BPD.  She even attempted suicide by overdose.  This is also common for someone with BPD, since some attempt suicide as an attempt to manipulate others.  When addressing how she ended up in the hospital, Kaysen explains, “...It’s easy.  And it is easy to slip into a parallel universe.  There are so many of them: worlds of the insane, the criminal, the crippled, the dying, and perhaps the dead as well” (Kaysen 5).  This quote shows how often, those with psychological disorders feel like they are not part of the real world, but a world of illness, especially in a psychiatric hospital. I think an important part of this book is the point that anyone can develop psychological disorders.  It is not just for those messed-up few.  Every human has something that he or she isn’t proud of that is built into his or her personality.  Kaysen comments on a patient in the ward who has scars along her arms.  She says, “Scar tissue has no character. It's not like skin. It doesn't show age or illness or pallor or tan. It has no pores, no hair, no wrinkles. It's like a slipcover. It shields and disguises what's beneath. That's why we grow it; we have something to hide” (16).  Mental illness is plagued with stigma and shame.  Kaysen wants to convey that people should take a step back before throwing the stones of assumptions and insults.  She named this autobiography based on a painting with the same name.  After 16 years of being released from the hospital, Kaysen returned to the museum where she saw the painting.  She found the painting and looked at the girl pictured.  “Interrupted at her music: as my life had been, interrupted in the music of being seventeen, as her life had been, snatched and fixed on canvas; one moment made to stand still and to stand for all the other moments, whatever they would be or might have been.  What life can recover from thet?” (167).  Kaysen never says where her disorder stems from.  However, this quote makes it seem as if Kaysen may have been better off if she hadn’t gone to the hospital.  She was taken out of the world, and put into artificial scenery for people to gawk at her interruption.             