It’s really unsettling how there’s all this one-sided criticism of psychiatrists and therapy. OK, some people have had negative experiences, but there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Some people like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Some find DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) encouraging. Others stick with some form of psychoanalysis.
It’s both dangerous and incredibly unhelpful to make indiscriminate criticism of therapy. It reminds me of Aesop’s dog in the manger. Some people do find it helpful. So what’s the alternative?
It’s fine to talk about problems like profiteering, intrusive concern, or whatever; but treating it like a scam or a conspiracy is beneath the dignity of a rational being. If you laugh at Cold Warriors, Young Earth Creationists or Anti-Vaxxers, you should be careful about your medical conspiracy theories.
And guess what? If you think you are any better than the Scientologists who spread hatred of psychiatrists, I have a Mothership to sell you.
Ultimately, there is nothing further removed from the true spirit of authentic liberal skepticism, than the kind of nihilistic, morally degenerate “woke cynicism” surrounding psychiatry. If you want to tear down, you have to first be able to build; that’s what the word ‘edify’ means, in the classical and non-sarcastic, non-disparaging sense of the word. The fact that ‘edification’ has such repugnant connotations to the English speaker of today is something that in itself speaks volumes.
I owe a great deal to a certain therapist, who has helped me with many things; not least “talking out” a very serious and distressing psychosomatic problem (i.e. a physical problem founded in a psychological cause). I’m not even opposed to psychiatric medication in principle; nobody thinks taking insulin or anti-retrovirals is a sign of weakness. So why should psychiatric medicines be any different? Too much Descartes? You think there is such a gulf between mind and body that medicating one is good, and medicating the other is bad?
If you’re spreading conspiracy theories and disinformation about psychiatry, instead of taking a balanced and objective approach, you were probably dropped on the head as a kid. You need to start acting in a sane and rational manner.
And if all that’s just that little bit too difficult right now, you could always try finding a therapist whose methods work for you.
But then, that would be beneath you, wouldn’t it?! Stay woke, Komrad…