This moment in time seems uniquely designed to destroy our sense of who we are and what we are doing with our lives. Many of us define ourselves and derive satisfaction from the functional roles we play day to day. Our self-concept is based on our current work, relationships, hobbies or religious practices. How we see …
“I can’t be myself when I’m with anyone” From “Hurricane” by I Prevail We are a society that celebrates extroverts – people who derive satisfaction and energy from interacting with others. As kids, we were always told to go play outside with other kids and speak up in class. As adults, we are told that having many …
How Brian Burkheiser Thrives as a Rock Star Introvert Read More »
When Chiara de Blasio, daughter of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, openly discussed her past struggle with a mood disorder, it was hailed by many as a triumph for fighting the stigma of mental illness. In 1999, the U.S. Surgeon General labeled stigma as perhaps the biggest barrier to mental health care; this stigma manifests particularly …
The Stigma of Mental Illness Is Making Us Sicker Read More »
I grew up during the 80’s, when songs like Tony Basil’s “Mickey,” the Knack’s “My Sharona” and Nena’s “99 Luftballoons” dominated the Top 40 charts. While these songs were embraced as part of the cultural landscape, these artists were often referred to with derision as “one-hit wonders.” The “one-hit wonder” label often casts its shadow …
What Mocking One-Hit Wonders Tells Us About Ourselves Read More »
“I hope I die before I get old.” From the Who’s famous lyrics to Pearl Jam’s assertion that “all that’s sacred comes from youth,” rock music’s message is clear: “It’s better to burn out than to fade away.” We’ve all grown up with the idea that a cool, fun life is for the young – old folks need not apply. This message resonated …
Stay Forever Young: Deconstructing the Rock Star Myth Read More »
