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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Garnet71 on February 24, 2009, at 22:56:51
I watched/listened as much as I could (I don't like scripted speeches). I had a mini-premonition that Obama was going to have mental health problems during his administration. I couldn't imagine how stressful his job may be; especially when the country is threatened by its economy (wonder what's going to happen to stock prices tomorrow). The economy just moved up to the #1 U.S. national security threat--down from the Global War on Terrorism (GWT) just weeks ago.
If you look at all the past presidents--before and after pictures--they really age intensely over 4 years. In Obama's case, he is so passionate and intense about 'fixing the country'; in a way that I see could be detrimental to his mental health. There are some people where a job is just a job, then others (in various fields) where their job must mean something; it must add to the public good. It must have virtue or strong utility; and such people merge the personal realm with their career realm. I am in this category, so I can relate to those feelings for anyone that is personaly connected to their work, as an extension of themself, rather than viewing it as a seperate entity from self.
Obama is doing a great job; I had some reservations about him, but am pleasantly surprised on several fronts. I think though, that he is trying to do too much too soon. He is trying to 'save everyone'; he seems to overextend himself. He feels personally connected to the country's success; it is intertwined with his psyche in such a way, that he may find himself in too deep. To have such traits is both a blessing and a curse, imo.
From observing the pre-election, I noticed he is sort of thin skinned. Most presidents and people in authority were/are more thick skinned. He takes criticism of his policies a bit too personally. He has left many clues as to this behavior.
Tonight he had the look of stress and burnout already. Much too soon. Although he was very poised and confident, I could see it in his eyes. One with that much intensity in their job cannot sustain that level in the long run. I can't help but think overachievement on steroids; and I think its linked to his relationship with his father. I think he's going to try too hard and burn out too soon. He seems to be the type that would feel personally responsible for all the country's shortcomings, and even if he did his best, he would self-blame for any failures. Those are wonderful character traits, but can be too emotional for the process.
Abraham Lincoln had mental health issues; I find it ironic that Obama is always compared to him--especially after tonight.
I wonder what would happen if the President falls ill to mental health issues? Would the Press hide it or would Biden take over and announce it to the counry? If the latter were the case, it would be helpful to all who have to contend with the mental illness stigma.
Obama exceled through Harvard Law; perhaps he is not predispositioned to mental illness. But then again he doesn't know his father well; perhaps not his genetic history well.
It's strange I kept thinking this tonight. I hope it doesn't happen, but in observing his personal attributes over the past year or so, in conjunction with assessing his personal belief systems, values, ideologies, character, and personality, I can't erase my thoughts about this.
Did anyone else notice anything off about him tonight? I hope my opinion is just 'out there', and that I am just overthinking. But I wonder...
Posted by Kath on February 25, 2009, at 12:57:45
In reply to Obama's address to Congress, posted by Garnet71 on February 24, 2009, at 22:56:51
I didn't see it. We don't have TV hooked up - but I can try to find a link on the interntet.
I saw a good portion of his Innauguration (sp?) speech - missed the first part.
Kath
Posted by obsidian on February 25, 2009, at 16:47:32
In reply to Obama's address to Congress, posted by Garnet71 on February 24, 2009, at 22:56:51
well, one thing that came to mind for me when reading your post is the fact that this particular speech was before Congress..the people who likely have the best grasp on just what his ideas will require (hopefully ;-)
I think he's trying to be inspirational, but he's standing in front of many who oppose him in some way, in age he's younger than most of them, and he must be under tremendous pressure to prove himself (the young, bold whippersnapper that he is ;-)
it's a blessing and a curse indeed to be passionate about some things
I hope his advisors help him keep his wits about him.I relate to what you say about have your "self" involved in your work...leads to too many ups and downs for me
I wish I could just do a job in isolation from who I am. I am trying to find a new career...something for a highly sensitive mood disordered introvert with potentially debilitating amounts of anxiety. Ideas anyone?? lol
Posted by Sigismund on February 25, 2009, at 17:14:00
In reply to Re: Obama's address to Congress » Garnet71, posted by obsidian on February 25, 2009, at 16:47:32
>something for a highly sensitive mood disordered introvert with potentially debilitating amounts of anxiety. Ideas anyone?
Park ranger?
Posted by fayeroe on February 25, 2009, at 17:55:22
In reply to Obama's address to Congress, posted by Garnet71 on February 24, 2009, at 22:56:51
I guess I watched another speech.
Posted by obsidian on February 25, 2009, at 20:26:59
In reply to Re: Obama's address to Congress, posted by Sigismund on February 25, 2009, at 17:14:00
I'm afraid of bears :-(
thanks though sig
Posted by garnet71 on February 25, 2009, at 22:46:31
In reply to Re: Obama's address to Congress » Garnet71, posted by Kath on February 25, 2009, at 12:57:45
"We don't have TV hooked up"
Ha. That's a good thing, imo. I don't watch TV for six months at a time on and off. My son pays for the cable, or we wouldn't have TV either!
Posted by garnet71 on February 25, 2009, at 23:08:43
In reply to Re: Obama's address to Congress » Garnet71, posted by obsidian on February 25, 2009, at 16:47:32
Hi Obsidian,
"I think he's trying to be inspirational, but he's standing in front of many who oppose him in some way, in age he's younger than most of them, and he must be under tremendous pressure to prove himself (the young, bold whippersnapper that he is ;-)"
Yes, I agree those dynamics play a role. Who wouldn't be pressured by that?
"I relate to what you say about have your "self" involved in your work...leads to too many ups and downs for me I wish I could just do a job in isolation from who I am. I am trying to find a new career...something for a highly sensitive mood disordered introvert with potentially debilitating amounts of anxiety. Ideas anyone?? lol"
An artist perhaps? lol. I know what you mean. I've had several careers already and haven't finished college yet. Maybe you could look into non-profits or entrepreneurship. Those 3 interest me the most, but with my debt, student loans, and having zilch for retirement when I graduate from school, I've sort of reconsidered, although I know a social entrepreneur would be the ideal job for me.....Sometimes I think it would be nice to marry so I wouldn't have to worry about support and debt while pursing my dreams. But that's very unrealistic.
Here's a great personality/career assessment (ok you better take it since it took me forever to find the free version):
http://www.keirsey.com/sorter/register.aspx
This is the Meyers-Briggs version of a career/ vocational interest test, and the best one I've taken as far as information given about your assessment.
My results were SEA--social, enterprising, artistic.
You really should take it and let me know how it turns out for you. :))
Posted by garnet71 on February 25, 2009, at 23:18:55
In reply to Re: Obama's address to Congress » Garnet71, posted by fayeroe on February 25, 2009, at 17:55:22
"I guess I watched another speech."
I checked the news reports, and Obama only gave one speech last night. It could be that my perceptions are different from your perceptions because I analyzed it via my life knowledge and experiences, cognition attributes, belief system/ philosophies and education; you would have viewed the speech via your respective attributes; therefore, your perceptions would be totally different than my analysis--and therefore unique just like mine.
Posted by fayeroe on February 26, 2009, at 5:21:11
In reply to Re: Obama's address to Congress » fayeroe, posted by garnet71 on February 25, 2009, at 23:18:55
> "I guess I watched another speech."
>
> I checked the news reports, and Obama only gave one speech last night. It could be that my perceptions are different from your perceptions because I analyzed it via my life knowledge and experiences, cognition attributes, belief system/ philosophies and education; you would have viewed the speech via your respective attributes; therefore, your perceptions would be totally different than my analysis--and therefore unique just like mine.
>My perceptions were different than yours. From my life experiences and knowledge of the political scene, I saw something entirely different than you did. I watched the same speech as you.
Posted by garnet71 on February 26, 2009, at 11:10:35
In reply to Re: Obama's address to Congress » garnet71, posted by fayeroe on February 26, 2009, at 5:21:11
That's what I thought you were saying. I added intuition and psychology into my perspective...lol.
Posted by obsidian on February 26, 2009, at 21:50:13
In reply to Re: Obama's address to Congress » obsidian, posted by garnet71 on February 25, 2009, at 23:08:43
thanks for the link...
so far I am some type of idealist
Crap!!
I don't want to be an idealist.
I'll post again when I figure more of that site out.
thanks!
-sid
Posted by garnet71 on February 27, 2009, at 23:10:28
In reply to Re: Obama's address to Congress » garnet71, posted by obsidian on February 26, 2009, at 21:50:13
Obsidian,
I'm so sorry-I gave you the wrong link!! That test was more like Meyers-Briggs; I meant to send you the one I took in the past that was vocational. I will dig it up for you when I have more time.
Your post made me laugh. There are 4 types of idealists under that test category-which one are you? lol
However, it doesn't allude to the conventional meaning of idealist, as one would think in general terms. I also tested as an idealist on that one, Meyers Briggs INFJ, but I am a total realist. It doesn't mean you are an idealist. Damn I can't explain it right.
Posted by garnet71 on February 28, 2009, at 11:37:08
In reply to Obama's address to Congress, posted by Garnet71 on February 24, 2009, at 22:56:51
I have a feeling Obama is going to be one of the very best presidents of all time. I just hope his health stays intact.
Posted by Sigismund on March 1, 2009, at 0:56:42
In reply to Re: Obama's address to Congress » Garnet71, posted by garnet71 on February 28, 2009, at 11:37:08
I like the photos of him.
I imagine you have seen them.
No posing for the camera, no self-importance.
Posted by Kath on March 1, 2009, at 15:13:39
In reply to Re: Obama's address to Congress » obsidian, posted by garnet71 on February 27, 2009, at 23:10:28
When you find the vocational one, would you please let me know also?
I'm thinking I'd like to be able to show it to my son.
:-)) thx, Kath
Posted by obsidian on March 1, 2009, at 17:34:54
In reply to Re: Obama's address to Congress » obsidian, posted by garnet71 on February 27, 2009, at 23:10:28
> Obsidian,
>
> I'm so sorry-I gave you the wrong link!! That test was more like Meyers-Briggs; I meant to send you the one I took in the past that was vocational. I will dig it up for you when I have more time.any vocational stuff you can point me to would be very much appreciated. I am really trying to find something else.
>
> Your post made me laugh. There are 4 types of idealists under that test category-which one are you? lolI am an INFJ, Idealist-counselor
> However, it doesn't allude to the conventional meaning of idealist, as one would think in general terms. I also tested as an idealist on that one, Meyers Briggs INFJ, but I am a total realist. It doesn't mean you are an idealist. Damn I can't explain it right.
I think I'm a realist too.
I want a temperament transplant.
thanks,
sid
>
>
Posted by garnet71 on March 2, 2009, at 22:38:54
In reply to Re: Obama's address to Congress » garnet71, posted by obsidian on March 1, 2009, at 17:34:54
I dug my files out of the abyss, and found that the assessment I did long ago was Self-Directed Search (SDS) by Psychological Assessment Resources (PAR)-that was the good one, but it was in a booklet.
This is all I could find that's relevant (these links are all from the same site):
http://www.actstudent.org/career/aboutwwm.html
http://www.act.org/discover/index.html
http://www.actstudent.org/wwm/index.html
This is the map; when you answer a million questions, the map indicates exactly were you are in terms of cognitive strenghts and interests:
http://www.act.org/wwm/index.html
You might be able to get a free student account-I'm not sure. I do know that community colleges and state employment offices offer these tests--maybe they can be done at home?
This is one I did through a uni, but it ain't cheap:
http://www3.parinc.com/products/product.aspx?Productid=SDS-SP
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. There's a million online, but noticed many don't look all that great and they all want at least 10 bucks anyway.
Obsidian-you could take that other test again; I've scored INFJ and INTJ several times each; there's always one letter that dominates; for example, my "N" is steady at roughly 90%. It could turn out different next time :)
Kath-You could call an employment office or local community-type college and ask their student services office about free tests for your son.
Best,
Garnet
Posted by obsidian on March 2, 2009, at 22:42:21
In reply to Kath/Obsidian, posted by garnet71 on March 2, 2009, at 22:38:54
Thank you SO much!!
I'll be checking it all out!
I really appreciate you sharing the info,
sid :-)
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