Posts by J. Herman Kleiger
Demystifying Psychosis: What It Is and How To Treat It
When Nick Lotz began college, he felt increasingly awkward and out of place. He tried to make friends; and when they stopped returning his texts, he became consumed by anxiety and gripped by paralyzing self-consciousness which he just knew by their glances, everyone could see. So he withdrew, stopped attending classes, drank heavily, snorted Focalin…
Read MoreThis is How Depression and Toxic Masculinity Manifests in Males
I recently saw Kelvin, an 18-year-old high school senior, after he attempted suicide in the context of heavy cannabis abuse, bullying, and disruptive behavior in class. Always seen as a “strong silent type” and a “real man,” this 6’1” fullback on his football team is remembered by parents as a lonely little boy who didn’t…
Read MoreWatchmen: This Is How Racism And Trauma Translate To Real Life
My internal editor asks, “Why write a blog about Watchmen? My silent editor points out that I’m no expert on the subject matter. I didn’t grow up reading graphic novels and didn’t discover Alan Moore’s Watchmen until I watched the 2009 movie. Further, there have been many literary reviews and insightful articles written about…
Read MoreCan The Creative Be Mad And The Mad Be Creative?
Apart from the fact that I find this a damned interesting question, my curiosity about madness and creativity stems from a decades-long interest in psychosis, particularly understanding how disorganized and illogical thinking can be identified on psychological tests like the Rorschach. In each of the books I’ve written about psychosis, disordered thinking, and the Rorschach…
Read MoreHow To Understand A Narcissistic Personality & Why This Will Help You
The myth of Narcissus warns of the perils of excessive self-absorption, but is there more to narcissism than meets our gaze? I remember two patients – Marty, a meek young man, always on guard for any situation hinting of potential shame and only showing himself when guaranteed of perfect understanding and emotional attunement to his…
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