Dream Thought Connections - Freud

Dream Thought Connections

Art is better at revealing how things are connected than dreams are. This is no surprise since they are made of different stuff. Painters and sculptors show connections by putting things together in a certain way. In some older paintings, artists would draw labels next to characters to show what they were saying. This could be seen as evidence that paintings cannot show connections as well as words, but does it really?

Dreams present complicated thoughts, but Freud did not believe that these thoughts showed how things are connected in the real world. If the content of dreams is made up of things that happened during the day without revealing the logical connections between these things, then are speeches in dreams just copies of speeches that happened during the day? Freud did not believe that they showed the way in which things are connected in the real world. Dreams do not typically show how dream thoughts are logically connected. Contradictions in dreams often only indirectly reflect contradictions between dream thoughts.

There are a variety of ways that dreams can indicate logical relations between dream thoughts. Some dreams ignore logical structure altogether, while others attempt to represent it as completely as possible.

One way that dreams show logical connections is by combining dream thoughts into a unified situation or event. This can be seen as a way of representing logical connections in the form of simultaneity.

Another way that dreams can show logical connections is by placing two elements close together. This can be seen as a way of indicating a particularly intimate connection between the corresponding dream thoughts.

• Logical relations between dream thoughts do not obtain any particular representation in the dream. This means that dreams do not typically show how dream thoughts are logically connected. For example, if a dream thought contains two contradictory ideas, the dream will not typically show both ideas being expressed. Instead, the dream may only show one of the ideas, or it may show both ideas but in a way that does not make it clear that they are contradictory.
• Contradictions in dreams correspond with contradictions between dream thoughts only indirectly and intermediate fashion. This means that contradictions in dreams are often not direct reflections of contradictions between dream thoughts. For example, a dream may show two events happening at the same time, even though the dream thoughts contain two ideas that are logically contradictory. This is because the dream is trying to represent the logical connection between the two ideas, even though it cannot do so directly.
• Dreams can use symbols or metaphors to represent dream thoughts. This means that dreams can use objects, people, or events that have symbolic meaning to represent the dreamer's thoughts and feelings. For example, a dream may use a snake to represent fear, or it may use a house to represent the dreamer's family.
• Dreams can change the order of events in the dream. This means that dreams can show events that happened in real life in a different order in the dream. For example, a dream may show a person getting married before they meet their spouse. This change in order can be seen as a way of trying to show the logical connection between two dream thoughts, even though the dream cannot do so directly.
• Dreams may or may not show logical connections between dream thoughts. Some dreams ignore logical structure altogether, while others may attempt to represent it as completely as possible. This difference in emphasis may be due to a variety of factors, such as the dreamer's personality, the dream's content, or the dream's setting.
• Dreams can combine different dream thoughts into a single scene or event to show logical connections between them. For example, a dream may combine two dream thoughts that are logically related into a single scene in which both ideas are expressed.
• Dreams can show logical connections between dream thoughts by placing two elements close together in the dream. For example, a dream may place a person and a snake close together to indicate that they are closely related in the dreamer's mind. This can be seen as a way of showing logical connections between dream thoughts in the form of spatial proximity.

References

Freud, S. (1911). The Interpretation of Dreams (3rd ed.). Hayes Barton Press. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/L-999-74204

 

Activating Your Psychological Demon Slayer

 

The Psychological Significance of Keeping Your Demons at Bay by Turning Them Against Each Other

We all have demons. They are the negative thoughts, emotions, and memories that haunt us. They can keep us up at night, make us feel anxious and depressed, and sabotage our relationships and goals.

But is there a way to keep our demons at bay?

This may sound counterintuitive, but it is actually a very effective way to deal with negative thoughts and emotions. When we focus on the negative, it tends to snowball. One negative thought leads to another, and before we know it, we are completely overwhelmed.

But when we turn our demons against each other, we break the cycle of negativity. We start to see the absurdity of our negative thoughts, and we realize that they are not as powerful as we thought they were.

For example, let's say you are struggling with anxiety. You might have a negative thought like, "I am going to fail this test." This thought can lead to a spiral of anxiety, making you feel more and more stressed and overwhelmed.

But what if you turned that thought against itself? What if you said, "That's ridiculous! I have studied for this test for weeks. I am going to do great."

This simple act of defiance can be very powerful. It can help you see the irrationality of your negative thoughts, and it can give you the strength to overcome your anxiety.

Of course, turning your demons against each other is not always easy. It takes practice and patience. But it is a very effective way to deal with negative thoughts and emotions.

If you are struggling with demons, I encourage you to try this technique. It may just be the key to keeping them at bay.

Here are some additional tips for turning your demons against each other:

• Identify your demons. What are the negative thoughts, emotions, and memories that haunt you?
• 
  Challenge your demons. Ask yourself if your negative thoughts are really true. Are they based on evidence?
• Defy your demons. Stand up to your negative thoughts and emotions. Tell them that they are not going to control you anymore.
• Focus on the positive. When you start to feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts, focus on something positive. Think about a happy memory, or spend time with someone you love.

Remember, you are not alone. Everyone has demons. But you can keep them at bay by turning them against each other.

Do Dreams actually stop our unconscious thoughts or desires from surfacing??

Freud's Theory on the Two Parts of Dreams

Dreams have two parts: the latent dream-content and the manifest dream-content. The latent dream-content is the original content of the dream, before it is transformed into the manifest dream-content. The manifest dream-content is the dream that we actually experience. There are four factors that influence the transformation of the latent dream-content into the manifest dream-content:

• condensation 
•  Condensation occurs when multiple dream thoughts are condensed into a single image or symbol in the dream that we actually experience.                      
•  displacement
• Occurs when the emotional significance of a dream thought is transferred to another dream thought or image in the manifest dream                             
•  figuration
•   The proces
  s of giving concrete form to dream thoughts                           
• secondary revision
• The process of making the manifest dream more logical and coherent. 

Dream interpretation is the process of understanding the latent dream content by identifying the dream thoughts that have been transformed into the manifest dream content,

Dreams have two types of content:

1. dream thoughts
1. The core of the dream is made up of thoughts, memories, and feelings.
2. connecting paths
1. links between the dream thoughts, which can be logical or illogical, and they can also be conscious or unconscious

Dream censorship distorts dreams and is a part of the mind that tries to keep unacceptable thoughts and feelings from becoming conscious. This dream censorship cannot completely erase the dream thoughts or the core of the dream. This can make them difficult to understand. Because of this process, dream interpretation is a valuable tool for understanding the unconscious mind. The following is an example of dream censorship in the process:

Laura has a dream about killing her boss. Dream censorship may distort the dream by making the boss into an animal or someone that Laura does not know. The dream censorship might also make the killing of her boss an accident or a circumstance where the murder is justified, such as in self-defense.

Laura's dream censorship could not prevent the core of the dream, which was killing her boss; however, it was able to distort the core and disguise it to hinder its transformation from the unconscious to the conscious.  

Dreams are often illogical and incoherent because of the part of the mind that tries to censor unacceptable thoughts and feelings.

Freud believed that dream interpretation could explain dreams so that they would make sense by identifying the underlying dream thoughts, which is the original dream before it is affected by dream censorship.

Here is an example of how dream interpretation can restore the coherence of a dream:

Laura dreams of being chased by a monster. The monster represents Laura's fear of her boss. Dream interpretation can help Laura to understand that the dream is really about her fear of her boss and then the dream makes more sense.

Resources:

Freud, S. (1911). The Interpretation of Dreams (3rd ed.). Hayes Barton Press. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/L-999-74204

 

 

 Week 1 (8/29 - 9/2) ASK

In honor of #SuicidePreventionMonth, @988Lifeline will

be releasing a series of graphics that will list the 5 steps

you can take to help someone in a suicidal crisis. Learn more

about #BeThe1To by visiting bethe1to.com. #SPM22

If you think someone might be considering suicide, take

the first step and #BeThe1To ask. Ask directly, “Are you

thinking about killing yourself?” #SPM22

#BeThe1To

 

5 Things to do immediately if someone is suicidal

1) Ask the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” communicates that you’re open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way.  Other questions you can ask include, “How do you hurt?” and “How can I help?” Do not ever promise to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret (How the 5 Steps Can Help Someone Who Is Suicidal - #BeThe1To, 2019). 

 

2) BE THERE How – This could mean being physically present for someone, speaking with them on the phone when you can, or any other way that shows support for the person at risk (How the 5 Steps Can Help Someone Who Is Suicidal - #BeThe1To, 2019). 

3) HELP KEEP THEM SAFE

How – First of all, it’s good for everyone to be on the same page. After the “Ask” step, and you’ve determined suicide is indeed being talked about, it’s important to find out a few things to establish immediate safety. Have they already done anything to try to kill themselves before talking with you? Does the person experiencing thoughts of suicide know how they would kill themselves? Do they have a specific, detailed plan? What’s the timing for their plan? What sort of access do they have to their planned method (How the 5 Steps Can Help Someone Who Is Suicidal - #BeThe1To, 2019).

4) HELP THEM CONNECT

How – Helping someone with thoughts of suicide connect with ongoing supports (like the 988 Lifeline) can help them establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in a crisis. Additional components of a safety net might be connecting them with support and resources in their communities. Explore some of these possible supports with them – are they currently seeing a mental health professional? Have they in the past? Is this an option for them currently? Are there other mental health resources in the community that can effectively help  (How the 5 Steps Can Help Someone Who Is Suicidal - #BeThe1To, 2019).

 

5) FOLLOW UP

How – After your initial contact with a person experiencing thoughts of suicide, and after you’ve connected them with the immediate support systems they need, make sure to follow up with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call   (How the 5 Steps Can Help Someone Who Is Suicidal - #BeThe1To, 2019).

 

Reference

 How The 5 Steps Can Help Someone Who is Suicidal - #BeThe1To. (2019). #BeThe1To. https://www.bethe1to.com/bethe1to-steps-evidence/

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Suicide Prevention with 988

 September is suicide prevention month

988

988 is the suicide and crisis lifeline formerly known as the national suicide prevention lifeline.

Now you can call and text from your cellphone for access to trained counselors. Also, use this number if a loved one needs crisis support.

JUST TEXT 988 FOR A COUNSELOR.

When someone texts 988, they are responded to by a group of 988 Lifeline crisis centers that answer both chats and texts. This service is currently expanding to increase local and state-level response. Once you are connected, a trained crisis counselor listens to you, works to understand how your problem is affecting you, provides support, and shares resources that may be helpful. Texting is available in both English and Spanish (988 Frequently Asked Questions, n.d.).

DOO 911 AND 988 CORRELATE??

SAMHSA is working towards a long-term vision of strong coordination between the two services so people in crisis get to the most appropriate care needed in that moment. SAMHSA is actively working with 911 counterparts at federal, state, and local levels as our country continues to improve the coordinated and appropriate response to mental health and substance use crises (988 Frequently Asked Questions, n.d.).

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 988 AND 211 

In most states, the 211 system provides health and social service assistance information and referrals. At the same time, 988 crisis counselors will provide support for people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress in the very moments they need it most. While generally being different in scope, these systems need to be aligned, and in many cases, local Lifeline centers also respond to 211 contacts. We envision that 988 crisis centers will need to continue to coordinate with 211 and other warmlines. This will help ensure an all-inclusive approach regardless of which number a person may use first (988 Frequently Asked Questions, n.d.).

References

988 Frequently Asked Questions. (n.d.). Www.samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/faqs#about-988

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Thank You, Harm Reduction Workers

 

Thank You, Harm Reduction Workers

To the harm reduction workers who work tirelessly to help people who use drugs.

Thank you:

• Thank you for providing clean needles and syringes, naloxone, and other harm-reduction supplies.
•  Thank you for offering counseling, case management, and other support services. 
• Thank you for advocating for harm reduction policies and programs. 






Your work is essential. You are helping to save lives and improve the health and well-being of people who use drugs. You are also helping to reduce the stigma associated with drug use. We are grateful for your dedication and commitment. You are making a difference in the world.

Here are some specific examples of the work that harm reduction workers do:

• They provide clean needles and syringes to people who inject drugs, which helps to prevent the spread of HIV and hepatitis C.
• They offer naloxone training to people who use drugs and their loved ones, which can help to reverse an opioid overdose.
• They provide counseling and case management services to people who use drugs, which can help them get their lives back on track.
• They advocate for harm reduction policies and programs, which can help to make it easier for people who use drugs to get the help they need.

Harm reduction workers are on the front lines of the fight against drug use. They are working to save lives and improve the health and well-being of people who use drugs. They are also working to reduce the stigma associated with drug use. We are grateful for the work that harm reduction workers do. They are making a difference in the world. 

If you are interested in getting involved in harm reduction, there are many ways to do so. You can volunteer at a harm reduction program, donate to a harm reduction organization, or advocate for harm reduction policies. Together, we can create a more compassionate and supportive society for people who use drugs.

How Harm Reduction Programs Benefit Society

• Harm reduction is a public health approach that aims to reduce the negative consequences of drug use, rather than requiring people to abstain from drugs altogether. This approach has been shown to be effective in reducing overdose deaths, infectious diseases, and other harms associated with drug use.

• There are many ways that harm reduction programs benefit society. First, they can help to reduce the number of overdose deaths. In fact, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that states with syringe exchange programs had a 43% lower rate of HIV infection among people who inject drugs than states without these programs.

• Second, harm reduction programs can help to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. For example, needle exchange programs provide clean needles and syringes to people who inject drugs, which helps to prevent the spread of HIV and hepatitis C.

• Third, harm reduction programs can help to reduce crime. People who use drugs are more likely to commit crimes in order to support their drug habit. Harm reduction programs can help to reduce crime by providing people with access to treatment and other services that can help them get their lives back on track.

• Fourth, harm reduction programs can help to improve public health. By reducing the negative consequences of drug use, harm reduction programs can help to improve the overall health of individuals and communities.

• Fifth, harm reduction programs can help to reduce stigma. By treating people who use drugs with respect and compassion, harm reduction programs can help to reduce the stigma associated with drug use.

In conclusion, harm reduction programs offer a number of benefits to society. They can help to reduce overdose deaths, infectious diseases, crime, and public health problems. They can also help to reduce stigma. Harm reduction is a compassionate and effective approach to addressing the problem of drug use.