2023/08/29

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:

dream thoughts

The core of the dream is made up of thoughts, memories, and feelings.

connecting paths

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

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.).