Reader questions and feedback on the behavior of humans and animals. Also refer to emotional, anti-social, uncontrolled, group, mob mentality, rules, laws, motivations, addiction, anger, fear, joy, sorrow, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Behavior:
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The following 3 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
Want to know if I'm mentally ill
Question
November 27, 2006
how does a person know or show signs of a mental illness and how do they show it through behavior
i have been abused sexual, mentally and emotionally and i have got so good at hidding my anger and emotional, but I am at the point because people tell me i have problems that i do not want tolive and i believe they could be wrong through manipulation but how do i know that i have a mental illness can you send me a test, like right now
cammie - USA
12491
Answer
There is a difference between mental illness and mental injury. Someone who has been abuse has been mentally and emotionally injured. Just like being in a car accident and physically injured, the healing process can be long and sometimes difficult.
People who tell you that you have problems seem to be adding salt to the wounds. Perhaps they don't realize that you have been abused and need understanding and encouragement.
The big thing is not to think of yourself as being mentally ill. Instead, think of yourself as being injured and in the healing process. It takes a long time to heal from those old wounds.
I hope these ideas help. Best wishes in the healing process.
Son has anti-social problems
Question
June 9, 2004
My son, 15 has many intials after his name ,taking more legally prescribed drugs than i will ever take to control his behavior.He suffers from dystemic depression ,is a teenager and currently has diagnosis of ADD and Asperger.The school is saying he is to damaged to learn.He is anti-social but he is also very socially inept.My question is if he raises his social skills to a more appropriate functioning level would he still be anti-social?
alana - USA
3512
Answer
I hate to see the over-prescription of medication to try to solve behavior problems. It also is not good that the school has no confidence in your son's ability to learn. He can sense their opinions.
One thing to do is to maintain a positive atmosphere in the house, where you often praise and thank your son. At 15, there is some rebellion against this, but positive attitudes do sink in.
Have him take a look at "Harness Your Hyperactivity" at http://www.school-for-champions.com/grades/hyper.htm. It might give him some ideas about handling his ADD. In fact, it would be good for him to look over the other lessons in "Tricks for Good Grades" that are aimed at students.
You can also check "Teaching Hyperactive Children" at http://www.school-for-champions.com/education/hyperactive.htm to see education strategies for ADD and ADHD children.
Your son's social skills start with his own views of himself. If he can find something he likes to do and is good at, it can build his esteem and confidence. (Also, that is where praise can help.)
Often being anti-social is a result of being put down by others his age. But that is caused by not realizing the feelings of others--often a result of ADD. His motivations to improve his social skills and learning are an important part of his ability to improve. And I'm sure he wants to be a champion.
I hope these ideas help. Let me know about his progress.
Is behavior heredity or environment?
Question
May 12, 2004
Hi, my name is Krizia Salcedo and I am doing a research paper on a related topic. The question I'm basically trying to answer in my report is, why do we act the way we do? I wanted to know if our behavior is a result from the environment we live in or is behavior hereditary. Why are some people easily tempered and some just slow to anger? These are the kind of question I hope to get answered and your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Krizia - USA
3296
Answer
Behavior is a function of both heredity and environment. The best example of this was a study of orphaned twins who grew up in separate families and never saw each other. The study showed that they had many similar traits, including having the same type job and decorating their house the same way. But they also had differences due to their upbringing and how they dealt with problems. One example is that one brother was a heavy drinker and the other did not drink at all.
See: http://www.ce-credit.com/courses/course_details.asp?courseid=8230
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/twins/twins2.htm
Summary
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Answers to Readers' Questions on Behavior