#112: Diagnosis as a Weapon

“When people rebel you can call them crazy”.

Psychotherapist Dr. Harriet Fraad discusses an article sent to us by a patron entitled: HYSTERIA, WITCHES, AND THE WANDERING UTERUS: A BRIEF HISTORY OR, WHY I TEACH “THE YELLOW WALLPAPER”.

We discuss how a diagnosis - such as hysteria - often says more about a society than the individual, the fear of female emotions, irrationality, fragility and protection, the link between serial killers and Fanon, Adam Curtis, empowerment and the luxury of getting to know yourself.

References:

HYSTERIA, WITCHES, AND THE WANDERING UTERUS: A BRIEF HISTORY OR, WHY I TEACH “THE YELLOW WALLPAPER": https://while-you-were-sleeping.com/2017/04/18/hysteria-witches-and-the-wandering-uterus-a-brief-history-or-why-i-teach-the-yellow-wallpaper/

Molecules of Emotion: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/70197.Molecules_of_Emotion?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=9aA3dV6nQX&rank=1

Prologue to Violence: Child Abuse, Dissociation, and Crime : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2516116.Prologue_to_Violence?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=zgcaWBJUP5&rank=3 (Article mentioned 'From Their Cradle To Your Grave' became this book)

Ashley Frawley - Therapy Culture and Happy Signifiers: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/plasticpills-philosophy-critical-theory-podcast/id1501548680?i=1000525781286

Ashley Frawley - Emotional Fads vs. Freedom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHj1TEIBPlY

Adam Curtis TraumaZone: https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2022/adam-curtis-russia-1985-1999-traumazone

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Email us with feedback, questions, suggestions at itsnotjustinyourhead@gmail.com.

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Harriet’s other shows:

WBAI Interpersonal Update (Wednesdays): https://wbai.org/program.php?program=431

Capitalism Hits Home: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPJpiw1WYdTNYvke-gNRdml1Z2lwz0iEH

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ATTENTION! This is a Boring Dystopia/Obligatory 'don't sue us' message: This podcast provides numerous different perspectives and criticisms of the mental health space, however, it should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your medical professional with regards to any health decisions or management.