"Diseases of the Brain"

In your opinion, to what extent are personal problems like depression or addiction "diseases of the brain" or personal failings? Discuss examples of psychological issues that you have observed in friends and family that are related to the function of the brain in some way.

Things like addiction and depression are extremely complex disorders of the mind. Within my family I have members who have suffered from both of those diseases. I feel that Addiction is 50% mental and 50% biological. I've always heard people saying that "addiction runs in the family" but that statement in general can impact your mind. Once someone becomes an alcoholic there body starts to yearn for its stimulant, in this case alcohol, mentally and physically. To the person addicted I would assume that their mind has great control over their actions but their physical obedience to the drug may over power the mind in certain circumstances.

getting to know you...

1. In what ways did the experiences of your early childhood make you who you are today? How about your relationships with your parents? Explain, using specific examples (psychoanalytic).

I feel like I have had a very nice childhood. In my opinion all of my trips to Van Saun Park, hiking with my family (even though i hated hiking), lots of family parties where I was able to see my cousins, and spending a lot of time together is something I am grateful for. When I was 3 years old, my parents got divorced. From that point on I have moved 9 times. Fortunately I never had to switch schools. One of my parents always have always lived in Hillsdale therefore I never had to change schools. Despite the divorce both of my parents have been amazing people and influences. They never used the divorce as an excuse for any problems that came up, and even though I was young, I never felt as though it was my fault that they didn't stay together. Fast forward to the present and i have a really good relationship with both of my parents. My dad is one of the best problem solvers I know and he's always there for me whenever. My mom and I are always laughing. She is extremely understanding in any circumstance. I think that growing up in two separate houses with two separate sets of rules has made me a versatile person and someone who is able to adapt to change when necessary.

5. What is your unique outlook on life in general? What type of attitude do you have towards the world around you (cognitive)?

I think that i have a very positive outlook on life. I try to find the good in most things before I delve into the bad. I like to surround myself with positive people who know how to make me laugh. My friends are the ones that bring out the best in me and that's why I stick with them. I also try to do the things that I love. Everyone is placed on earth to pursue something that is special to them. Whatever you do in life, you should love it. Life would be pointless without things that you love and have passion for. Life would just be plain boring without those things!