In this week’s Success Newsletter, I would like to talk about the role that the media plays in telling people that “you are not good enough.”
First a quick update:
“America: The Most Medicated Nation in The World”
listen to the interview I gave to Sally Jessy Raphael syndicated radio show. Americans spend more than 120 billion dollars a year on anti-depressant drugs and over 51 million people (one in six people) take more than three medications daily. (Traces of pharmaceutical drugs are now showing up in our drinking water.) I give controversial insights about why prescription drug use is so high in the US and offer a fresh definition of depression and approach to treating it. To listen to the full interview visit to Radio-Interviews
“Ban Dating Men”
Diana Falzone of Maxim radio has posted an interesting and controversial call to women in response to men cheating on women highlighted by the recent events with NY Governor Spitzer. Although I do not agree with Diana’s approach, I do welcome open discussion and I might suggest the more radical angle that women are betraying women whenever they choose to have an affair with a man they know is in a relationship…read the blog, article and my response “Men Who Lie and Cheat”.
Now let’s talk about the issue of ‘Are you good enough?’
Why do we even need to pose this question?
The latest studies from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that Americans are more stressed out than ever, and women top the list. Poor mental health is on the rise and women suffer more than men from frequent mental distress. Women report feeling stressed, depressed, or having problems with their emotions fourteen or more days out of the month. All in all, a large proportion of our modern day society not only suffers from stress but from low self-esteem and poor self-confidence.
The US is only one of two industrialized countries in the world that allows direct to consumer advertising for pharmaceutical prescription drugs. Interestingly, advertising for drugs in the US began just ten years ago, and there has been a 60% increase in drug dispensation in that time. Do 60% more Americans have chemical imbalances than ten years ago?
I believe not. I believe that the media (via advertising) is constantly telling you that you are not good enough and that there is something wrong with you. E.g. you have Restless Legs Syndrome and you need this drug, you will be much more attractive and appealing to the other gender when you buy this car, the girl will choose you over him if you have this bigger flat screen TV, you will be better when you look younger and have less wrinkles; your private member is too small and you need to buy this for enhancement, your tummy is too big and you need to buy this or do this to rectify it… Ultimately the messages that bombard us daily (online, TV, radio and print) are that you are lacking something and there is something wrong with you; you are just not right!
These constant repetitive messages attack not just our psyche but our sense of self-worth, self-esteem and self-image. And, yes, they are succeeding in convincing us that there is something wrong with us, destroying our identity and self-worth as evidenced by the increase in sales, our growing dependency on these drugs and material possessions and the increase in poor mental health. And then, of course, we have Hollywood which tells us that we should look like this person or that person and it establishes for us the measurement and definition of beauty. Why, for example, does Miley Cyrus have to portray a blonde as Hannah Montana? Does that not play into the stereotype that blonde is more beautiful and that is what all young girls should aspire to be? Incidentally, I do honor and praise the overall message, talent and music of Miley Cyrus.
My message today is a humble appeal to become aware of how we are being fooled every day by someone who hopes to make money off you by brainwashing you into thinking that you are not good enough or that there is something wrong with you. Is there anything wrong with you? Are you incomplete? Don’t let others decide who you are or what value you have. Don’t let others control your happiness, how much you like yourself or how confident you are. Stop comparing yourself with others and stop thinking that more of that stuff outside of you will make you happy inside of you or that it will make you a better person! Set your own criteria for your self-worth, value and identity.
Remember to check out my blog on my website to read my past Success Newsletters, post your comments and take a few exciting quizzes. If you have received this newsletter as a forward and would like to receive all of my newsletters please enter your email address on the home page.
I wish you the best and remind you “Believe in yourself -You deserve the best!”
Patrick Wanis
Celebrity Life Coach, Human Behavior & Relationship Expert & Clinical Hypnotherapist
www.patrickwanis.com
Anointed “The Woman Expert” by WGN Chicago, Patrick Wanis PhD is a renowned Celebrity Life Coach, Human Behavior & Relationship Expert who developed SRTT therapy (Subconscious Rapid Transformation Technique) and is teaching it to other practitioners. Wanis’ clientele ranges from celebrities and CEOs to housewives and teenagers. CNN, BBC, FOX News, MSNBC & major news outlets worldwide consult Wanis for his expert insights and analysis on sexuality, human behavior and women’s issues. Wanis is the first person ever to do hypnotherapy on national TV – on the Montel Williams show.