Your brain is a useful tool. You can use it to think if you choose to do so. Most people are under the impression that their brains are in control. They talk about things they “have to do,” or “can’t help but think about.” This is completely understandable, because it really seems like the brain is calling the shots.
Since the earliest writings of philosophers, people have been trying to control their minds. All religions are derived from words of wisdom on this subject. Original sin, desire as the cause of all suffering, surrendering your will to God - ways in which to unburden, and provide an explanation for, our unruly minds.
Along the way, some good ideas have come about. Many people claim that your mind does not control you. In fact, you can control your mind. After practicing psychiatry for 23 years, I have come around to agreeing with this, with some qualifications.
The concept of being in control of your mind, and therefore your thoughts and behaviors, is appealing. If you could always think logically, make good decisions, formulate plans, and follow through on your intentions, life would go smoothly.
The problem is, humans are not robots. We are capable of rational, logical thought, but we also have feelings, wants and needs. Our brains are powerful, consuming 20% of our energy. They’re always working, even when we would prefer to take a break. Our brains don’t let us relax, so we have various ways to quiet them down: meditation, exercise, social media, alcohol, cannabis - the list goes on.
Psychiatrists and psychologists have made a long list of mental disorders, or ways in which a mind can malfunction. These labels help us to talk about problems with fewer words, conduct research studies, and bill health insurance using “diagnostic codes.” Sometimes it helps to have a couple of words to describe something complex, like Bipolar Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder.
Naming a problem does not solve it, however. Often, it creates more problems.
Two decades of talking with and treating people with a variety of issues has led me to a far simpler way to understand how our brains work, and how to work with them. When you and your brain are in sync, you can get stuff done. Or just relax.
-Thor Bergersen MD