This is episode 2 of a 4-part special series on mental health with Dr. Paul Conti, M.D., a Stanford and Harvard-trained psychiatrist currently running a clinical practice, the Pacific Premiere Group. Dr. Conti explains specific tools for how to overcome life’s challenges using a framework of self-inquiry that explores all the key elements of self, including defense mechanisms, behaviors, self-awareness and attention. We also discuss our internal driving forces, how to align them and ultimately, how to cultivate a powerful “generative drive” of positive, aspirational pursuits. Dr. Conti also explains how to adjust your internal narratives, reduce self-limiting concepts, overcome intrusive thoughts, and how certain defense mechanisms, such as “acting out” or narcissism, show up in ourselves and others. The next episode in this special series explores how to build healthy relationships with others.For the full show notes, including articles, books, and other resources, visit hubermanlab.com.Thank you to our sponsorsAG1: https://drinkag1.com/hubermanBetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/hubermanWaking Up: https://wakingup.com/hubermanEight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/hubermanMomentous: https://livemomentous.com/hubermanTimestamps

Improve Mental Health

Sponsors: BetterHelp & Waking Up App

Structure & Function of Healthy Self

Agency & Gratitude

Aggressive Drive, Pleasure Drive, Generative Drive

Physical & Mental Health Similarities, Verb States

Sponsor: AG1

Lack of Motivation, Drives

Video Games/Social Media & Distraction, Generative Drive

Asking Better Questions, Psychiatric Medicine, Physical Health Parallels

Sponsor: Eight Sleep

Self-Reflection & Structure of Self “Cupboards”, Trauma & Agency

Feeling Stuck, Defense Mechanisms & Sublimation, Character

Self-Reflection & Function of Self “Cupboards”, Self-Awareness

Defense Mechanisms & “Acting Out”

Salience, Intrusive Thoughts

Self-Reflection, Behaviors & Strivings; Roadmap Forward

Internal Narratives, Childhood

Internal Narratives: Self-Scrutiny & Overcoming; Trauma

Time Required for Change, Understanding Intrusive Thoughts

Self-Reflection on Internal Drives; Envy

Generative Drive; Strong Aggressive Drive & Envy

High Aggressive Drive & Social Relationships, Narcissism

Narcissism, Destruction, Envy

Narcissism & Childhood, Change

Engaging with Narcissists, Disengagement

Demoralization, Learned Helplessness

Self-Inventory of Drives, Optimization

Social Media & Salience, Generative Drive

Rational Aspiration