[liberationtech] Tragic News: Aaron Swartz commits suicide
Joanne Michele
sabzbrach at gmail.com
Sun Jan 13 13:52:03 PST 2013
Yvette, that's beautiful. Please pass along my gratitude.
-Joanne
On Sun, Jan 13, 2013 at 3:41 PM, Yvette Alberdingkthijm
<yvette at witness.org>wrote:
> All,
>
> Thank you for sharing and allowing this conversation on this list. I am
> the ED of WITNESS, a human rights organization, and happened to mention
> this thread today a friend (and one of WITNESS' allies and supporters), a
> Brooklyn-based psychiatrist called Sam Herschkowitz, particularly the fact
> that it seemed not always easy for people to find (the right) support when
> depressed or suicidal.
>
> He said that one out of 5 people struggle with depression or mood swings
> that can precipitate suicidal preoccupation. There is no shelter from this
> occurrence and that shame ("I should be stronger") prevents all of us from
> getting help.
>
> He has offered to be a resource and to consult by phone or in person for
> free for anyone who needs help. I know this is a research-heavy crowd so I
> have posted his all information below. I cannot vouch for him
> professionally, and you should do your own homework, but I do know that he
> is a good potential link to resources.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Yvette
>
> *Samuel Herschkowitz, M.D.*
>
> *122 Willow Street*
>
> *Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201*
>
> *718-624-6277*
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *Curriculum Vitae*
>
>
>
> *Dr. Herschkowitz has been a practicing psychiatrist and psychoanalyst
> for over 35 years specializing in depression and anxiety. He has held
> academic positions at Downstate Medical Center, Beth Israel Hospital, Mount
> Sinai Hospital and at NYU **Medical Center. He has been the Director of
> the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute as well as a teacher and mentor to
> residents and post graduate students in the mental health profession. His
> expertise in the treatment of depression and anxiety spans in modalities
> from pharmacological treatment to treatment approaches that are
> psychological only. He is esteemed by his colleagues and has been awarded
> the Melitta Sperling award for outstanding performance within his field.*
>
>
> *Medical Licenses and Certifications:*
>
> * *
>
> State Licenses: New York State No. 131099
>
> Federal: DEA AH7591402
>
> Diplomate Certification: American Board of Medical Examiners #1658 (1976)
>
> Specialty Certifications: Diplomate,
>
> American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology #21352 (1980)
>
> Subspecialty Certification: Training and Supervising Psychoanalyst,
>
> American Psychoanalytic Association (2000)
>
>
> *Educational Experience:*
>
>
> College: Honors College, Syracuse University, Summa Cum Laude
>
> Medical School: Honor Roll, College of Medicine
>
> State University of New York at Downstate (1976)
>
> New York City
>
> Research Fellow: Department of Immunology and Cancer Research
>
> Sloan-Kettering Memorial Hospital (1976)
>
> New York City
>
> Residency: Department of Psychiatry
>
> Kings County Medical Center (1979)
>
> New York City
>
> Post Residency Training: New York University Medical Center
>
> Psychoanalytic Institute (1984)
>
> New York City
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> * *
>
> *Academic Positions:*
>
> *Research Fellow*,
>
> Department of Immunology, Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital (1976-1977)
>
> *Assistant Instructor*,
>
> Downstate Medical Center (1976-1979)
>
> *Clinical Assistant Professor,*
>
> Downstate Medical Center (1980-1981)
>
> *Clinical Assistant Professor,*
>
> Beth Israel Medical Center (1981-1984)
>
> *Clinical Assistant Professor,*
>
> Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City (1984-1989)
>
> *Clinical Assistant Professor,*
>
> New York University Medical Center (1989-2000)
>
> *Clinical Associate Professor*
>
> New York University Medical Center (2000-2004)
>
> *Clinical Professor*
>
> New York University Medical Center (2004-present)
>
> *Training and Supervising Psychoanalyst*
>
> New York University Psychoanalytic Institute (NYUPI: 2000-present)
>
>
>
> *Publications:*
>
> 1. *Refereed publications:*
>
>
> Herschkowitz, S. & Dickes, R., Suicide Attempts in a Female to Male
> Transsexual,
>
> *J. of the American Psychiatric Association*, 35:368-69, March, 1978.
>
>
> Goode, R., Saften, T. & Herschkowitz, S., Mutagenic Retardation of
> Ascorbic Acid on
>
> Clarke’s Level Cells,” *Annals of Immunology* 14:3, pp. 78-84,
> June, 1978.
>
>
> Teifer, L. & Herschkowitz, S. Nutritional Aspects of Sexual Behavior, *
> Nutritionist*,
>
> 18:12, pp. 2-6, April, 1978.
>
>
> Herschkowitz, S. & Kahn, C., Toward a Psychoanalytic View of Family
> Systems,
>
> *The Psychoanalytic Review*, 67:45-68, 1980.
>
>
> Goldberger, M., Herschkowitz, S. et al, Teaching Analytic Candidates Using
> a Taped
>
> Audio Analysis, *Psychoanalytic Quarterly*, April, 1993.
>
>
> Herschkowitz, S., "On Analyzability" (recently submitted) (2006)
>
> * *
>
> Herschkowitz, S. “glossary terms” (partial) in *Textbook of Psychoanalysis
> *, ed. Person,
>
> Cooper and Gabbard, (2004)
>
>
> Herschkowitz, S. Book review of A Spirit of Inquiry by Lichtenberg et al
>
> JAPA 53:1 pp. 306-309, 2005.
>
>
> *2. Non-refereed Publication:***
>
>
> Herschkowitz, S. Transsexual Etiology, *J. of Legal Medicine*, 5:27-29,
> July, 1977.
>
>
> Herschkowitz, S., Language, Psychoanalysis and Computer Technology, *
> Downstate*
>
> *Bulletin*, 16:2-5, April, 1978.
>
>
> Herschkowitz, S., reporter on Weinshel, E.M., On Inconsolability, *The
> PANY Bulletin*,
>
> June, 1982.
>
>
> Herschkowitz, S., reporter on Weich, H., Language as Fetish, *The PANY
> Bulletin*, July, 1990.
>
>
> *3. Scientific Papers Presented:*
>
>
> “Differential Diagnosis in the Evolution of Gender Dysphoria.”
>
> Medical Grand Rounds, Downstate Medical Center, May, 17, 1990.
>
>
> “A Case of Female Transsexualism,” Eastern Conference for Sexual Therapy,
>
> Plaza Hotel, New York City, March 5, 1987.
>
>
> “Developmental Aspects of Male and Female Sexual Identity,”
>
> Department of Sociology, The New School, April 26, 1988.
>
>
> Discussant: "The Genesis of Male Homosexuality" (paper by Charles W.
> Socarides)
>
> American Psychoanalytic Association, December, 1988.
>
>
> “Transsexualism: Surgical and Psychological Follow-up and Outcomes,”
>
> Symposium on Human Sexuality (sponsored by H.E.W.) January 23, 1989.
>
>
> “Creative Aspects of Scientific Innovation,” International Conference on
> Biotechnology,
>
> Naples, Florida, 1990.
>
>
> “Healthcare Technology: Breakthroughs in the 90’s,” Women’s Economic
> Development
>
> Conference, Sheraton Hotel, New York City, May 15, 1991.
>
>
> “The Art of Negotiation,” International Venture Capital Fund Conference,
> Marriott
>
> Hotel, Boston, April 23, 1992.
>
>
> “Due Diligence Evaluations of Corporate Management: a Psychological
> Profile Guide,”
>
> Smith Barney Management Consulting Conference, March 17, 1994.
>
>
> “Can the Deal Work? Evaluation of Management Integrity,” New Businesses &
> Venture
>
> Capital: A 5 week course at the Harvard Business School. One
> lecture on
>
> October 17, 1995.
>
>
> “Linguistic Interpretation and Psychoanalytic Interpretation,” Regents
> College, Department Of Psychology, London, September 15, 1996.
>
>
> “The Bridge Between Words and Mental Representations,” University of Sao
> Paulo, Brazil,
>
> Department of Psychology, November 12, 2000.
>
>
> “The Evolution of Language and Abstract Thinking,” Stamford University,
> Joint Seminar
>
> Department of Psychology and Linguistics, April 7, 2001.
>
>
> Moderator, Scharff Memorial Lecture, Charles Brenner: the case
> presentation of
>
> Dr. Chapman Atwell. April, 2003
>
>
> "On Analyzabiltiy," The Melitta Sperling Award Lecture, PANY, October 27,
> 2003.
>
>
>
> *Psychoanalytic Administrative Activities:*
>
> * *
>
> 1. Director, NYU Psychoanalytic Institute (“NYUPI“) 2005-2009
>
> 2. Chairman, Education Committee, NYUPI, 2001-2005.
>
> 3. Chairman, Curriculum Committee , NYUPI, 1994-2001.
>
> 4. Member of the Faculty Search Committee, NYUPI, 1998-present.
>
> 5. Chairman, Three Institute (NYUPI, Columbia, NYPI) Senior Elective
> Program (1996- 98).
>
> 6. Member, Student Progression Committee, NYUPI, 1999-present.
>
> 7. Member, Training Analysts’ Selection Committee, 2001-2005.
>
> 8. Member, Executive Council of the NYUPI, 1996-present.
>
> 9. Member, Admissions Committee of NYUPI, 1996-present.
>
> 10. Fellow, BOPS, American Psychoanalytic Association, 2001-present.
>
> 11. Reader, Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association,
> 2002-present.
>
> 12. Co-chair, Site Visit Committee 2004, 2003 until site visit in Nov.
> 2004
>
> 13. Member, Psychoanalytic Research and Development Fund (“PRDF“)
> 2000-present.
>
> 14. Treasurer, Psychoanalytic Research and Development Fund (“PRDF”)
> 2002-present.
>
>
>
> *Psychoanalytic Educational Activities:*
>
>
> 1. Co-chair of Medical School Psychiatric Education, Downstate Medical
> Center (1979-1981):
>
>
> 2. Faculty member at the NYUPI, 1982-present. The following courses were
> taught:
>
> A. Alternate Schools
>
> B. Psychopathology I and II.
>
> C. Theory I (early Freud [pre-1923]: The Project,
> Interpretations of Dreams)
>
> D. Theory III (Ego & the Id----Inhibitions, Symptoms and Anxiety)
>
> E. Theory IV (post 1930: Anna Freud; Hartmann, Kris & Lowenstein;
> Jacobson, etc.)
>
> F. Theory V (modern controversies within analysis)
>
> G. Theory VI (Borderline and Narcissism)
>
> H. Case Conferences
>
> I. Dream Courses I & II
>
> 3. Study Group Chair: Issues of Self Esteem (PRDF= Psa. Research &
> Development Fund)
>
> 4. Member of the following study groups (PRDF):
>
> A. Psychoanalytic--Neuroscience (Panksepp/Ostow co-chairs) (2001-ongoing)
>
> B. Analysis of the older patient (Furst, Chair) (2000-2001)
>
> C. Affect Regulation (Ostow, Chair)(2002-2003)
>
> D. September 11th and it’s aftermath (Nunberg, Chair) (2002-ongoing)
>
> E. Therapeutic Action (H. Blum, chair) 2004-2005
>
> F. Self Esteem Regulation (S. Herschkowitz, Chair) 2003-2005
>
> 5. Member of the following study groups:
>
> A. 9/11 & associated traumatic events (Viola Group--Elisabeth Young
> Breuhl, Chair).
>
> B. NYUPI curriculum revision (Alan Zients, Chair). 1998-2000
>
> 6. Mentor, NYUPI Fellowship Program (2000-2002)
>
> 7. Supervising and Training Analyst, NYUPI (2000-present).
>
> 8. Theory Instructor, NYUPI psychotherapy program (2001).
>
> 9. Lecturer (medical students and residents) NYU Department of
> Psychiatry (1989-present).
>
>
>
>
> *Highlights of past and present Administrative and Teaching Positions
> Held:*
>
>
> Instructor (creative writing) English Department, Syracuse University
> (1971-1972)
>
> Instructor (critical thinking) English Department, Syracuse University
> (1971-1972)
>
>
> Coordinator and Lecturer, Medical School Psychiatry Lecture series,
> Downstate Medical
>
> Center (1977-1980). Organized and administered all psychiatric
> lectures at the
>
> medical school.
>
>
> Curriculum Chairman, NYU Psychoanalytic Institute, 1994-2000.
>
> During this time I coordinated major changes in the Institutes
> curriculum. The emphasis
>
> on pathology was eliminated and structural theory and
> conflict/compromise formation
>
> was highlighted. In addition, courses such as methodology, writing,
> critical thinking
>
> about theory formulation(s), neurobiology, applied analysis, etc.
> were instituted.
>
>
> Student Progression Committee, NYU Psychoanalytic Institute, 2002-present
>
> While on this committee, changes were instituted to further encourage
> students to write
>
> And think more critically. Rather than merely “absorb” classical
> theory and technique,
>
> Students were encouraged to write and think critically about their
> craft. The attempt
>
> Here was to shift the paradigm of an analytic school from the concept
> of a trade school
>
> To the concept of an expanding set of classical cornerstones that
> could be creatively
>
> used, written about and explored.
>
>
> Education Chairman, NYU Psychoanalytic Institute, 2002-2005
>
> While chair of the EC, I continue to emphasize writing and critical
> thinking as a means to
>
> understanding classical theory and the various outcroppgs of these
> foundational
>
> foundational theories. Writing workshops and entire courses devoted
> to writing
>
> are now in place and cornerstone within the NYUPI curriculum.
>
>
> Director of the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute, 2005-2009
>
> Administration and coordination of all Institute activities. I
> promoted the concept of
>
> TA reciprocity between the Columbia, New York
> Psychoanalytic Institute and NYUPI. This allowed all three New York
> Institutes to
>
> provide potential applicants the ability to remain with their present
> analyst or be
>
> treated by an analyst from outside their “educational” Institute
> environment. I’ve initiated the collaboration (and anticipated union) of
> all three child analytic
>
> programs in New York City (New York, Columbia and NYUPI). I have
> changed the
>
> manner in which the director is chosen by allowing for full faculty
> participation in that
>
> process. I am in the process of developing a CORST program at NYUPI
> as well
>
> as developing outreach analytic programs for third world
> countries. We facilitate
>
> the immigration of potential applicants to the United States for
> training purposes.
>
> Most importantly, I promote and continue to promote transparent
> faculty collaboration.
>
> For example, committee meeting minutes (EC, curriculum, etc.) are now
> circulated to
>
> The faculty. During my administration, the Institute has increased
> candidate inclusion on committees. We have also developed the first
> led candidate journal. The Journal
>
> will soon publish its first online issue.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yvette J. Alberdingk Thijm
> Executive Director
> WITNESS
> 80 Hanson Place
> Brooklyn, NY 11217
> phone: + 1(718) 783 2271
> europe: +31 619031122
> mobile: + 1 (347) 210 0152
>
> skype: yvette-a or witnessyvette
> email: yvette at witness.org
> twitter: @yvettethijm, @witnessorg, #video4change
> blog: blog.witness.org
>
>
> When elephants fight, the grass suffers
>
> Young people across the U.S. are taking action against climate change.
> By supporting WITNESS, you're supporting these youth. Please donate today:
> witness.org/donate
>
> On Jan 13, 2013, at 7:00 AM, Joshua Cohen <jcohen57 at stanford.edu> wrote:
>
> griffin....thanks for that moving message....I am really glad that you are
> still with us.
>
> though I do not suffer from depression, I have seen the grim, suffocating
> pain very close up ... my father and others in family. I wish on everyone
> your epiphany: that we all deserve better than that.
>
>
> warmly,
>
> Josh Cohen
>
>
> On Jan 13, 2013, at 3:49 AM, Griffin Boyce <griffinboyce at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hey all,
>
> It's hard to write about one's own experience with depression and
> suicide in the wake of someone's passing. Not just for the intense
> feelings involved, but also no one wants to direct attention away from the
> person who has died.
>
> As some of you mention, the fear of losing respect or "becoming a
> liability" is very real. It leads people to close off entirely, to hide
> away, to conceal their feelings behind smiles.[3] This is the case within
> tech and in other communities as well. It's a very tricky problem. Much
> harder to spot when someone's having trouble if they live five hundred
> miles away and only communicate with you online.
>
> In the past two-and-a-half years, I've lost three friends to suicide.
> Two were academics. Two were transgender. One was a member of the tech
> community. In light of everything that has happened, I feel the need to
> emphasize that people are not alone by talking about my experiences.
>
> I've struggled with depression for most of my life. After having a
> fairly stable level of depression for a long time, I had a sudden downturn
> in late 2011. In December 2011, I planned to kill myself by jumping off a
> local bridge.[1] In the days leading up to the 8th, I cleaned and tried to
> get things into some semblance of order. A steely calm overcame me, and I
> closed years-old accounts without emotion.
>
> I'd just moved to Philadelphia and my close friends were all far away.
> My spot on a waiting list for a trans-friendly therapist had just
> disappeared -- meaning another 3-6 months of waiting without help. Suicide
> was not something that I wanted to do, but rather something that seemed
> like an inevitability. In my grief, I could not see that there would be a
> resolution that didn't include my death.
>
> When I think back to my beginnings in coding and the internet, what led
> me to the interest was depression and a sharp sense of alienation. After
> serious trauma and suicide attempts, I started to find a community of
> similar interests online in 1999. At this point, I have very close friends
> in the tech community, but I did not feel very comfortable talking about
> the intense feelings that I was having.
>
> In the end, I did not kill myself (spoiler alert). So what changed?
> Well, not a lot. But also, a lot. As a parting shot, I had agreed to give
> an interview to a journalist.[2] The interview went *incredibly* badly,
> causing the epiphany that I deserved to be treated better. It wasn't that
> simple, and it wasn't easy, but that was the catalyst that probably saved
> my life.
>
> Getting help was not easy. The first medication I tried sent my
> cognition to zero and it took until March 2012 to finally see a therapist.
> It was still difficult. There are specific issues that impact the tech
> community. Busy is not the new happy. At times it felt like a death march,
> but for me it felt like the alternative was death -- and we all deserve
> better than that.
>
> All the best,
> Griffin Boyce
>
> [1] It's this one, for the morbidly curious:
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_Street_Bridge_(Philadelphia)
> [2] People who know me well will find that amusing, as I'd pretty much
> rather be covered in honey and set upon an anthill than talk about myself
> in print.
> [3] The day after, I went to a museum with a friend. She had no idea. In
> fact, I had to send her an email tonight because she *still* has no idea
> but subscribes to libtech.
>
> --
> "What do you think Indians are supposed to look like?
> What's the real difference between an eagle feather fan
> and a pink necktie? Not much."
> ~Sherman Alexie
>
> PGP Key etc: https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/User:Fontaine --
> Unsubscribe, change to digest, or change password at:
> https://mailman.stanford.edu/mailman/listinfo/liberationtech
>
>
> --
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>
> --
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>
--
Joanne
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