WSV columnist and limited licensed psychologist Charles Thomas writes, “While there weren’t many silver linings to the pandemic, one good thing that did happen as a result of it was that our culture developed a fresh appreciation of the importance of mental health care. But a large block of Americans has been left behind. This is in spite of the fact that they make up nearly 80% of all suicides, have fewer friendships and social connections than other groups, and are also more likely to binge drink and have substance use disorders than other groups.”
Author: Charles Thomas
Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes, “Because ChatGPT can write essays, I thought it would be interesting to ask it to write a couple of essays for Watershed Voice about recent issues we’ve reported on. (The following) is an edited transcript of my conversation with ChatGPT, along with ChatGPT’s first work for Watershed Voice.”
Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes, “If you’re lonely this Valentine’s Day, I think it’s normal and even laudable to yearn for the opportunity to love in this active way and to find the kind of love that is real, harsh, and at times, even dreadful.
“But dreaming of a love perpetually frozen in the moments after a meet cute is likely to bring only sorrow. While that kind of love does exist, it’s as fragile as a soap bubble that immediately pops when hit with the faintest of breezes. When that bubble has burst, we are left with a mess that must be cleaned up. Then it’s time for us to start the harder task of active love. As G.K. Chesterton wrote, ‘to love means loving the unlovable.'”
Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes about the importance of deliberate practice when attempting to develop expertise.
WSV columnist Charles Thomas recalls the “saddest Christmas” he’s ever had, and how a recent exchange with a Las Vegas taxi driver helped put into focus what Charles and many of us take for granted.
WSV Columnist and psychotherapist Charles Thomas writes, “I’ve met more than a few people in my life who believe counseling and psychotherapy are nothing more than a big pile of steaming horse (radio edit). And honestly, I understand why some people feel that way.”
Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas imagines what C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” would look like if instead of trying to damn “the patient” to hell, the two demons at the center of the story tried to create the worst mental health in that patient. So if you’re looking to improve your mental health, stop listening to those inner demons, and go for a walk.
This piece of flash fiction titled “18 Pearl Moons” was written by Watershed Voice columnist and local author Charles Thomas.
Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes, “Having now lived for a half century, I remember a time when things were different. I remember when people who disagreed could have vigorous debate about a topic and then walk away still liking the other person. In short, I remember a time when we were all better at empathy.”
WSV Columnist Charles Thomas writes about the ongoing controversy surrounding Riverside Church, and how we might address perpetual problems like sexual and spiritual abuse as a society.
The fourth chapter of Charles Thomas‘ 2017 murder mystery novel “Headcase.” Readers be advised this story features graphic content.
Watershed Voice columnist and limited licensed psychotherapist Charles Thomas provides a guide to mental health services in Southwest Michigan.
The third chapter of Charles Thomas‘ 2017 murder mystery novel “Headcase.” Readers be advised this chapter features graphic content.
The second chapter of Charles Thomas‘ 2017 murder mystery novel “Headcase.”
The year is 2007, Jack is psychiatrically stable and living in his own apartment, finally starting to put his life back together five years after his first psychotic break. Jack was forced to drop out of college after struggling with his mental illness. He became angry, hateful, and bitter. But 2007 seems like it might be the year that Jack turns the corner into recovery. However, when Jack finds a dead body and becomes the prime suspect in a murder, it isn’t just his recovery that’s put at risk. It’s his life.
WSV’s Charles Thomas suggests three steps to take when learning how to lose with grace.
WSV’s Charles Thomas writes, “The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu was one of the great spiritual giants of our time, so when I learned that he had once visited our fair city of Three Rivers, I was shocked.”
Big World, Small Town columnist Charles Thomas ranks what he believes are his five best columns of 2021.