Tag Archives: poetry

“Hypnotism” comes from Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep:

“Hypnotism” comes from Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep.


Here’s the lineage:
In the mid-1800s, Scottish surgeon James Braid coined the term “neuro-hypnotism” (from the Greek Hypnos, meaning sleep) to describe the peculiar trance-like state he was observing in patients.
Later he shortened it to “hypnotism.”
Braid originally thought this state was a form of artificial sleep, which is why he borrowed from the name of the sleep god.
However, he later realized hypnosis is not actually sleep but a special state of focused attention and suggestibility.

So the word “hypnotism” has its root in Hypnos, but the practice itself is closer to a waking state than to real sleep.

Here’s the connection between Hypnos in mythology and hypnotism:

  1. Hypnos in Greek Mythology

Hypnos = god of sleep.
Son of Nyx (Night), twin brother of Thanatos (Death).
Lived in a dark cave where the sun never shone, surrounded by poppies (a symbol of sleep/dreams).
His touch or words could calm gods and mortals alike, sending them into deep rest.
He was gentle, unlike his brother Thanatos - his power was about relaxation, release, and altered states, not finality.

  1. Why Braid Chose “Hypnotism”

When James Braid saw patients in trance states, their relaxed appearance, closed eyes, and dream-like quality reminded him of sleep → so he linked it to Hypnos.
The metaphor fit well: just as Hypnos could lull even Zeus to sleep, the hypnotist seemed to have power to shift consciousness and bypass resistance.

  1. Symbolic Parallels

Entrance to another state → Hypnos guided mortals into dreams, hypnosis guides the mind into trance.
Suggestibility → In myths, Hypnos influences behavior by softening consciousness; in hypnosis, suggestions bypass ordinary awareness.
Between waking and death → Hypnos stands between alert life and Thanatos (death), just as hypnosis stands between wakefulness and unconscious sleep.

  1. Later Misunderstanding

Because of the name, many thought hypnosis was literally sleep (even today people say “you look asleep in hypnosis”).
But modern science shows hypnosis is a focused waking state, not true sleep - though it shares the same imagery of rest, surrender, and altered awareness that Hypnos embodied.

 So: Hypnotism inherits both the imagery and the mystery of Hypnos - a gentle power to lead the mind across the threshold of ordinary awareness.
Shervan K Shahhian

Confabulation in Mental Health, what does that mean:

Confabulation in Mental Health, what does that mean:

Confabulation in mental health refers to a memory disturbance where an individual unintentionally fabricates or provides inaccurate information to fill in gaps in their memory. This phenomenon is not an intentional lie or deception; instead, it involves the creation of false or distorted memories without the person being aware that the information is incorrect.

Confabulation can occur in various mental health conditions, including certain types of dementia, amnesia, brain injuries, and psychiatric disorders. It often involves the person genuinely believing in the accuracy of the information they are providing, even though it may be inconsistent with reality.

The causes of confabulation can be diverse, including damage to the brain’s frontal lobes, which play a role in memory and executive functions. It can also result from the brain’s attempts to make sense of fragmented or incomplete memories.

It’s essential for healthcare professionals to distinguish between intentional deception and confabulation, as it can provide valuable insights into the underlying neurological or psychological issues that may be contributing to the phenomenon. Understanding confabulation can be crucial for developing appropriate care and support strategies for individuals experiencing this memory disturbance.

Shervan K Shahhian