Psychology has gotten insanely popular in recent years. Through the media and television shows such as Criminal Minds and CSI, people view Psychology as the "be-all" to mind and knowledge. If you've studied psychology, you know everything. You're the master of the minds, and can handle any problem. The reality is far different - let's talk about the 5 things Psychology majors are tired of hearing/being asked.
Let's start with the 5 things a Psychology major doesn't want to hear:
1. Can you read my mind? You know, like that guy on Criminal Minds! You can understand all my actions, right?
No, I can't and nobody honestly can. The fact that media expects us to be able to do this is absurd! Nobody can, and nobody will.
2. Psychology is so easy. You know, I took introduction to Psychology! It was a walk in the part - no problems at all. Anyone can easily major in it and pass with flying colors.
Stop. Stop. Stop. Yes, the introduction classes may be easy. As you get into the more specialized fields such as Developmental Psychology, Child Psychology, and the higher ups it gets increasingly difficult. Research papers, having to make a thesis - these things aren't a "walk in the park"
3. I'm so "OCD" about x y and z. Please stop saying this, honestly. People who have this disorder really can't help it, it's just disrespectful. It's okay to be picky about a certain thing. But the important distinction to remember is that you can control it. People that have OCD can only manage it, and this barely works.
4. You can diagnose me, right? I'm not even qualified yet. Please stop asking me to do this. Why would you want a student who is just receiving their background in Psychology to thoroughly and efficiently examine and diagnose you. Do you see the logic here? Refer back to Number 1 also.
5. Why are you depressed/stress/anxious if you're a Psychology major? I know how it all works - I should be able to overcome it right?
We're human begins still, just because we know how it works doesn't mean we know the solution to solve it. Some things we can only cope with - we're all under the same stresses as school, relationships and work. Just by being a "Psychology" major doesn't mean you have all the answers to everything.
That's the problem: media perpetuates that by being a Psychology major you're able to solve everything, overcome any hurdle - that you're taking a shortcut. The reality is Psychology isn't as easy as you think, that even with answers and solutions we're still too stubborn to apply them. Hopefully we won't get asked these questions anymore.
