John F. Kennedy | Mental Health & Personality

This video answers the questions: Can I discuss the mental health and personality factors that may be at work in the life and death of John F. Kennedy?

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.

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[angiepa]

I was only six when he was assassinated. My father was so upset! It was the first time I ever saw him cry. That really stunned me and I thought that must be an incredible man. Despite his flaws, he definitely was. Nobody's perfect. He had an incredible effect on the country!

[iainholmes]

Great vid. I remember a British journalist who met JFK, and said that the President was unusual in that he gave him his full attention and chatted in detail about a book they both had read, even though it was just a brief meeting, with others keen to talk with him.

[lindsayantwine]

This is inspiring and comforting, speaking as someone who lives with several chronic health conditions.

[swabby]

I was a young boy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Our family was worried about my uncle who was in the Air Force, so we paid rapt attention to what was coming out of Washington D.C. As it turned out, JFK pretty much saved Western Civilization from nuclear catastrophe. The crisis is a fascinating chapter in history.

[lnc-toku]

I think his father had deep, negative effects on his whole family, valued power and prestige more than his own children I think. Really enjoyed hearing your evaluation Dr. Grande!

[painwarriorprincess]

Thank you for discussing his terrible chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. Doing so with such a prolific, public figure as the subject - especially one who reached the office of President - helps those unfamiliar with living in constant pain understand those of us who do a bit better. We aren't lazy, uninterested, or unmotivated, and we don't enjoy needing to take medication to function.

[marysmith]

Jackie did say, regarding his affairs, "he always comes home to me". I lived through all the Kennedy years in Massachusetts and "Camelot". We'd see the family at the church in Hyannis, Rose looked like she stepped out of a fashion magazine. Jackie looked nothing like we'd see her on tv or in magazines. Those were interesting years. Seems hard to believe they're all gone now.

[Angie-Pants]

As a fellow Addison's disease patient, I have absolutely no idea how he was even remotely functional. Regardless of anything else, his ability to be president and endure all that stress without dying is a testament to his tenacity. Treatment has come a long way but presidential levels of stress would still be difficult to manage safely.

[sherryberry]

He had a grand public image. He came across as highly intelligent, very witty and a man of great vision for the country. He possessed youth, vigor and charisma with a capital C. How I wish he could have lived a longer life. Much loved and missed.

[kevinsommerfield]

I have heard in more than one place that Kennedy's careful management of the Cuban Missile Crisis, against the advise of some of his more bellicose generals, may very well have prevented a nuclear war. I believe that any discussion of Kennedy's legacy should include this achievement.

[heavylogic]

"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country" -- John F. Kennedy (1961)

[dianamarie]

Chronic pain can certainly cause the need for "quiet time." Thank you for this biography and analysis of JFK.

[franm.]

I was six years old when JFK was assassinated and although from the UK, remember the shock and horror at his death among my elders and society in general. Thereafter Jackie was rarely out of the newspapers and magazines, think of Princess Diana and the press. As a young woman I followed her story closely. I think your opinion on Jackie was excellent, she did go from a position of the highest in society to what must have been the darkest time in her life in a matter of moments. I was just glad she had already died when her son John Junior died so tragically, as it saved her from further grief and trauma 💔.

[aardvark]

JFK shows what contributions someone with disabling pain can do with aggressive pain management (regardless of what you think of his politics or morals). His family’s wealth & political power gave him access to a doctor whenever he wanted one. Nowadays someone with severe back pain and arthritis (such as myself) can be completely disabled—indeed bedbound—by the insane US government policies that restrict what medications are available and seriously limit the contributions I can make to society, my family, or even to myself insofar as personal care goes.

[jhholliday]

4 minutes up and still not first...Dr. Grandé has become a firm favorite!

[ogarzabello]

Describing his father as a "businessman" is to be very polite.

[philipgior]

Outstanding analysis sir. I've read a good deal about the man and yet you still managed to provide info with which I was not so familiar. I agree with you, he was courageous to lead such a prominent public life despite his physical afflictions - though as you pointed out - this was inspired by the intense pressure from his father and a sense of competition with his deceased brother, who died a hero at a very young age. My own personal opinion, he may very well have been the last president who truly cared about the people of the United States. A cynical view, yes, but it's been my feeling for quite some time.

[carolwaugh]

How complex Kennedy was. I’ve read several books about him but despite his flaws, I still hold on to my admiration of him, which may say more about me than him. I thoroughly enjoy your talks and hope you find enough famous people to dissect! You are appropriately calm and fair. Thank you.

[Inhumanform]

Dr.Grande may I request an analysis of Rudy Giuliani?

[jillshort]

Maybe you should do Nixon now and explain the origin of his paranoia. Watergate was so unnecessary. Everybody knew he was going to skunk McGovern. Such a weird guy.