Its mental health, (but not as we know it!)
I had the privilege of delivering a mental health workshop that left a lasting impression on one attendee. After the session, he approached me and said, "That was the best mental health workshop I have ever been to." Surprised, I couldn't help but inquire, "How come?" His response encapsulated the essence of my approach and reinforced why I'm passionate about sharing knowledge beyond my role as a psychotherapist.
"It just made sense," he explained. "It's quite simple, really. Distress is usually a response to something. I had never really thought about it like that." A resounding 'yes' echoed within me.
In my training sessions, I consciously steer away from pathologising language, choosing instead to foster critical thinking and a consideration of broader contexts. Unlike traditional mental health training that often fixates on diagnoses, my approach veers towards dismantling the 'othering' language, which, I believe, only fans the flames of mental health challenges.
The danger lies in how we've been conditioned to identify problems in others. By perpetuating a fear of what to 'look out' for, we may inadvertently contribute to the very issues we aim to mitigate. The stigma, I've come to realise, isn't inherently attached to discussing mental health; rather, it clings to the underlying causes—family breakdown, trauma, abuse, emotional neglect, debt, redundancy, and the myriad adversities that can touch us all, particularly marginalised groups.
To foster a healthier dialogue around mental health, we must shift our focus from labeling individuals to exploring the intricate tapestry of their lives. It's time we become adept at discussing the real issues—those societal and personal challenges that often go unspoken.
In essence, simplicity becomes the beacon of understanding, allowing us to navigate the complexities of mental health with empathy and awareness. Let's challenge the status quo, encourage critical reflection, and open the doors to conversations that truly matter.