It is impossible to put definitive parameters on what constitutes
a person being "mentally healthy." Societies, groups, cultures,
institutions, and professions impact how a person conceptualizes mental
health and sets the bar for what is 'normal.' A prominent example is
someone who is diagnosed in today's society with schizophrenia, might be
praised as a spiritual shaman in previous Native American cultures. The
definition of mental health and the social stigmas attached to the word
are constantly changing.
Let's describe mental health as a level of psychological well-being. A person who is able to enjoy and experience life without the interruption of a documented social disorder can be said to be "mentally healthy."
It is incredibly important to throw social stigma out the window when talking about mental health. Today, there are more places in the world that shy away from discussion on mental health than actively participate in it. Even societies within major countries such as The United States, The United Kingdoms, and Japan tend to view mental health disorders as too "scary" to talk about. If we want to maximize our progress in finding cures for mental disorders and help those who have them, we must be as transparent as possible.
Mental health is no different than physical health. If you have or think you have a mental disorder, it does not mean you are weak. It does not mean you are unintelligent or "broken." Would you call a cancer patient "weak?" Would you get mad at someone with AIDS for not "trying hard enough" to make the disease go away? Never. In the same vein, mental disorders are not issues which can be simply "wished away." Because of the social stigma attached to having a mental disorder, many people live with excessive anxiety, depression, fear, and other crippling disorders that impede their ability to live 'normally.'
Mental disorders, like physical disorders, do not define who you are. There is nothing "weak" about seeking medical advice or being tested for a medical disorder. If you had a back injury and couldn't move, you wouldn't just 'wait until it went away.' You'd get help.
The overall (and misinformed) consensus that it is taboo to talk about mental health is one of the reasons why so many people refuse to discuss their mental well-being. Despite the pressure and negativity associated with talking about mental health, it is imperative that people do it.
Let's describe mental health as a level of psychological well-being. A person who is able to enjoy and experience life without the interruption of a documented social disorder can be said to be "mentally healthy."
It is incredibly important to throw social stigma out the window when talking about mental health. Today, there are more places in the world that shy away from discussion on mental health than actively participate in it. Even societies within major countries such as The United States, The United Kingdoms, and Japan tend to view mental health disorders as too "scary" to talk about. If we want to maximize our progress in finding cures for mental disorders and help those who have them, we must be as transparent as possible.
Mental health is no different than physical health. If you have or think you have a mental disorder, it does not mean you are weak. It does not mean you are unintelligent or "broken." Would you call a cancer patient "weak?" Would you get mad at someone with AIDS for not "trying hard enough" to make the disease go away? Never. In the same vein, mental disorders are not issues which can be simply "wished away." Because of the social stigma attached to having a mental disorder, many people live with excessive anxiety, depression, fear, and other crippling disorders that impede their ability to live 'normally.'
Mental disorders, like physical disorders, do not define who you are. There is nothing "weak" about seeking medical advice or being tested for a medical disorder. If you had a back injury and couldn't move, you wouldn't just 'wait until it went away.' You'd get help.
The overall (and misinformed) consensus that it is taboo to talk about mental health is one of the reasons why so many people refuse to discuss their mental well-being. Despite the pressure and negativity associated with talking about mental health, it is imperative that people do it.
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