[OblivionIsAtHand]

A question that requires complex answers I realize, but mental health is oddly glossed over as far as concerns for the nation go (here in America); considered more as an afterthought. Whereas I get the impression it should be top priority above all else, as all conflict stems from a sort of 'imbalance'--of the ego, or poor empathy etc. I rarely see any of the most lauded altruists championing mental health as a top concern, when in my opinion almost all problems arise from mental problems. Even a compassionate Bernie Sanders type seems in the dark about such things.Is mental health stilll so horribly misunderstood and stigmatized even today? Or do you think it's due to the fact that so many people still believe in an 'evil' in a spiritual sense (as a force, as an entity), not realizing all actions stem from brain chemistry? Even the more scientifically enlightened, I've noticed, often fail to make the connection that all ignorance stems from a type of impairment (some neural deficit either temporary and perhaps legitimized by society, or seemingly permanent). It's either selfishness on their part to not acknowledge this (very likely) or a continuing ignorance.

I can look up to few as a 'hero' anymore for these very reasons.

[Thunder Bow]

Mental Heath should be a top priority. The problem has to do with the concept of control. If a virus caused 30 deaths in one town over a months time, there would be an national emergency. If 30 people died from drug over doses it is just routine. Those who do not use drugs say, I do not have to worry. Those who do use drugs say, it will never happen to me. Others will say, "Just Stop Using Drugs". With a virus, people feel they have not much control over catching the virus. It is all about having control over the threat.

With mental illness, some say, "Just Snap Out Of It" or "They Don't Have To Act That Way". Once again it is about perceived control. Most feel you can not catch mental illness like a virus. That is why mental illness is ignored to the degree it is.

I think that the way our societies have been progressing is the source of many mental health issues, it's not just a mere imbalance of chemistry in the brain. People are stressed more than ever before, they are alone than ever before, ... etc. We haven't evolved to live in large societies. Living in large cities makes are disconnected and very stressed. I don't think any effort can solve this problem. Of course there are some MIs that have genetic causes, but as we've learned that having the genes for a MI doesn't mean it will be activated. The environment plays a significant role.

People here keep saying to others "see a therapist" as if if they don't know how to decide by themselves. But I would argue that the majority don't believe in therapy. After all, what are the percentages of people who benefit from therapy? Not very high. Some say it's because we don't understand the mind very well, but I think the reason is because of the robotic approach of therapy. Basically, you are paying someone to listen to you, and tell you things you already know. People look for empathy and sympathy and genuine listening. These can be fulfilled by people you know and are willing to reach out to you even if you don't ask for help.

I was seeing a therapist for several sessions, and once he saw me outside in the elevators to his clinic, and he didn't acknowledge me, or bothered to look at me!! How can I believe this person wanted to help me?!!

[Gojamadar]

There is a problem with todays materialistic philosophy. There is a form of duality in existence. Until this is fully understood, there will be little progress. We have a subconscious self that keeps us alive while we sleep. At times of stress and tension it sometimes takes over during the time we suppose the brain is active. The subject may be quite unaware. It should be the responsibility of society to notice the problems.

[OblivionIsAtHand]

Originally Posted by Lonely Warrior

I think that the way our societies have been progressing is the source of many mental health issues, it's not just a mere imbalance of chemistry in the brain. People are stressed more than ever before, they are alone than ever before, ... etc. We haven't evolved to live in large societies. Living in large cities makes are disconnected and very stressed. I don't think any effort can solve this problem. Of course there are some MIs that have genetic causes, but as we've learned that having the genes for a MI doesn't mean it will be activated. The environment plays a significant role.

Yes, well, to be sure. I put 'imbalance' in quotes like that because I'm using it in a generalized, broad way because it's a word open to interpretation I suppose. Yes, I mean, many people are clearly not up to par. The status quo is rooted in bias, ignorance. 'Ignorance', which I believe can be accredited to both misfiring chemicals and cultural conditions. This could just be my current (flawed?) worldview, but there seems to be an epidemic of lack of empathy. And a pervasive moral apathy (I don't mean this in any religious or spiritual sense, by the way.). More than I can ever recall. Though I could partially be projecting and filtering everything through depression; differentiating between pessimism that's actually called for and irrationally induced pessimism due to a depressive temperament, is still something I do not fully have a handle on yet.

People here keep saying to others "see a therapist" as if if they don't know how to decide by themselves. But I would argue that the majority don't believe in therapy. After all, what are the percentages of people who benefit from therapy? Not very high. Some say it's because we don't understand the mind very well, but I think the reason is because of the robotic approach of therapy. Basically, you are paying someone to listen to you, and tell you things you already know. People look for empathy and sympathy and genuine listening. These can be fulfilled by people you know and are willing to reach out to you even if you don't ask for help.

The 'see a therapist' mantra I've heard crooned so much all ties in with the apathy I see everywhere. Even on this board I get somewhat of a sense of indifference. It's a real problem, and it's no wonder people who really are in a state of crisis end up feeling hopeless. Sure, a lot of people just don't have the answers. But a lot of that is through lack of trying. It's one big selfish circle jerk. I'd even wager that a good many of these people who get their problems 'fixed' end up resorting to the same apathetic behavior they were troubled by when they were in a jam. They become comfortably apathetic like everyone else.

I was seeing a therapist for several sessions, and once he saw me outside in the elevators to his clinic, and he didn't acknowledge me, or bothered to look at me!! How can I believe this person wanted to help me?!!

That's pretty strange. I've heard of this though, so you wouldn't be alone. And yeah, I do believe that often therapy cannot be taken seriously in its current state. Several family 'friends' I know are therapists, and they're as far from the objective, non-judgmental presence you'd think they would be in person. There's the 'well, they're human too you know?' defense, which is all fine and good, but you'd expect that those involved in some kind of mental health field would be more altruistically inclined. Especially when they're therapists and their sole intent is supposedly to 'help'--should apply during a therapy session and outside of a therapy session. I've found therapy to be mostly a waste of time, but occasionally beneficial. This recent therapist I've had still falls short in terms of helpfulness, because they're all ultimately apathetic in the end. Apathy's killing me.

Therapy right now is not good due to apathy towards mental health in general as I've been saying. It's also still such a murky and grey area, and even when you've got people who think they know what they're doing--it still would seem as if they don't know what they're doing really. Seems like we should be sinking more time into learning more about mental health. Putting more money and attention into mental health. Without sounding like some kind of delusional zealot, or worse, an idealist: a new social revolution needs to be pioneered.

[TishaBuv]

I've suggested people see a therapist when their issue is too complicated to deal with here or when there seems to be such faulty thinking that it's best left to the professionals.

I'm sure, if all goes well with the world and money is pumped into making strides in mental health, there will be more improvements in the science.

[OblivionIsAtHand]

Originally Posted by TishaBuv

I'm sure, if all goes well with the world and money is pumped into making strides in mental health, there will be more improvements in the science.

Well, the ball seems to get rolling when there's enough outcry, enough people fired up about the cause. We don't have enough great representatives to champion the urgency it seems.

Lack of empathy or apathy are consequences of modern societies. People have to work longer, and have to work harder to keep a job. There is barely time for others, including family. Children don't get the attention and love they deserve. Adults are stressed about their future, ... etc. The problem is that these societies want us to change our nature. And that's what's happened. There is no time for emotions. People are becoming like robots to survive.

I don't think it's helpful to tell someone to see a therapist. It's like saying you are hopeless here, try your last resort, a therapist. Most people don't need a therapist, but they need a genuine connection, but most people don't have the time and energy for that. They want you to become a robot, like many, to live in this world.

[leejosepho]

First just a quick comment here:

Originally Posted by Lonely Warrior

...a therapist...saw me...and he didn't acknowledge me, or bother to look at me...

I would guess he is required to do that as a matter of confidentiality rather than publicly "giving someone away" as a mental-health client.

Originally Posted by Lonely Warrior

People look for empathy and sympathy and genuine listening. These can be fulfilled by people you know and are willing to reach out to you even if you don't ask for help...

...people...need a genuine connection, but [society overall doesn't] have the time and energy for that.

I think that is the bottom line for many, if not most, people in need of help, and that kind of help cannot be legislated into place. Nevertheless, it was a therapist who did not even know my proper diagnosis who still made a huge difference for me just by being available for several years until finally realizing what I actually needed and telling me where I could go to get it...

...and then exactly as described, that help came from people I already knew (at least by name) and were already reaching out to me even before I knew what questions to ask and how to accept their level of genuine connection.

[Thunder Bow]

It takes courage to see a Therapist, and wanting to heal. Having courage is something to be proud of. Work with a Therapist you feel most comfortable with.

[OblivionIsAtHand]

Originally Posted by Thunder Bow

It takes courage to see a Therapist, and wanting to heal. Having courage is something to be proud of. Work with a Therapist you feel most comfortable with.

As someone who's been through 6 therapists at this point, I'm finding them to be somewhat on the ineffectual side. That's not to say there isn't that one that doesn't work...somewhere. Nobody (not just therapists) seems to listen well though is the problem. Not even therapists really. Or, nobody cares too much either of course. It's about those few selfish needs being met with people. I haven't seen a legitimate act of help in a while.