Abellanosa: Mental health

THE Philippine Mental Health Law defines "mental health" as the "state of well-being in which the individual realizes one's own abilities and potentials, scopes adequately with the normal stresses of life, displays resilience in the face of extreme life events, works productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a positive contribution to the community."

We need, however, to broaden our understanding of mental health beyond the parameters set by the legislation. Mental health is a social reality before it is a subject of legislation and policies. And if ever it is a serious subject of our institutions' laws and policies, it is only because it is a serious social reality. To speak, therefore, about mental health conditions and issues is not merely about the status of a specific person's mind. It also means being aware of the very social factors that contribute to the formation, emergence, and experience of such conditions.

What we fail to acknowledge is the fact that whatever is the health of the psyche of each and every individual reflects the collective "social health" of the people. The French philosopher and social theorist Michel Foucault was prophetic, decades ago, in his analysis of the relation between madness and civilization. Madness is not really the problem. It is, in his words "the false punishment of a false solution, but by its own virtue... brings to light the real problem."

Precisely why, in the long run, we need to go deeper in our reading and understanding of mental health and its connecting issues. We might just be oscillating in our search for solutions that do not basically hit the real problem. For example, not all forms of so-called "wellness activities" may really be well. For even those things that we consider "reflective" or "healthy" also have the potential of contributing to stress and thus of anxiety. An effort to go to the gym may be healthy for some. But there is something wrong if it also becomes an obsession.

Basically, we cannot disregard the biological or physiological factors of mental illnesses and/or disorders. This, however, is for the professionals who are in a much better position to say something on the matter. But again, every problem has its social context. Mental health is not just about the body's chemical reactions. In the greater scheme of things there are social, cultural, and even religious factors that shape or trigger the way people think, react, or respond to life's challenges and pressures.

It is everyone's calling to really pause and give time to one's self. There is a need to always go back to the drawing board and ask whether one's steps and preferred directions are really necessary. A student for example should always think and rethink whether all forms of achievement should be reached. If at the end of the day -- a desired achievement is simply meant to impress the whims and caprices of one's parents -- then there is a whole lot of reason to review the existential blueprint.

There is a need for us to remind ourselves that it is okay to commit mistakes. This is not to say that committing mistakes is obligatory. Truth to tell it is not good to commit mistakes especially those that are supposed to be avoided. However, we should not be shy in forgiving. Above all, this means that we should not be shy when it comes to forgiving ourselves. Just like the body, the soul or the mind cannot but be wounded. What is most important is to allow it to be healed in the course of time.

This brings me to my last point. Promoting mental health cannot just be limited to coming up with techniques and mechanisms that would teach people to cope and be resilient. If the health of each and every person's soul or mind reflects the collective consciousness, i.e. the soul of society, then part of the advocacy is also to rethink and critique a lot of things embedded in our institutions and structures that are the sources of our mental illnesses. This requires changes in mindsets and perspectives.

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