Written by: Katyayani Mishra
I understood what mental health was long before I started my studies in psychology. I read about it online on Google, especially during the pandemic, which opened people’s eyes to increasing awareness of mental health and therapy. When I was serious about pursuing it as a degree, my further readings and videos (usually TED talks) enhanced my understanding and broadened my knowledge about the subject. I read Benjamin Perks’s Trauma Proof, and I cried by the end because it revealed ACEs—Adverse Childhood Experiences—their impact on mental health, therapy, and trauma understanding, and how intervention from parents and caregivers, as well as the government, can come together to combat the impact and extent of mental health issues.
Social Media- A weapon
Social media serves as a platform for expression, a topic that is subject to considerable debate and could warrant a separate discussion. It facilitates connections among individuals, promotes learning, allows for the articulation of opinions, and, on a lighter note, enables users to monitor the activities of others. Crucially, social media has enhanced public awareness regarding mental health issues; however, it is essential to consider its drawbacks. One significant concern is the tendency to validate emotional experiences without offering substantial support or information. Users may encounter content that resonates with their feelings, leading to a personalised feed dominated by similar affirming material, curated by algorithms that reflect user interactions.
While a diverse array of individuals share their struggles related to mental health, this medium has also devolved into a source of clickbait and superficial content that fails to provide meaningful insights. Few social media accounts deliver genuinely valuable information regarding mental health. Frequent users often develop the ability to discern credible content from superficial posts. Moreover, individuals can fact-check information through various means, including online searches and discussions with acquaintances, thereby clarifying their understanding.
Thus, social media is a potent tool that grants users the autonomy to influence the content they engage with. While interactions with peers can foster trust, it is questionable whether social media contributes significantly to emotional well-being; it tends to be more focused on validating experiences rather than providing genuine support. Furthermore, the field of psychology deserves recognition not only as an intriguing subject but also as a fundamental aspect of everyday life, comparable to the public’s perception of science.
Role of representations, even if they are “small”
Everyday interactions are heavily influenced by psychological principles. Sales professionals frequently employ persuasion techniques to motivate consumers to make purchases, while marketing and manufacturing sectors also engage with psychological concepts. Despite its significance, psychology remains a largely misunderstood discipline and has increasingly become perceived as an overutilized academic pursuit. It is common to encounter individuals asserting expertise in psychology; however, discussions surrounding the critical topic of therapy are not as prevalent.
Perceptions of therapy vary widely among individuals. For instance, Ranbir Kapoor posits that psychologists manipulate their clients and views seeking mental health assistance as a contemporary trend, a sentiment with which I concur. Conversely, the character Shrikant from the series “Family Man” embodies a prevailing stigma within a significant portion of Indian society, which regards therapy as unnecessary and equates it with a service intended only for those considered mentally ill.
In contrast, Western cultures, particularly in the United States, exhibit a more accepting attitude towards therapy, viewing therapists as integral to wellness, with roles such as nutritionists being widely recognised as legitimate career paths. This disparity underscores the extremes in societal perceptions of therapy.
In my research on this subject, I have identified notable initiatives that contribute positively to the dialogue surrounding mental health and therapy. One such initiative is the Live, Love, Laugh Foundation, established by Deepika Padukone, which emphasises the importance of mental health awareness and professional support. Additionally, the film “Dear Zindagi” serves as an effective representation of the therapeutic process, illustrating how therapy can facilitate personal growth and healing. It also subtly addresses ethical considerations within the therapist-client relationship, as exemplified when the psychologist maintains professional boundaries despite developing feelings for the client.
Therapy is more than awareness,
Individuals frequently search for information regarding the symptoms, causes, and effects of mental health issues on platforms such as Google; however, less attention is given to the critical importance of seeking professional help, which can be transformative. It would be beneficial to observe a shift in how mental health professionals convey their experiences related to therapy. Such an approach may encourage members of the audience, regardless of their age, to recognise the necessity of seeking assistance and to understand that it is acceptable to do so.
Therapy should not merely be perceived as a dialogue with a licensed professional; rather, it serves as a valuable process that fosters self-discovery. It allows individuals to understand that they are not to blame for their challenges, while prompting a deeper exploration of their identity and the means to enhance their lives. I conceptualise therapy as a metaphorical process of peeling back layers, akin to an onion, revealing various aspects of one’s personality, much like the layers of soil. Only by delving into the depths of one’s self can meaningful change occur.
I support the sharing of personal experiences with therapy and the positive transformations it can facilitate. However, I express concern regarding the often informal manner in which individuals discuss their journeys. It is perplexing that many people tend to seek help only in response to significant life events. The pursuit of mental health support should be as routine as consulting a physician. Maintaining an open perspective toward therapy not only benefits the individual but also encourages those around them to recognise that seeking help is a responsible and actionable step.
The role of therapists
Providing support and demonstrating genuine concern are among the most effective methods of being present for individuals who are engaging with mental health professionals. Such encouragement can foster the belief that ongoing participation in therapy can lead to significant improvements in their overall well-being.
Additionally, television programs such as “Adolescence” have highlighted various socio-cultural issues, including aspects of the manosphere and cancel culture, while also showcasing the influence of therapeutic intervention. However, it is noteworthy that the series was available online for a maximum of five weeks, reflecting the tendency for trends surrounding popular shows to be ephemeral. Documentaries regarding infamous serial murderers, such as those featuring Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer, consistently emphasise the role of psychologists who engaged with these individuals. This engagement is essential not only due to the professionals’ qualifications but also because it embodies a fundamental aspect of humanity: the capacity to empathise with individuals who have committed egregious offences.
Therapists and psychologists perform a function akin to that of Princess Diana on a global scale—touching the hearts of many. They possess the unique ability to engage with individuals about their actions, regardless of the severity of those actions, in a manner that few others would be willing to undertake. This approach requires the professional to set aside their title and status, engaging in dialogue that seeks to understand the motivations behind those acts. Such willingness to confront difficult conversations is not something that many individuals are prepared to embrace, as it involves navigating the complexities of human behaviour without the desire to diminish one’s own identity in relation to that of the offender.
The role of trauma and childhood
Therapists and psychologists perform a function akin to that of Princess Diana on a global scale—touching the hearts of many. They possess the unique ability to engage with individuals about their actions, regardless of the severity of those actions, in a manner that few others would be willing to undertake. This approach requires the professional to set aside their title and status, engaging in dialogue that seeks to understand the motivations behind those acts. Such willingness to confront difficult conversations is not something that many individuals are prepared to embrace, as it involves navigating the complexities of human behaviour without the desire to diminish one’s own identity in relation to that of the offender.
The examination of trauma through literature, such as “The Trauma Proof”, significantly alters one’s perspective on its implications. It is essential to understand that trauma is stored within the body, often remaining unrecognised until one engages in in-depth study or extensive reading on the subject. Discussions surrounding trauma can elucidate the notion that therapeutic approaches extend beyond a sole focus on childhood experiences. While childhood undeniably shapes individual lives in profound ways, it is important to acknowledge that subsequent life events also exert considerable influence. Research suggests that approximately 90% of adult behaviour originates from childhood experiences, both consciously and unconsciously, regardless of one’s awareness or acceptance of this fact.
Therapists employ a variety of techniques tailored to the specific needs of their clients, rather than relying on a single method. In “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides, the portrayal of a therapist offering a cigarette to Alicia illustrates the importance of building a therapeutic rapport, as well as embodying unconditional acceptance and positive regard, principles rooted in the work of Carl Rogers, alongside Freudian techniques such as free association. While therapeutic approaches can be technical, exemplified by frameworks like the ABCDE technique, the ultimate goal is to facilitate an awakening in individuals, helping them recognise that they are the protagonists of their own narratives. This realisation empowers individuals to retain ownership of their happiness and to avoid relinquishing control to external circumstances.
My reflections
It is necessary to approach psychology not merely as a contemporary trend but as a behavioural and applied science that allows individuals to unmask their true selves. Society often conditions individuals to participate in a façade that proves detrimental over time. In circumstances where one refrains from engaging with their emotions, the mind may take over, leading to unrecognised suffering; it is the mind’s anguish rather than physical exhaustion that typically goes unnoticed. In conclusion, I contend that discussions emphasising the importance of therapy, alongside broader mental health conversations, would provide more substantial support to individuals seeking guidance and understanding.
