Collective understanding has more impact than an individual’s understanding. This is so true in case of mental health.
Let us look at it in two ways.
Collective subconscious is often deep-rooted into our own value systems and behaviours. If there is an overwhelming belief that talking about mental health is wrong, taboo or just not worthy of the time and effort then that percolates into an individual’s behaviour. Result, in this case, of an indifference to how crucial it is to take care of oneself and one’s mental health.
The other aspect of community is that mental health issues are often recognised for what they are by people outside their own inner circle. The immediate family either cannot see the problem objectively or is not aware of the social behaviour that points to things being not right or balanced.
If is crucial to note that the role of community in supporting and resolving an individual’s mental health issues cannot be underrated.
Community services can play a role in spreading awareness and reducing stigma around mental health issues. Recovery and social inclusion are areas where the support of the community makes all the difference. Treatment and rehabilitation speeds up when the individual feels that he/she is still very much a part of the society, thereby reducing isolation.
This post is part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter where I speak of mental health.
Read Write Live 