In recent years, it is clear that the narrative around therapy and mental health has begun to shift, yet one persistent misconception remains: the idea of therapy as a “cure”.
This notion often frames mental health issues as something to be fixed, rather than carefully understood or managed, and enforces a binary view of people as either ill or well.
In reality, mental health exists on a spectrum, and therapy can sometimes be more of an essential part of ongoing, preventative self-care, rather than a stand-alone, 6-session ‘fix’.
The binary understanding of mental health—where people are either considered mentally ill or perfectly well—fails to capture the true complexity of human distress, and the universal need for support at various times. I believe that viewing mental health in shades of gray can help us normalize the need for therapy and other forms of emotional support. It acknowledges that seeking help should be seen as a strength rather than a sign of weakness, failure, or a last resort in moments of crisis.
Therapy, when considered as part of a broader approach to self-care, becomes a tool for maintaining mental well-being rather than a purely for those deemed “ill.”
Just as we may engage in regular physical exercise, maintain a balanced diet, and go for routine medical check-ups to prevent physical illness, therapy can also be viewed as a preventive measure to maintain and enhance our mental health.
Indeed, viewing mental health as a spectrum allows us to recognize the incredibly varied ways people experience and manage their inner lives. Some may face severe, chronic conditions requiring intensive and ongoing treatment, while others might deal with transient issues that can be resolved with short-term sessions. Many may fall somewhere in between, engaging in periodic support to manage the ups and downs of life.
This spectrum perspective encourages empathy and reduces stigma. It reminds us that everyone’s mental health needs are valid, and that therapy can benefit anyone, regardless of where they fall on the spectrum at any given time.
Promoting therapy as a form of self-care can also encourage earlier intervention. When people feel that seeking therapy is a normal and beneficial part of maintaining a healthy life, they are more likely to seek help before issues become severe and crippling, before they reach that crisis point.
Therefore, to create a healthier approach to mental health, we need to change the way we talk about therapy. Rather than portraying it as a cure for something that is broken or malfunctioning in some way, we should normalise and advocate for its role as an ongoing, proactive element of self-care. This shift in perspective can help demystify therapy, making it more accessible and acceptable for everyone.
Bình luận