".. we have learned to associate divergence with pathology, which, again needs to be 'fixed.' ... the end goal is the same: the norm must be maintained."
"I would always rather be abnormal,al than holistic... The idea should not be to male everything normal, but to defy or challenge norms in every moment."
These quotes from these micro-essays stood out to me because it gave me a different perspective. When I think about mental illness, I would think that it is something that needs to be treated (not necessarily medication but it should be addressed). This article changed the typical view of mental illness and challenged what should be done about it. It is true that each individual is different and deals with different things and should be treated and respected as individuals. Society throughout time has tried to obtain and control the masses. Everyone needs to be "normal" or be made "normal." After reading this article, I can see how the holistic approach to mental health care can be detrimental, belittling, and ineffective to those who are suffering.
Our class has talked about mental illness in America and how it is viewed and it is even worse so for Asian Americans. The mental health narrative that is continuously taught and practiced is not healthy nor is it productive. A change is necessary. Its not about expanding what is considered "normal" necessarily but also making sure "not-normal" is made equivalent to not right. Being abnormal is the normal.
Q: How can an individual help change the commonly held mental health narrative? How has it shaped through time to become what it is today?
References:
Cornell, G. June 6, 2016. "Cartoonist Gemma Correll Takes On The Funny Side Of Depression, Anxiety." The fix. Retreived from https://www.thefix.com/cartoonist-gemma-correll-takes-funny-side-depression-anxiety.
Haydock, S. "fucked up." In I would always rather be abnormal than holistic: Nine micro-essays. (45-53). DSM: Asian American edition.
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