Of course I want mental health for all. That’s the reason I don’t like the focus on “mental health.” The problem is, the focus of that term is on individuals, diverting attention from the major cause of poor mental health which is social structure. What can one expect when we live in a world where there are so many threats against healthy development right from the beginning: forced birthing, lack of prenatal care, laws against saving the life of a pregnant woman, no recognition of the importance of early – and later — child care. Failure to assure care is provided for the newborn as getting back to work is more valued that setting the stage for healthy infant development.
Enforced fear everywhere. What’s the message in schools with security checks and cops as part of the daily process? What is the message but “be afraid. Be very afraid!” Healthy mental health requires the courage to see ahead with hope, not the avoidance of reaching for future potential.
Healthy growth requires confidence that tomorrow will follow today in a physically safe world, with the safe haven of a constant home where one can count on enough nourishing food every day and a safe place to sleep every night. It requires clean air free of the constant news of tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods. It requires family, neighbors, and friends setting examples of success in purposed daily living with caring and respect for each other.
It requires being surrounded with sufficient honesty that a reasonably steady future can be anticipated. It calls for honest answers to any question, often requiring the help of a book to clarify, not wondering what awful truth is hidden in those banned books.
Stop it, Mona. You’re drifting into a rant. Let’s just summarize.
A healthy society calls for being “woke” i.e. being aware of important societal issues, especially those related to racial and social justice. It implies a consciousness of injustices and a commitment to fighting against them. It calls for respect for DEI – diversity, equity, and inclusion .. and empathy.
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