Can We Separate Individual Mental Health From the Collective?
The longer I work in healthcare, the more I find myself returning to this question: How can we support patients whose problems are deeply intertwined with systems actively contributing to their distress? More and more, we are finding that mental health does not exist in isolation but is shaped by the environments, institutions, and social structures we inhabit.
We often see conventional mental health focused on individual emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, with the aim of empowering people through personal responsibility and therapeutic techniques. While incredibly valuable, this individual focus can sometimes overlook broader systems that influence mental well-being—societal structures, environmental factors, and cultural expectations. This can leave the onus of healing solely on the individual, obscuring the interconnected role of society.
We find examples of this dynamic all around us. In the modern workplace, worth is often tied to productivity and “hustle culture” glorifies overwork, pushing people beyond healthy boundaries. Rising costs and stagnant wages create chronic stress around financial security. Our educational institutions prioritize academic achievement but often neglect vital mental health skills like emotional regulation, leaving many to navigate challenges without the tools to manage stress effectively. Healthcare access continues to remain fragmented and limited by high costs, preventing many from accessing necessary support.
Mental health still remains stigmatized in many parts of society. For instance, a doctor disclosing a mental health challenge to the........
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