Humanism and Mental Health: Supporting the Whole Person

By Ma. Almaver Victoria M. Suarez
Contributor

~

Have you ever been in a situation where you were struggling with mental health challenges, but were told to just “snap out of it”? Have you ever felt pressured to put your work or other responsibilities ahead of your own well-being? Have you ever felt as if your emotions and thoughts were invalid or unimportant?

You are not alone if you answered yes to any of these questions. All too often, our society prioritizes productivity and achievement at the expense of mental health and emotional well-being. However, as humanists, we believe that everyone deserves respect and care, regardless of their ability to meet certain societal benchmarks.

Humanism is a philosophy that emphasizes each individual’s inherent value and worth. It encourages us to treat others with kindness and respect by encouraging empathy, compassion, and understanding. When it comes to mental health, this entails recognizing and supporting the entire person, not just their ability to be productive or successful.

seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness

It’s time to end the stigma associated with mental illness. It’s time to accept that mental health issues are a normal part of life and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s time to put self-care and emotional well-being first and to acknowledge that our mental health is just as important as our physical health.

One way we can accomplish this is to make mental health resources widely available and accessible. This includes advocating for adequate funding for mental health services as well as policies that prioritize the mental health of individuals and communities. It also entails creating safe and welcoming environments in which people can discuss their mental health issues and seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination.

We can also take action in our individual lives and communities. Checking in on loved ones who are struggling, offering support and encouragement, and being a listening ear when someone needs to talk are all examples of this. It could also imply seeking out mental health resources for ourselves when we need them and not being ashamed to seek help when we do.

By taking these steps, we can build a more supportive and compassionate society in which mental health is acknowledged as an essential component of human well-being. It’s time for Filipinos to acknowledge that everyone deserves to be cared for and supported. We can work together to create a world in which everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

To my fellow humanists: it is our responsibility to advocate for mental health awareness and support. We can accomplish this by speaking out against the stigma associated with mental health, providing support and understanding to those in need, and fostering a more empathetic and compassionate society.

We all deserve to be cared for and supported, regardless of our circumstances. Let us work towards a world where that is the norm and not the exception.