Talking mental health

There is a vast amount of knowledge humanity has gained where thankfully our species is better with keeping up with it, in our times. Like in the past so much was transferred by word of mouth, as that's what they had. Then could write some things down. And so on, until computers and modern systems which can keep up with all of it, thoroughly indexed and searchable.

Still certain people need vast amounts of training in that knowledge, and practice using it, and in the medical field that has greatly helped the lives of many.

Which is true for mental health as well where well-trained medical people are gaining more and more knowledge, and regardless, without that knowledge, what can you do? Like with myself, thankfully realized years ago and have often relied on mental health people, and still need that help.

So what's with stigma? Sociologists and other social scientists actually study such things. What I know is that the mind is a mystery humanity has long sought to crack am sure, with MOST progress with basics in our times.

Like there was a time there were those who thought the seat of consciousness was in the heart. And the head was thought to be just the most important part of an air conditioning and heating system. Yeah was way weird. Which I should add I think was more of a European thing. (Am not so much into linking to discussion of debunked theories, so if doubt me can go research yourself.)

But how could they know?

So lots of theories where plenty were wacky, to us today. Back then you had humans struggling to understand something as basic as their own perception of self and each other. And also completely lost when things went way wrong. Sure they had some things here and there that seemed to help sometimes, but nothing like the diagnostic capability and treatment options of medical staff in our times.

Today well-trained medical practitioners still struggle with much, so what chance do those without even that training have? If still ponder, consider with some wound. Do you really want to wing it? Or would you prefer be dressed and treated by the best capable? Some people can dress their own physical wounds, so can be a ready-reference. But even for them, there are limits to what could possibly handle.

And yes limits for the best medical practitioners but they can handle so much more.

Humanity has made much progress and often appropriate people can completely help with certain disorders.

Like did you know they have very effective treatments now for phobias? Like that fear of flying if you have it? Get that worked on. Want to say fixed but apparently folks don't like that word used when it comes to mental health in my experience.

We still have so far to go with understanding all health, including that of the mind. Best when get the best knowledge available from people well-trained.

Oh, and yeah, of course feel free when necessary, to get a second opinion, also from a well-trained medical person. Best ones expect it really. Or should.

That is a reminder for myself as well, as have hesitated at times. But my health is important enough to do all that I can do, especially when is also expected.


James Harris