A few days ago, I got a chance to establish communication with a sociologist regarding the interrelationship between mental health and social factors. He adequately explained the interrelationship by connecting it through the allegory of a mango tree. He said, “There is a mango tree where green mangoes are flourishing and yet to be ripened. One day, a mango falls down. The observers blame mango’s worth, quality, weaknesses, and so on. The observers seldom internalize certain external factors like climate, environment, wind, and even living organisms, which are responsible for its’ downfall.”
Such an interesting explanation by a scholar like him really enchanted me and took me through deep contemplations. The self-help and personal development industries are thriving in the 21st century. This industry encompasses a wide range of products, services, and content designed to help individuals improve themselves, achieve their goals, and lead more fulfilling lives. It has done well so far. I have seen many individuals go through self-help books, seminars, trainings, motivational videos, and personal consultations in order to overcome problems and get some sort of balance in life. Definitely! Such endeavors have done good for them. On the other hand, I believe that the self-help and personal development industries have limitations because they promote the idea that to be better, we should focus only on ourselves. Dr. Caroline Leaf, a pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, says that focusing solely on ourselves goes against our biology and the design of our brain and emphasizes that we need each other to be better and to heal. Of course! It is crucial to work on ourselves and our mental, physical, and emotional health; on the other hand, we should also be intentional about our’social health.’ We need people and society in this human world.
I genuinely do understand when clients say they’re looking for a change, but don’t know what it is yet or how to achieve it. Because I have been there, done that and thankfully was lucky enough to walk away to now be doing a job where I never have to think “Thank God it’s Friday (TGIF).”
