In today’s world, there’s a strong expectation that we should always be in good mental health. This pressure can actually contribute to mental health issues. Many people suffer more than they need to because they resist acknowledging their mental struggles, even when it might be helpful to do so. During tough times, how we relate to our mental health challenges can significantly impact our recovery. By developing an attitude that isn’t afraid of distress and isn’t obsessed with appearing “normal,” we can allow ourselves to experience temporary mental struggles, which can ultimately lead to a more genuine form of sanity.
Our healing process can be faster if we change how we view mental illness. Instead of seeing it as something strange or shameful, we should embrace perspectives that highlight the universal and dignified aspects of our condition. This change can help us avoid self-hatred and fear during our difficult times. By normalizing mental illness, we can see ourselves as human, even when experiencing intense emotions, confusion, or despair.
A helpful philosophical approach to mental health is one that sees humans as naturally imperfect. This philosophy rejects the idea of perfection and accepts our griefs, mistakes, and missteps as essential parts of being human, alongside our successes and intelligence. Zen Buddhism, in particular, has long embraced these ideas. It boldly states that life involves suffering and appreciates the imperfect aspects of existence, like rainy autumn evenings, moss-covered roofs, and uniquely shaped pottery.
With a philosophy of acceptance, we can better accept ourselves when we’re not feeling well. We feel less guilty about not meeting societal expectations and are more likely to seek the right care, which improves our chances of recovery. Recognizing that our struggles are part of the broader human experience helps us understand that everyone faces significant challenges. We all have inadequacies, make mistakes, and experience anxiety and confusion. Accepting that our mental health struggles are normal is a crucial step toward healing.
Japanese philosophy offers another valuable lesson through the art of Kintsugi. This tradition involves repairing broken pottery with gold-infused glue, making the repair visible and celebrated. It teaches us that we can embrace our scars with pride and self-respect. Our brokenness doesn’t define us; instead, it becomes part of our unique story. We can face our mental health challenges with a quiet, intelligent sadness, best described by the word “melancholy.”
If we look for a role model for a thoughtful approach to mental health challenges, the Welsh artist Gwen John is a great choice. Despite experiencing severe mental health struggles, she maintained a successful career as a painter and remained fundamentally positive about life. Her self-portrait suggests an understanding of our struggles, offering gentleness, patience, and respect as we navigate our journey to healing.
Embracing mental illness as a natural part of the human experience can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life. By adopting a philosophy of acceptance and celebrating our imperfections, we can approach our mental health challenges with courage and dignity. As we work toward recovery, we must remember that we are not alone and that our brokenness can be a source of strength and beauty.
Engage in a reflective journaling exercise where you write about your personal experiences with mental health. Consider how societal pressures have influenced your perception of mental wellness. Reflect on how embracing imperfections can lead to a more authentic sense of self.
Participate in a group discussion to explore the concept of “normal” in mental health. Share your thoughts on how changing perceptions of mental illness can impact recovery and self-acceptance. Discuss ways to support each other in embracing mental health challenges.
Engage in a debate on the philosophical perspectives of human flaws. Discuss the merits of accepting imperfection as part of the human condition, drawing on examples from Zen Buddhism and other philosophies. Consider how these ideas can be applied to mental health.
Participate in a hands-on Kintsugi workshop where you repair broken pottery with gold-infused glue. Reflect on how this process symbolizes embracing imperfections and how it relates to mental health recovery. Share your finished piece and the story it represents.
Analyze Gwen John’s self-portrait and discuss how her life and work reflect a thoughtful approach to mental health challenges. Consider how her art can inspire a gentle and patient perspective on personal struggles. Share your interpretations with the class.
Mental Health – The psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment. – University students often face challenges that can impact their mental health, making it important to seek support when needed.
Acceptance – The act of embracing reality or the truth of a situation, often leading to a state of peace or resolution. – In therapy, acceptance of one’s emotions is a crucial step towards healing and personal growth.
Recovery – The process of returning to a normal state of health, mind, or strength after a period of difficulty. – Recovery from psychological trauma can be a long journey, requiring patience and support.
Philosophy – The study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and the mind. – Philosophy encourages critical thinking and helps students explore the ethical dimensions of psychological practices.
Imperfections – The state of being flawed or incomplete, often viewed as a natural part of human existence. – Embracing one’s imperfections can lead to greater self-compassion and resilience.
Anxiety – A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. – Students may experience anxiety during exams, which can affect their performance and well-being.
Confusion – A state of being bewildered or unclear in one’s mind about something. – Confusion about one’s career path is common among university students and can be addressed through counseling.
Melancholy – A deep, persistent sadness or gloom that can affect one’s outlook on life. – The philosopher’s writings often reflect a sense of melancholy about the human condition.
Kintsugi – A Japanese art form that involves repairing broken pottery with gold, symbolizing the beauty of imperfection and resilience. – Kintsugi serves as a metaphor in psychology for embracing one’s past and finding strength in healing.
Humanity – The quality of being humane; the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. – Studying philosophy and psychology can deepen our understanding of humanity and improve our empathy towards others.
