Question

My mental health interview went well. There was a lot of things that they did daily that was interesting. Made me think that this profession could be a trying one for sure. The professional agreed with me on things in this area are a lot more elevated these days. A lot of it is drugs in our area, but there is a high amount of poverty in our area and that there are so many people that struggle making their mental state frailer and vulnerable. The society we live in too has a big impact on mental illness, there are a lot of monkeys see monkey do type of scenarios and this end of the county we do not have the resources to help these people. I do think that the recent legislature is pushing to get more mental health facilities or places these folks can go besides ending up at the local jail and they are not trained to deal with that. I feel like the theory that Thomas Szasz promotes would affect the mental health people because he thinks that it is merely a hoax there is something going on with you and basically blames the childhood where that is not the case at all. I can see where Scheff comes from in mental illness. A lot of times people jump to a conclusion that they are sick, and they are just simply having a bad day. I think he makes a valid point, and his views are nothing like Szasz. I hate seeing anyone put their mental health to the side, so I feel even if they are just being evaluated, they should take that time to talk to someone, there could be more there than what they really realize.
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Answer 1

It sounds like your mental health interview was quite insightful and has given you a lot to think about regarding the complexities of mental health in your community. It's important to recognize the multifaceted nature of mental illness and how societal factors, such as poverty, substance abuse, and the availability of resources, play significant roles in shaping individuals' mental health.

The observation about the "monkey see, monkey do" mentality is particularly poignant, as it reflects how behavior can be influenced by those around us, creating cycles of distress and dysfunction. When communities lack access to support and resources, it can exacerbate these issues, leaving many individuals feeling isolated and without help.

The ongoing efforts to increase mental health facilities are crucial, as the current reliance on jails for individuals experiencing mental health crises is not a sustainable or humane solution. Proper training and resources need to be allocated to ensure that these individuals receive the care they need, rather than being treated as criminals.

Your reflections on the theories of Thomas Szasz and Erving Goffman's critical perspectives on mental illness highlight the diversity of thought in this field. Szasz's view can indeed be seen as controversial, as it risks oversimplifying the complex experiences of individuals with mental health struggles. In contrast, Scheff’s focus on societal reactions and labeling offers a more empathetic lens, acknowledging that not every challenge constitutes a pathological issue.

Ultimately, your advocacy for addressing mental health, even in small ways like evaluations, is commendable. Conversations about mental health should be encouraged and normalized, as they can lead to greater self-awareness and potentially uncover deeper issues that individuals may not even realize they are facing. Your desire to ensure that no one neglects their mental health reflects a compassionate understanding of its significance in overall well-being. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I hope you continue to explore and engage with this important field!