This chapter explores the complexities of mental health in the context of societal norms, challenging the idea that functioning symptom-free equates to good mental health. It emphasizes understanding individual suffering as a natural response to societal issues, while also discussing resilience, community, and the importance of grief in navigating change.
How has the psychology industry perpetuated the problem?
Steffi Bednarek is a climate psychotherapist working both with clients on their anxiety and depression related to climate grief, and the overarching systems within the psychology profession which stigmatises mental health by failing to grasp that poor mental health can be a rational reaction to a broken world.
Steffi joins me to discuss how the dysfunction of our neoliberal economic system permeates our experience of being in the world, questioning whether health is an attainable goal in a sick society. She suggests the mental health crisis is yet another opportunity to radically transform our systems to promote a health that includes people and planet. We discuss the construct of the self, the metacrisis as a birth process, the role of the body in understanding information, and how to build psychological resilience.
Planet: Critical is 100% independent and community-powered. If you value it, and have the means, become a paid subscriber today!
Get full access to Planet: Critical at
www.planetcritical.com/subscribe