Celebrate World Mental Health Day, Run!
World Mental Health Day: Performative Advocacy or Genuine Solutions?
Every October 10th, celebrities, politicians, and bureaucrats gather to raise awareness for “World Mental Health Day.” However, their actions often seem more focused on self-promotion than on addressing the actual crisis at hand.
This year, Selena Gomez, the multi-millionaire who produced a documentary about her mental health struggles, is using the day to promote her beauty brand. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy went on “The Today Show” to claim that bolstering the surveillance state will somehow solve the mental health crisis. And estranged ex-royals Harry and Meghan are hosting a summit to complain about mean tweets and negative media attention.
While it’s true that rates of loneliness, depression, and suicide have skyrocketed, especially among young people, these advocates seem more interested in “awareness,” expensive programs, and sob stories than in addressing the root causes of the crisis.
Health
A recent study from Vrije University in Amsterdam suggests that running is a better cure for anxiety and depression than antidepressant pills. Yet, countless Americans continue to rely on mood disorder medications instead of engaging in physical exercise.
Running or even just walking can boost mood and lower the risk of mental illness. A UK study found that individuals with low fitness levels had a significantly higher chance of experiencing depression and anxiety.
Furthermore, the way we nourish our bodies plays a major role in mental health. Diets high in refined sugar can contribute to various mental health conditions, while traditional diets have been shown to lower the risk of depression.
Faith and Family
In discussions about mental health, diet and exercise are often mentioned, but faith is rarely considered. It’s no coincidence that the most mentally ill generation, Gen Z, is also the most irreligious. Faith provides values, keeps families together, and fosters communal bonds.
Big Brother
The tendency to treat symptoms rather than root causes is not limited to Western medicine; it reflects a larger issue in Western culture. Government programs like Mental Health First Aid have proven ineffective and even detrimental to students’ mental health.
Furthermore, the government’s response to the mental health crisis has led to increased surveillance and violations of civil liberties. The idea that the same government responsible for family breakdown and attacks on privacy can solve the crisis is ironic.
What people truly need are lifestyle changes, not just awareness. Cultivating mental toughness through discipline, exercise, and whole foods is essential. The government should redirect funding from pointless programs to supporting families and allowing faith communities to thrive.
Instead of listening to lectures from celebrities, individuals struggling with mental health should prioritize activities like running, walking, prayer, and spending time with family.
How can we ensure that mental health is truly prioritized over the profitability of the pharmaceutical industry?
Ns, experiencing side effects and dependency, instead of engaging in regular physical activity. This raises the question: Are we truly prioritizing mental health or are we simply supporting a profitable pharmaceutical industry?
Additionally, the rise of social media and technology has resulted in a generation consumed by comparison, cyberbullying, and constant exposure to manipulated and unrealistic standards of beauty and success. Rather than focusing on superficial solutions like celebrity beauty brands, we need to address the negative impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young people. Policies should be implemented to regulate online platforms, enforce stricter measures against cyberbullying, and promote digital literacy and healthy online habits.
Education
An often overlooked aspect of mental health is the state of our education systems. Students face immense pressure to excel academically, sacrificing their well-being in the process. Mental health education and support should be integrated into curricula, teaching students how to effectively manage stress, build resilience, and seek help when needed. Furthermore, reducing the emphasis on standardized testing and competition will alleviate the excessive stress placed on students, enabling them to focus on their overall well-being.
Stigma and Accessibility
Despite the increased awareness surrounding mental health, taboo and stigma still persist in many societies. This prevents individuals from seeking help and perpetuates the cycle of suffering in silence. We need to foster an environment of understanding and acceptance, where mental health issues are seen as legitimate and deserving of support and treatment. By incorporating mental health education into school curricula and workplace training, we can normalize discussions around mental health and create a supportive network for those in need.
Furthermore, accessibility to mental health services remains a significant obstacle for many individuals. Limited resources and long waiting times prevent timely intervention and exacerbate the severity of mental health conditions. Governments and healthcare systems must invest in the expansion of mental health services, ensuring that adequate and affordable support is accessible to all. This includes providing funding for community mental health centers, training mental health professionals, and increasing the availability of online and telehealth services.
The Way Forward
World Mental Health Day should not be reduced to performative advocacy by celebrities and politicians seeking positive public relations. It must be a day of genuine reflection and action to address the complex issues surrounding mental health. We need concrete solutions that tackle the root causes of the crisis, rather than superficial Band-Aid approaches.
Promoting physical exercise as a form of therapy, integrating mental health education into education systems, combating stigma, and ensuring accessibility to mental health services are critical steps towards prioritizing the well-being of individuals and communities. Only through concerted efforts and a comprehensive approach can we truly make progress in improving global mental health.
Let World Mental Health Day serve as a reminder that mental health is not an individual issue, but a social one that requires a collective effort to create a world where everyone can thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
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