A Harmony STRIKING
It is crucial to emphasize that the difficulty in striking a delicate harmony lies in the complicated discourse on the over-medicalization of mental health issues.
On the one hand, we must exercise caution when over-pathologizing typical personal experiences because doing so could result in stigmas and needless medical interventions. However, it’s important to recognize and no downplay mental health issues that call for medical attention.
Anyone can contribute to promoting a fair, compassionate approach to emotional health. People, family members, friends, and community as a whole contribute to the mental health landscape by recognizing signs of distress, providing emotional support when necessary, as well as encouraging expert consultation. Together, these work is drastically raise the standard of living for people dealing with mental health issues by directing them in the right directions for diagnosis and treatment.
Interestingly, expert assistance does not always entail physiological treatment. The bio-psycho-social-spirit model promotes a more comprehensive approach to mental health care that takes into account not only the natural but also the mental, social, and spiritual aspects of well-being.
From counselling and life changes to interpersonal support and spiritual guidance, this rounded unit provides a variety of treatments that can be customized to the individual’s needs. When necessary and in conjunction with other types of action, medicine becomes just one of the choices.
The recently introduced National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy in Singapore appears to take a balanced stance, offering the four-tiered concept that tailors mental health services to the individual’s intensity of requirements. The model provides a wide range of treatment options, from community-led mental wellbeing promotion and peer support at the lowest level to specialized medical interventions. By offering other pathways for treatment and support, this style may reduce the risk of over-medicalization, which is consistent with the multi-dimensional approach of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model.
In terms of mental health care, striking the right balance is a delicate work that is full of potential hazards at either extreme. However, it’s an important effort to build a medical system and society that acknowledges, supports, and nurtures the emotional health of all of its members, regardless of what their needs may be.
Given the complex nature of mental wellbeing, it’s crucial that we keep improving and adapting our strategies, guided by ongoing research, social changes, and the real-world activities of those we want to assist.
Connections MindHealth’s top analyst and medical director is Dr. Jared Ng. He recently oversaw the Institute of Mental Health’s emergency and crisis maintenance division.