Redefining not doing well
Recently, we've heard a lot about mental health.
As well as the incredible triumphs, the Olympics have brought to light the stresses of competition, the gruelling routines as well as the constant public pressures and expectations to win.
There's no doubt that athletes face many challenges in their chosen sports, especially in a digital age where performances are rapidly scrutinised on broadcast channels and social media platforms around the world.
This however has led to carping criticism from spectators if an athlete fails to meet those expectations.
It stands to reason that having a solid mental health outlook is a vital part of such challenges.
It should also be recognised that it can falter.
The athletes should therefore be applauded for their dedication and courage while representing their respective countries.
In the psychiatric industry however, descriptive names based on what I consider to be biased psychiatric observations across all aspects of life, are being used to redefine not doing well mentally.
Called disease-mongering, it's defined as the act of convincing what I believe to be essentially well people that they are sick or slightly sick people that they are very ill.
This often leads to the use of what I suggest are physically damaging treatments, but no cures.
Expensive psychiatric drugs don't heal or cure anything in my opinion.
They cover up or mask a person's difficulties or problems, creating a false impression that something therapeutic is happening.
This becomes apparent when reality hits and the effects of mind-altering drugs wear off.
Users are left to cope with the mental effects of the drugs which include anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, nightmares, trembling, exhaustion, irritability, hostility and aggression.
We have to remain diligent.
Rather than focusing on the negative aspects of a given situation, it would be advantageous to encourage people, including athletes, and demonstrate compassionate values that do not come with any added complications. Brian Daniels.
National Spokesperson, Citizens Commission on Human Rights (United Kingdom).
“The Olympics have brought to light the stresses
of competition.”