The issue of mental health has been stigmatized by society by believing that only sick or weak people are the ones who need psychological or psychiatric support. However, specialists assure that psychological therapy is for everyone, helping to improve the quality of life. of any person.
Unfortunately, there is a stigma regarding psychological and psychiatric care, understanding stigma as that negative belief that leads to devaluing or discrediting those people with mental illnesses and also the treatments in this area of health such as therapy, said psychologist Gloria Sánchez in an interview with Manuel Ortiz during the program Península 360 Radio, in collaboration with Marcos Gutiérrez of “Hecho en California“.
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that allows people to cope with life's stressful moments, develop all their skills, be able to learn and work properly, as well as contribute to the improvement of their community, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Having good mental health benefits all areas of life, making people better people who contribute to building a better society, something that is quite the opposite of the stigma that has been created around psychological care.
“It is believed that people who seek this therapy are crazy, and that makes people reluctant to seek emotional support in therapy, and it is even worse when seeking help from a psychiatrist,” said the therapist.
It is important to distinguish between a psychologist and a psychiatrist to avoid falling into stigma; the psychiatrist is a doctor and the psychologist has a different training; in case medical studies or medication are required, the psychiatrist is the only one who can carry out this request, he said.
Sánchez stressed that it is important to consider that we all have emotional problems, therefore, we all need help and psychological support.
“For example, people who have suffered a loss in their lives develop an emotional disorder; when talking about loss, we can say that this can be physical or emotional, such as losing youth, health, work, a friend, and even pets,” said Gloria Sánchez.
And, she stressed, all human beings have emotional situations that disrupt our lives, "if life were an eternal treat, then no one would go through painful things, but that is not the case, life has ups and downs," she said.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, people faced difficult situations. Many lost their jobs, their routine, the freedom to go out, and as their living arrangements changed, new situations arose, which led to an increase in domestic violence, since they were not used to being with the same people 24 hours a day.
Sexual abuse also increased, and online psychological care increased, becoming a very favorable alternative that allowed people to begin their psychological process without having to leave their areas.
Gloria Sánchez explained that, during psychological therapy, she can refer the patient to a psychiatrist if required, the important thing is to have a follow-up and a process.
And the idea is that, she said, a psychiatrist prescribes an antidepressant because the patient has a major illness, and people have the stigma that by taking these medications they will become addicted or dependent, but that is not the case, the psychologist stressed, while recalling that this is just another stigma that society carries, since the processes of depression take time.
Likewise, she pointed out that if someone in the family has a mental health problem, it is very important to show support and eliminate the thought that they are crazy or that they will never be able to have a healthy coexistence, since this becomes a form of violence towards those with emotional health problems.
He also stressed that therapy is always accompanied by other sports or artistic activities that allow the patient to feel fulfilled, as it is part of a healthier way of life.
The psychologist also explained the benefits of mindfulness, which is focusing attention on the present moment, a method to achieve full attention on what is happening now, since this is the only moment that can be determined.
In this sense, she explained that thinking only about the past generates sadness and focusing on the future generates anxiety when doubting the ability to face it, so it is important to focus on the present and enjoy the current moment, which allows us to be more fulfilled and aware of what we are experiencing and ultimately generate a better quality of life.
For those interested in starting their emotional support process, you can visit Insight Meditation Center at 108 Birch Street, Redwood City, CA 94062, where they have different programs; or call (650) 599-3456.
To contact psychologist Gloria Sánchez, interested parties can call 6508509381.
Investing in mental health will never be a bad investment.
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