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 about psychological and psychiatric care, understanding stigma as that negative belief that leads to devaluing or discrediting those people with mental illnesses and also treatments in this area of health such as therapy, said the psychologist Gloria Sánchez in an interview with Manuel Ortiz during the Peninsula 360 Radio program, in collaboration with Marcos Gutiérrez from ?Hecho en California?.
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that allows people to cope with stressful moments in life, develop all their skills, be able to learn and work adequately, 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 better people who contribute to the construction of a better society, something very contrary to the stigma that has been created around psychological care.
"It is believed that whoever goes to this therapy is because they are crazy and that makes people reluctant to request emotional support in therapy and it is even worse in the case of seeking help from a psychiatrist," said the therapist.
It is important to mark the differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist to avoid falling into stigma; The psychiatrist is a doctor and the psychologist has a different training. If medical studies or medications are required, the psychiatrist is the only one who can carry out this request, he specified.
Sáncphez 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 generate emotional disorder; When talking about loss, it can be said that it can be physical or emotional, such as losing youth, health, work, a friendship and even pets?, said Gloria Sánchez.
And, he stressed, all human beings have emotional situations that disrupt our lives. "If life were an eternal sweet, no one would go through painful things, but that's not the case, life has ups and downs," he said.
When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, people faced difficult situations, many lost their jobs, their routine, the freedom to go out, and when coexistence changed, new situations were generated, which caused domestic violence to increase, since They were not used to spending 24 hours with the same people.
Sexual abuse also increased and online psychological care increased, it became 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 follow-up and a process.
And, he said, there is the idea that a psychiatrist prescribes an antidepressant because the patient has a major illness, and people have the stigma that by consuming these medications they will become addicted or dependent, but that is not the case, he highlighted. psychologist, while remembering that this is just another stigma that society carries, since depression processes have their time.
Likewise, he specified that if you have someone in the family who has a mental health problem, it is very important to show support and eliminate the thought that he is crazy or that he will never be able to have a healthy coexistence, since this becomes a way of violence towards those with emotional health.
At the same time, he highlighted 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.
On the other hand, the psychologist 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 that sense, he explained that if we only think about the past it generates sadness and focusing on the future generates anxiety by doubting our abilities to face it, so it is important to focus on the present and enjoy the current moment, which allows us to be more full and aware of what we are experiencing and finally 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 the psychologist Gloria Sánchez, those interested can call 6508509381.
Investing in mental health will never be a bad investment.
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