The way we treat mental health has always been a subject of controversy among professionals from different fields. While there are some who believe that it is simply a matter of brain chemistry, others argue that it also involves psychological and emotional factors.
Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are treated as if they were nothing but chemical imbalances inside the patient's brain, and antidepressants or mood stabilizers prescribed to balance them out. This approach may seem effective in the short term, but it can have devastating consequences for patients in the long run.
For one thing, treating mental illnesses primarily as biochemical issues means that we ignore the fact that they are deeply rooted in our experiences and environments.
People suffering from trauma or abuse might experience symptoms of PTSD because their brains cannot process these experiences properly. Similarly, those struggling with addiction might be dealing with underlying issues related to their family life or social environment. By focusing exclusively on biochemical solutions, we fail to address the root causes of these problems and leave patients feeling unsupported and misunderstood.
This approach ignores the role of existential issues in shaping our thoughts and behaviors. Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and choice in determining our lives. It argues that meaning and purpose come from within ourselves rather than being given by external forces. In other words, we create our own realities through our choices and actions. If we treat mental health solely as a medical problem, we risk depriving patients of agency over their own lives and reducing them to passive recipients of treatment.
This approach also neglects the power of psychotherapy in helping patients heal. Therapists use various techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, and dialectical behavioral therapy to help patients identify and change harmful patterns of thought and behavior. They also provide support, guidance, and empathy, which can be crucial for patients who feel isolated or alone. Medication may relieve symptoms temporarily but does not always address underlying issues.
Treating mental illnesses primarily as biochemical issues ignores their complex origins and neglects the potential of therapy to promote long-term healing. It fails to acknowledge the power of human agency and reduces patients to passive recipients of treatment. This approach can have serious consequences for patient well-being and quality of life, including feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Instead, professionals should consider all aspects of an individual's situation when diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, including social, environmental, and existential factors.
What are the consequences of treating mental health primarily as a biochemical rather than existential issue?
Mental health is not just about biochemistry. It is an intricate web of biological, social, environmental, cultural, and other factors that influence our wellbeing. Therefore, reducing it only to its biochemical component may lead to significant challenges such as misdiagnosis, mistreatment, or even neglect of crucial variables that shape our mental state.