The Term Mental Health Confuses Me.
Question: The term mental health confuses me. I read so much about the need for a holistic approach and yet our language continues to be a 'bad fit' for how we humans now see things. Is this something we can fix or is it too late?
Answer: "our language continues"... to me implies that we have to recognise and accommodate the "old" (and current in some circles) meaning we gave to or had for mental health. "a holistic approach"... is a newer and currently more talked about way of approaching notions around mental health. When the concepts of the "holistic approach" weaves it's way into the arena of mental health and takes root, I'd imagine and sincerely hope, our language will reflect the ideas and our community's acceptance of "a holistic approach". I agree, it seems like a "bad fit" at the moment, but I am also very aware that a lot of practitioners are viewing mental health through the lenses of a holistic approach. I feel confident that in time there will be a better fit. Thanks for the question.
Answer provided by Brian Whiter