In Yellow September, a month dedicated to reducing stigma around mental health, it’s worth reflecting: have the debates done you any good?
With municipal elections approaching, we’ve been exposed to numerous candidate debates in major cities across the country. How did you feel about the almost theatrical, often high-aggressive spectacle we’ve witnessed? And, as we’re in the first week of Yellow September, a month dedicated to reducing stigma and prejudice around mental health, it’s worth asking: have the debates done you any good?
In Yellow September, there is a lot of talk about the importance of each of us taking better care of ourselves and thinking about mental health prevention strategies. To achieve this goal, self-knowledge and breaking the taboos that make it difficult for us to talk about what we feel are important. Silence is never the best strategy to deal with anguish and suffering. Talking can change our perspective on the difficulties we face and facilitate access to care.
But our mental health is multifactorial. Genetics, life history, individual characteristics, economic and social issues, family relationships, environment, and the historical moment in which we live all play a part in the complex equation that governs how we feel. Today, we will talk less about individuality and more about how the collective can influence our perception of quality of life and well-being.
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In recent years, Brazil has occupied very poor positions in terms of the mental health of its population. We are considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) one of the most anxious and depressed countries in the world. In addition, in the rankings that measure the happiness of nations, we always occupy modest positions. And what explains these results?
Violence, economic insecurity, lack of social protection, prejudice, bullying, corruption, impunity, all of this “contaminates” the emotional ecosystem in which we live and can constitute a strong vulnerability factor for mental illness.
In the polarized world we live in, the political climate worsens during election time, which is even more evident in the debates and posts of candidates on their social networks. The level of violence is shocking. There is less and less discussion of ideas and government projects (which should be the final goal of campaigns and clashes) and more and more investment in attempts to demoralize and disqualify opponents, all with the clear goal of “playing” the public, of “sealing”, of “going viral” on the basis of pathetic performances.
Of course, there are honorable exceptions and candidates who refuse to play this role. But when it comes to overthrowing those who are rising in public opinion polls using questionable strategies, many may resort to throwing themselves into this depressing ring.
It’s sad! But the worst thing is that this climate can increase the negative perception that part of the population has of politicians, of the future of cities and of the success of the country, which creates reasons why people here feel more unhappy, with a clear impact on mental health. .
A simplistic strategy would be to ignore the debates, news, and social media of these candidates because they do not add to our proposals and increase our disillusionment with politics. An easy move to make, but one that can give some of them a dangerous space to gain votes from less critical voters and, ultimately, win elections.
Perhaps a more critical position, asking them to provide what they need, that is, government plans, concrete proposals, budgets, limits and difficulties of implementation, instead of adopting infantile and narcissistic behaviors that are in no way relevant to their well-being, the community, the cities and each of us. Long live mental health and down with downloads!
*Jairo Bouer is a psychiatrist and writes weekly for Terra Você.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
