In a society where individualism and social networking reign, mental health and self-care have become a popular topic.
In a society where individualism and social networking reign supreme, mental health and self-care have become a popular topic. While it is wonderful that mental health has become less of a taboo subject, therapy is often hailed as the ultimate solution to all the problems caused by, surprise, surprise: capitalism. Sadly, this is not the case.
Therapy has become commodified, creating a mess that needs to be unraveled. In this blog, we delve into the discourse of therapy posed by social media and how popular mental health accounts have created a hyper-individualistic view of all kinds of relationships. Buckle up, because we're going to shake things up. And of course, we'll talk about the problematic with mainstream therapy approaches and narrative.
There is no doubt that social media has opened up avenues to talk about mental health, but it is essential to recognize its drawbacks. Although these platforms offer spaces to share experiences and find support networks, following mental health accounts can sometimes contribute to feelings of helplessness and inadequacy.
Carefully crafted accounts with one-size-fits-all solutions "unintentionally" perpetuate unrealistic expectations of oneself and can affect the different coping mechanisms and various emotional expressions we have as people. Mental health issues have been reduced to lists of red flags, "diagnoses" for whether someone is narcissistic or has an avoidant attachment style, scripts for having difficult conversations, and more lists of milestones that are supposed to be reached in any relationship. All while neglecting useful tools such as a support network in our communities.
Yes, some of the TikToks and publications can be really helpful in raising awareness. However, it is important to recognize that the recommendations do not always work for everyone. Unfortunately, most people who don't have the privilege of paying for therapy with one or a professional may buy into the idea that a TikTok therapist and their podcast is all they need.
Each person has unique life experiences of upbringing, culture, socioeconomic profile and even trauma, all of which significantly shape their interpersonal dynamics and psychological coping mechanisms.
While it may be useful for some of us, relying on generic social media advice can overlook these important nuances and lead to ineffective or even harmful results.
It doesn't take much to observe the pervasive hyper-individualistic discourse promoted by the therapeutic narrative of social media. Look up any YouTuber and you'll quickly come across their "self-care" routine. Creating a relentless need to prioritize ourselves at all costs, despising anyone who doesn't align with our "vibe" or "purpose," it turns relationships into mere transactions, all for the sake of reciprocity.
Placing unrealistic expectations on people, as if they can read our minds, and then distancing ourselves from them because they don't meet ALL of our needs exactly as we want them to, can lead to feelings of isolationloneliness and disconnection from the community at large. Especially when we focus focus excessively on finding "the right person"..
This is why it is so easy for relationship coaches to take advantage of people's need for connection, capitalizing on the "Hollywood" idea of love to sell their services. Under this narrative, there is a scarcity mentality around love that leads to increased competitiveness. Constant comparison leads to hierarchies and feelings of isolation and anxiety about not being able to be as happy as relationship coaches seem to be.
The current system, also known as capitalism, bases our self-esteem on the accumulation of wealth of all kinds. It tries to shape our identity and our values to the point that we all strive to be ambitious, goal-setting, highly competitive and successful people in all spheres of our relational landscape. It's obvious that at some point, this can cause us some kind of burnout, don't you think?
"Simply manifest it every day and you will make your dreams come true" is a concept that has been very successful in social networks: the Law of Assumption and the Law of Attraction. They are motivational ideas that promise us the secret to an idyllic life by simply expressing, writing, and believing in our dreams. If only it were that simple. Don't get us wrong, we are not here to dismiss the influence of mindset on our actions and their results.
Thinking positive has its advantages, but let's not forget that there are also external factors at play. Simply assuming that we will have positive experiences is not the answer to most of our problems, as much as it pains us to accept it. In fact, it's a lot like toxic positivity. Life is a complex thing, and circumstances beyond our control can throw us for a loop. Blaming ourselves for not showing up with enough fervor creates a meritocratic mentality. meritocratic mentality and a culture of self-blame that overlooks the infinite variables that contribute to personal success-or failure.
It is crucial to recognize that failures and setbacks are not always the result of personal inadequacy. Many times, they are due to a lack of resources, knowledge or support to deal effectively with challenges. Mental health problems, for example, cannot be magically solved by positive thinking or assuming good outcomes. They require professional intervention, therapy and access to appropriate resources. By recognizing the limitations of the Law of Assumption and the Law of Attraction, we can adopt a more balanced and realistic perspective on personal growth and success, where you are not always the main culprit.
Ah, therapy: the go-to resource for mental health support, right? Well, it's not that simple. Let's face it: therapy is not available to everyone, nor is it always the perfect solution for every situation. Factors such as financial constraints, lack of social security coverage, geographic limitations and cultural stigma can be barriers to accessing therapy.
Conversations about therapy on social media do not take into account different communication styles and cultural contexts. In some cases, traditional therapeutic methods may even clash with these differences, and certain therapists may perpetuate biases or lack the sociocultural expertise needed to effectively address specific problems. The effectiveness of therapy also varies from person to person. Different therapeutic approaches, personal preferences, and readiness for therapy can significantly influence its outcomes.
To comprehensively address mental health issues, we must recognize intersectionality: the interconnectedness of race as a social construct, gender, sexuality and socioeconomic status with our well-being. Cultural differences, community support systems, and systemic oppression play an important role in mental health. By recognizing these factors, we can develop more accurate and empathetic narratives that resonate with a broader range of people, fostering a sense of belonging and validation.
In the absence of traditional therapy, community-based initiatives, peer support groups, online forums and self-help resources can play a crucial role in providing support and promoting personal growth. By embracing community expertise, we can develop inclusive ways to bring mental health services to diverse populations.
To achieve real change, we need to stop romanticizing hyperindividualism and recognize the multi-billion dollar industry behind self-care and mental health, as well as its limitations. It is also essential to put the shortcomings of mental health institutions into perspective and challenge existing biases, decolonize therapeutic practices, and address the power dynamics involved.
It's time to reimagine self-care and recognize that mental health is complex, that therapy alone does not offer a one-size-fits-all solution. While it is not an easy path, especially in our digital times, if we embrace the idea of creating more supportive networks and community; advocating for inclusive, accessible and intersectional support, we can create a brighter and healthier future for all.
Edited by
Raquel Rojas
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Let's transform our perception of failure and use it as a catalyst for growth.
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