ALifeThat'sTherapeutic

"It's the first generation that's really embracing mental health and freedom of expression--"

"Yeah, I think they're embracing it a bit too much, whenever they want to get out of something it's a mental health issue"....

Anyone who is not living under a rock, or does not have a well adjusted, social media controlled life, must be aware of the internet debate that these statements sparked. They talk of none other than Generation Z, more popularly called Gen Z. A generation that is perhaps most laughed at since the beginning, and yet the most united in it's actions. A generation that used Instagram as a weapon and yet, overthrew an entire parliament of Nepal. A generation that is in touch with feelings, yet numb of emotions and trauma. A revolution in itself, Gen Z can bring change in the most nonchalant, instagramable manner. One of the strongest aspects of this change, that society is finding tough to envelope, is the importance of mental health and psychology.

I truly believe the Indian film industry reflects everything that is morally grey about our society through its most viral scandals, and this one has just shed light on the validity of mental health. As a student of Psychology, I've been asked by at least 10 people to read their minds, been told by 5 others that we study nothing important or difficult, and mocked by yet 50 more. How funny is it that the human brain itself refuses to accept that it can malfunction? That, just like every other organ, the brain needs repair, guidance, a little help. Perhaps it is because humans pride themselves as superior from the other primates because of their advanced brain capacity, their 'more developed' brain. When this brain has problems, how can they call themselves better anymore? So they reject it. We, as an evolved, culturally superior, scientifically advanced, well developed society, are collectively over and above petty issues like mental health.

We shall casually joke about 'killing ourselves', but refuse to talk about why.

We shall suffer through learning difficulties, autism, ADHD and a million other disfunctions but study in the highly competitive, statistically top performing educational institutes in the country, even if we silently suffocate in the process.

We shall breed antisocial psychopaths and sociopaths in society but refuse to admit the same society needs help.

Freud (the man who's everywhere in psychology), got one thing right. Even though no one is born a criminal, they can be made one very easily. Ignoring trauma, turning a blind eye to mental abuse and repressed stress does not make it disappear but rather churns it into crime and apathy in everyday neighborhoods. Just like your body, your brain needs maintenance. It feels like it self-repairs but actually it stores every life altering negative event in the language of fear, hate and apathy. And we ignore it like the mess in our cupboard, just because its behind closed doors and a fake veneer of smiles and compliments. Just because it's 'abnormal'.

The countless times I've seen people hesitating from taking help, consulting a psychologist or talking to a therapist because their family wouldn't approve is proof of the taboo around mental health. It's such a strong influence that kids with learning disabilities are denied help and forced to 'act normal'. Identity crisis and sexuality are another genre of banned topics altogether. Today, in a world Gen Z is supposed to rule, going to the psychologist is equivalent to committing social suicide. And that's.... just sad.

Yet, with the stereotypes surrounding psychology, I still thing Gen Z is bringing change. Kids that never used to go to therapy and now seeking counselling, even if they are hiding it from their parents. Parents that never knew what therapy was are encouraging kids to become psychologists. We are all brought up in this world with lessons like "Duniya badi zaalim hai" (The world is cruel), or "You have to be prepared to face the world", but some people can need a little help. They can fall, they can hurt, and they can get up too, if only they are allowed to call for a helping hand.

Love, Ri.