We often tend to think about liberation from something, which is a process of becoming free of barriers, abuse, challenges, and limitations. However, we can also think about liberation to or towards something. Liberation towards a better way of being. Liberation to have freedom of gender expression. Liberation to read any book you wish to read.
Yes, healing can be the mending of something broken, but it can also be the return to a previous, healthier way of being; a reconnection with a more nurturing community; finding our way back to our roots, our identity, and reconnecting with ourselves. It is a process of getting better.
In liberation psychology, it could be moving to a more nurturing community or learning the acts of resistance to advocate for our well-being.
What is recovery for you?
Having a diagnosis can be helpful as it leads to reasonable adjustments at school and work and adequate medical support. However, in some communities and situations, it can also lead to labelling, biased treatment or even discrimination and abuse.
When we are not well, we suffer, we are in pain. How do we define disease? How do we recognise it, prevent it and support healing?
Since today in the UK is the #TimeToTalk day, it is essential to remind ourselves that mental health is an integral part of our health too. As a critical part of our functioning and thriving in society, mental health can be considered a natural extension and a pre-condition of physical and social health.
Online gaming has become an increasingly popular pastime for young people in recent years. With the introduction of more realistic graphics and immersive game worlds, it’s easy to see why this form of entertainment is attractive to young people. But while there are many benefits to playing online games, there are also potential risks to mental wellbeing.
There’s a key technique in the CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) treatment of social anxiety that, when practiced by anyone, can help people start to feel more content and optimistic. This technique is called attention training.
Taking time off to rest from busy work requires preparation if we wish to make the most of it without interruptions or worry. Planning ahead, communicating our intent with stakeholders and using simple, intelligent digital solutions may help make our time away peaceful and joyful.