I do understand that mental health is important, and it's good that more people are talking about it. But it seems like we are placing the burden of taking care of one's mental health on individuals rather than the collective. I keep hearing stuff like self-help, self-care, resilience, cognitive behavioural therapy, meditation, mindfulness, exercise, slow breathing, etc.
But all of these tools only help us to cope with adversaries and regulate our emotions. They don't help us confront adversaries that affects our mental health in the first place. These can even be harmful because it make us content with adversaries. By changing the way we think and feel, somehow the world will become a better place?
Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm not really well versed in the concepts of capitalism. But i know that capitalism promotes competition, globalisation, and consumerism, which can make us miserable and lonely. Many people are out chasing success and finding opportunities abroad, at a cost of uprooting established social connections. And then theres also putting up with issues at work. Sometimes overtime is encouraged and pay is low. Rather than fighting for change, people are encouraged to just leave the job or practice self-care.
And i know these kinds of things is further worsened because of economic stagnation and recession from the pandemic and also from the 2008 recession.
Im not saying self-care is not important. I think it is when we want to continue to live. I think its just as important to question the world we live in and push for change. Because self-care and individual based mental health can distract us from systemic issues in society.