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When it comes to mental health, especially in a therapeutic context, words matter. And it's not a one-size-fits-all conversation. In 2007, the American Psychological Association (APA) released for the first time its report on mental health. Guidelines for Psychological Practice for Girls and Women. These guidelines have just been updated for 2019 and the new approach encourages mental health professionals to "incorporate a strengths-based perspective into their work with girls and women without denying the difficulties they face. face ".
This is important because women and girls seeking mental health treatment can often feel dismissed. And being heard and validated is the first step on the path to healing. The first guideline, "Psychologists Recognize the Strengths and Resilience of Girls and Women and Strive to Honor and Cultivate Them", advises mental health professionals to diagnose sparingly and to consider emotions instead complex as a sign of strength. "Anger, resentment and other similar emotions can be conceptualized and explored as signs of resilience and commitment," explain the guidelines. Yes, you are entitled to your anger.
Rather than treating women as "broken" or "weak" to feel our feelings, this new approach (already used by some mental health professionals) recognizes the specific challenges women face, focuses on the treatment of women as survivors and strives to cultivate women's feelings. empowerment. In addition, psychologists are advised not to ask women to forgive too quickly, especially in cases where their rights have been violated. Messages of resilience, strength and survival allow women to be heard. Finally.
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"In the medical world, women have always been viewed as less victimized, helpless and helpless," said Lillian Comas-Diaz, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the George University School of Medicine. Washington. Chairman of the working group that revised the guidelines, said Rebecca Ruiz for Mashable. "In psychology, we must also add to that a perspective that has to do with social forces and with the history and legacy of discrimination and oppression."
In a world where women are supposed to "have everything" and be everything to everyone, it is normal to feel harassed, neglected and exhausted. It is important to recognize that these feelings are valid and that feeling them does not mean that there is something wrong with you. The new APA guidelines confirm this and encourage psychologists to refrain from pathologizing emotions. Instead, mental health professionals are encouraged to consider contextual and cultural factors, such as fatigue and frustration resulting from conflicting role demands.
Women's psychological needs are specific to the barriers they face, and the new APA guidelines represent a dramatic shift in the way mental health professionals treat women and girls. And while women are encouraged to join forces, the first-ever APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men seeks to dismantle toxic masculinity and encourages men and boys to be more vulnerable.
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Historically, studies on psychology focused exclusively on white men, but until this year, there was no guidance on how to talk about mental health with men and boys. It may be because men are the basis of what is considered "normal". But, research indicates that the culture of boys who do not cry is toxic. "[These guidelines] build on more than 40 years of research showing that traditional masculinity is psychologically prejudicial and that socializing boys to suppress their emotions causes damage that echoes both inside and out, " Stephanie Pappas wrote for APA.
Because these recommendations go against the convention that men must always be stoic and strong, not everyone agreed when these guidelines were announced. The New York Times reported that some people have suggested that the real problem is to move away from traditional masculinity. However, research indicates that the new guidelines could help more men to seek treatment for mental health problems, and that's a good thing.
Strengthening the power of women while encouraging men to be more vulnerable does not pose a threat to obsolete and oppressive ideas – it is a shift towards a more equitable society, where every person, regardless of sex, can to be heard. Everyone deserves to seek mental health care without shame or stigma. Period.
If you or someone you know is looking for help with mental health issues, visit Website of the National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI)or call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). For confidential treatment recommendations, visit Addiction and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). In case of emergency, contact the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911.
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