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this form of treatment as commonplace
as coffee. In my own practice, I have seen
many young teens who were prescribed
antidepressants based on a set of
converging symptoms but with virtually no
discussion of how they are actually feeling.
If not checked and challenged, taking
prescription drugs may become a way of life.Branding emotion
Because we have been sold the notion that
happiness should be our default emotion, we
find ourselves yearning for a happier, more
successful life, only to fall subsequently into
a state of chronic dissatisfaction.
In this Instagram- and advertising-driven
world, where happiness has been marketed
to us by chasing extrinsic outcomes such
as fame, fortune and adoration, we’re left
emotionally unarmed.We have forgotten the teachings of past
scholars who subscribed to a more stoic
approach where even on sunny days the
considered person should be armed with
an umbrella. Even our Buddhist guides
speak of suffering as a part of life that can
be overcome by ceasing our attachment to
personal desire.
Making ourselves more emotionally
resilient requires support, contemplation
and having meaningful relationships that
are reciprocal rather than transactional.
Like our ancestors who knew at a base level
that life should not be taken for granted, we
too need to understand that it’s not an easy,
painless ride. And there are no quick fixes.
In actual fact, none of us can outsmart
getting hurt but nonetheless we expect love
and gratification while dodging the bad stuff.
We want a safety net and, more frequently,this comes in the form of a neat diagnosis
with a chaser of a prescription.
We too have become quick to label. If
someone is deemed self-consumed it’s easy
to jump to the conclusion that they must be
a narcissist. And how many people have you
termed a psychopath, or jokingly accused of
having OCD if they’re a clean freak?
Based on Dr Google, we assess traits
or behaviours and then label people with
conditions from the psychiatric handbook,
consigning them to a composite to suit our
need for comprehension. We no longer
take the time to investigate the nature or
motivation of people; we just carelessly
brand and move on.
It has come full circle where the
clinicians have medicalised emotions and
we in turn hide from emotions in medical
jargon and terminology.wellbeing.com.au | 89