Forum: Let’s not be the one to push someone over the brink
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-let-s-not-be-the-one-to-push-someone-over-the-brink
2024-10-09
In the article, “Views from the Couch: When it comes to mental health, we’re all in this together” (Oct 5), Professor Chong Siow Ann said the brain is the only organ whose functioning may be disrupted not only by physical injuries, but also by impalpable human experiences like loneliness, humiliation, losses or fear, and with the manifestation of symptoms of mental illnesses.
The interaction between the mind (and brain, specifically) and social experiences can lead to pleasant outcomes on the one hand, and mental disorders on the other hand.
We all have a part to play in social interactions and must take care not to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back by being uncaring about our neighbour’s welfare. We can contribute to the well-being of others by being less boorish and less intolerant towards them in words and behaviour.
In my medical practice, I have observed how a little kindness can make a difference in preventing an impending suicide, for instance.
I have also come across patients who become depressed because of unkind remarks, unkind treatment (including bullying), and indifferent and intolerable behaviour of classmates, colleagues and even employers.
Those with neurodiverse disorders and students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and related problems are also more prone to falling into mental depression when they are misunderstood or branded as incompetent, lazy and uncooperative. Such people already have inherent difficulty in communicating and receiving social cues.
Even doctors and counsellors may be guilty of being impatient and not willing to take time to listen to such individuals or to empathise.
In general, a lack of caring and kindness can damage the mental health of various ones in settings such as homes, schools, tertiary institutions, military training and work.
Each of us may be guilty of causing the social experiences of our neighbours, coupled with vulnerable brain and mind functions, to be so unpleasant and intolerable that we end up contributing to their mental disorders without even being aware of it.
Quek Koh Choon (Dr)
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