Is Mental Health A Choice?

It seems like everyone is talking about mental health these days. This can be good or bad depending on how we look at it.

Some people argue that mental health to a large extent is a product of a mix between genetics and environmental conditioning.

Others believe that mental health problems are overblown and it has been used as a label to excuse bad behaviors.

***I argue that mental health is largely a choice and people have the agency to become or not become affected by environmental pressures. I believe that a person's sanity and mental stability can be trained and is within their own control despite the situations they're in.***

Reading/Watching suggestions: "Man's Search For Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVhuCpgLCTE

Questions to ponder:

• How is mental health defined?
• Why is mental health important?
• How does medical misdiagnoses affect people's perception on mental health?
• Is mental health a social construct?
• Are people less resilient these days or is mental health finally getting the attention it needs?
• Is there a generational divide on mental health subjects?
• Is there a correlation between social economics and mental health?
• Do you believe that mental health is a choice or a product of environmental pressures?
• Can you think of a time when you overcame your depression or other mental health problems with sheer will?
• Have we been using mental health issues as a blanket to cover up poor social behaviors?
• What are your thoughts on how to improve mental health in most people in society?
• What are mental health like in other countries?
• Is mental health viewed differently in other cultures? (Examples in everyday conversations)
• What are some public perceptions or stigmas on mental health?

Guidelines:

• Hand raises are required.
• There will be a 3 minute timer for every person. However, in this group, I do allow a brief back and fourth interjection from others if it's something that's related to the person who was just speaking. This is a way to prevent the group from feeling too "robotic" in style and get your pressing question asked to the speaker and get the answer right away without waiting all the way back to your turn again.
• Be authentic & civil!
• Please refrain from using Ad Hominem (personal) attacks. Instead, please attack the points from others. Severe Ad Hominem such as racist behavior will result in being removed from the meeting.
• Zoom link is posted well before the day of the meeting but you will not be able to join until 10 minutes before the meeting start time.