addressing the system of mental un-health

In one of my previous jobs, I had frequented psychiatric wards, high-level group homes, and institutional settings that housed the people on the fringes of our society. Many of these souls had lost their voice to a system that saw them as nothing but numbers and diagnoses in a system largely devoid of grace. The patient’s “pathology” preceded their humanity, which somehow justified their prolonged imprisonment in these places of limbo. In 2012, California issued a moratorium on all non-forensic developmental centers. What that means is that people with developmental disabilities that did not commit a crime would be released … More

greenwashing

greenwashing

More people today are adopting an environmentally-conscious mindset and seeking sustainable design, zero-waste living practices, and companies in line with this philosophy. Businesses are well-aware that younger generations are more willing to pay top-dollar for products and services that promise to endeavor towards a healthier planet. Due to this ethical and financial incentive, companies often look towards effective marketing, PR campaigns, and feel-good “best practice” promises to bolster their eco-friendly public image. The pressure for companies and organizations to go green are reaching a critical turning point as claims of eco-friendliness and sustainability are now being investigated with a finer-toothed … More

Changing the Language of Mental Health

Outcast. Bi-Polar. Crazy. Schizo. Anti-social. Disabled. Broken. Delusional. Words. How powerful. And equally sinister. It’s no wonder that we call the act of constructing words SPELL-ing. Language is truly a spell – an incantation that controls virtually every aspect of life, from media to politics to everyday interactions. The world of mental health is no exception; it seems to be suffering the same illness as the rest of modern society, but perhaps with more damaging outcomes. It’s not common for us to think about how mental health labels are often used as a weapon against a person who’s struggling just … More