Thoughts on Talkshow on TV

The Channel U programme on Thursday featured Dr Lee Cheng and Harris Ng.
It seems a lot of people are still saying if you have mental problems, you should do this this and this to get back on track. Like if some simple formula for coping works with them, then it's somebody else fault if they can't be bothered to use it and in the end get mentally ill. I think this view is stigmatising, naive and misplaced. The mind is the most private and individual thing. Sure we all need self-responsibility, but no one person knows how the road to recovery will work out for another person. And if you are there just to prescribe solutions and get frustrated and angry when they don't work, then it is not the mentally-ill's fault. Mental illness and health is a deeper problem than what these talk show participants realise. What I am saying is that it goes beyond talk show platitudes and shallow talk, into a skill called compassionate problem solving, which the arrogant and self-righteous will never master. Of course this is what you expect to be dominant in a "external control society". Sigh. When will we change and mature?

I am surprised that Harris Ng has never had a relapse after he married as his wife testified. I didn't realise that even after reading his book. I guess I am a poor reader. As for me, I still get challenging mood and sleep problems and obsessions from time to time. But I think things can only get better.

P.S. To read more of my personal comments, click on the label "personal comments" below