We probably wouldn’t diverge too much in our opinions of the field of mental health workers. I have always believed that most in the field enter into it in order to "fix" themselves, because of the power over others that it brings and/or to justify being a busybody. That said I believe that there are good conscientious mental health workers.
I don’t believe that all mental heath disorders are a case of changing thought patterns, some are true genetic defects and need a wise psychiatrist who can medicate patients into the their healthiest biochemical balance.
I think the roll of a mental health worker should be first and foremost to find out if a patients mental problem is of an organic order requiring medicine/therapy or if it is of a strictly environmental genesis and requires the person learn a new way of doing and thinking. It is impossible to talk or mobilize a person into healthy thinking, when that person is telling you about someone sneaking body parts into their bedroom, unless you are wiling to explore a genetic basis for their disordered thinking.
I also agree with you that much of Psycho treatment is a scam. Many people spend years and years making the same complaints, a therapist pacifies them for an hour and then they repeat the process a week later. Nothing changes other than the therapist paycheck.
I am also a big proponent of acting your way into right thinking rather than thinking your way into right acting, so in that we would also agree that Oscar needs to do good things that bring him outside of the prison of that AM.
Oscar I believe has a genetic predisposition for depression and I think he also has an issue with accepting any imperfections in himself (obviously speculation based on observation, reading and experience). Couple those two possibilities with his killing Reeeva and you have the perfect storm for a suicide.
Oscars tattoo reads in part “ I make my body my slave.” Oscar said that academics were never his strong suit yet he was a high B student. He has always demanded perfection from himself. Where the root of that took place can only be speculated to, but that his unrelenting standard for perfection in himself seems to be part of his core being.
So how does he stop from the constant self loathing that has been brought upon by his killing Reeva, Nel’s prosecutorial style, the general ignorance of society who now judge him as a monster and Oscar’s predisposition for judging himself very harshly? IMO First and foremost he has a loving family which will nurture all that is good in him and help him put things in perspective. Second is Oscar getting outside of his head and doing things where he makes a positive impact. Third, is Oscar learning to not feel guilty when he begins to feel happy. Fourth, spiritual guidance about self forgiveness.
IMO I don’t have to like the field of mental health to believe that Oscar needs more than positive thoughts, love and a “getting out there” to heal. He and his family need information and knowledge to let them know what he is experiencing, why he is experiencing it and some actions, behaviors, mind tricks to help Oscar get out of the horrors of perpetual self blame.
Traumas cause biochemical changes in the brain. There is evidence of this in brain mapping, those biochemical changes need to be addressed.
_________________ If your mind is agitated you will find agitation everywhere. Where else will you find peace if not within you? __ Papaji
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