Labels are powerful. They Influence many areas of our lives, including our mental health.
When we think of labels most people think of designer or job titles and labels that suggest prestige or success. However, here we are talking about a quite different type of label. A label that has the potential to take away an individual’s power.
Sadly, most of us know someone who has been diagnosed with some form of mental illness. This may not necessary be what we perceive as a serious life-threatening condition. It is usually something more common such as ‘Depression or anxiety’. Although certainly not to be taken lightly these are mental health issues that have become commonplace in recent years.
It’s all about Perspective
From one perspective, being able to label a health problem or condition is useful. It helps the psychiatrist or psychologist to diagnose the presenting issue. And this can also give the patient some peace of mind. The patient knows what the problem is and gives a sense of acceptance or meaning, for a while anyway.
From a different view point it, also in a sense, takes the power away from the patient. In other words, ‘If I have been diagnosed with depression, it’s not my fault that I struggle to go to work’. Or ‘Because I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder’ it makes sense that I will never feel comfortable in social settings.’ There are, of course, many examples that could fit within this framework.
Moreover, we are increasingly witnessing this with children. Labels such as ‘Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder’ or ADHD as it is commonly known. And one concerning factor is that, in some cases, it’s the parents that make the decision that that’s what their child must be struggling with, partly because this condition is becoming increasingly common. As a result, so too is the label. This, along with the influence of the internet has become a breeding ground for people looking to label their issue. And this is understandable, it’s natural to search for an explanation for our pains.
The Power Threat Meaning Framework
The ‘Power Threat Meaning Framework’ is a welcome change in thinking in how professionals are beginning to approach mental health.
Hers’s how it works…
Rather than asking the question ‘what’s wrong with you’. This new approach asks, ‘What’s happened to you?’ It has been discovered that by focusing on the patient’s history, information can reveal what has happened to the patient that may have contributed to their presenting mental health problem. This puts the person in a much more resourceful position.
There is currently work going on today towards helping patients, or clients to become more resourceful. To be labelled ‘Clinically depressed’ is not very empowering. To some people they could receive the message as: ‘I have clinical depression’ so I’ll have to take medication for the rest of my life, I’ll just have to get used to it’. This, instead of helping the client or patient to become more resourceful, it takes away their personal power.
The Conclusion
So, ‘The Power threat Meaning Framework’ is a new concept that is positioned to helping patients/clients to become more resourceful and in a better position to take control of their mental health. It allows people to realise they are not just a label. There are options in how to respond. We could look at how we can change our lifestyle or hear how others got free from the same problem. We are real people with choices and the freedom to look at our lives through a different lens if we choose to.
Labels are useful, of course. We need to have some reference point to what is going on in our body and mind. And in addition, we shouldn’t have to surrender our own inner resources and limit ourselves to other viable options. We as adults have a responsibility to ourselves to explore more about how our problems are created and what role we can play in becoming whole and healthy again. One way of looking at a health problem is to view it as part of our life’s journey.
Moreover, ‘The power threat meaning framework’ may just be one positive shift in thinking that we all need.
If you would like to learn more, click here…https://www.amazon.co.uk/Straight-Talking-Introduction-Meaning-Framework/dp/1910919713/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JOTF5NUQLGUK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.R8ZnW07XaO7FayLEQsbVO7z_gkGqjVd
Until next time!
