If you ask a child to draw or describe what a healthy body looks like, it’s very likely that he/she would draw a strong (muscular male or female character. The characters might be lifting something heavy, maybe even running. When we are young, «strength» might only have one single definition. However, when we grow up, we learn that strength is so much more than what is showing on the outside.
I chose this photo, because I feel like it explains better than words how some might experience certain mental health issues. Not only does it show how it might feel, but also how it might be viewed in the eyes of the public, as well as in eyes of some in the health care system. Mental health has become more aware of in the media these last few years; charities, apps, TV-series, movies, the list goes on. Despite the attention it is getting, how aware are we of the physical challenges some might experience due to trauma or other psychologically demanding obstacles?
Somatization is when pain occurs in the body without any medical find or explanation. Anxiety and depression are some reasons why this can occur (Holtedahl, 2002). When we get sick or generally are pain over a significant amount of time, the doctors office is usually where we go. We want to find out what is the matter, how do I make the pain stop, what can I do. Usually when we call the doctor to get an appointment, we are asked by the secretary to say what the problem is. By the time a patient arrives at the doctors’ office, the doctor already knows where you are in pain, maybe as well as possible solution to the problem, maybe medication. Then what happens if the pain doesn’t go away? The feeling of not knowing what’s wrong or what causes pain, might be just at scary and frustrating as the pain itself. How does it feel to get a notation from a doctor, who is supposed to know, but doesn’t actually know what causes the pain? How does it feel then he/she keeps prescribing new medication as a solution? Is it the solution?
Scientists and researchers have proven that exercise and nature counteract depression and other psychological difficulties (Christensen, 2018). To encourage this matter, Norway puts a lot of resources and time into making both nature and exercise available for everyone. As far as availability of nature goes, “allemannsretten”, is one initiative that applies to that cause (Reusch, 2017).
As far as a conclusion on this matter, I feel like it’s hard to make one. Yes, Norway certainly are aware of what we can do as far as preventing and bettering the health of both body and mind of the public. However, I feel like the general knowledge of how pain occurs, and the fact that it doesn’t have to be physical, lacks. If the people working in the health care system would ask patients “How are you” when they can’t seem to find any medical explanation, instead of “Whats wrong with you today?”, could that make a difference? Could such an easy change in action help to a better understanding of not only the body as an object, but body and mind as a whole?
Holtedahl, R. (2002, April 30), tidsskriftet.no, Hentet fra Tidsskriftet:
http://tidsskriftet.no/2002/04/kronikk/den-somatiserende-pasient-i-det-moderne-samfunn
Christensen, B.K. (2018, October 2), forskning.no, Hentet fra Forskning:
https://forskning.no/psykiske-lidelser-trening-depresjon/styrketrening-hjelper-mot-depresjon/1238924
Reusch, M. (2017, December 12). snl.no. Hentet fra Store Norske Leksikon:
https://snl.no/allemannsretten
One thought on “Healthy mind, healthy body ?”
Hey Maren,
Content:
Intro:
Firstly I would like to say that I think the topic you have chosen for this assignment is very interesting. Mental health is an issue that is very relevant today and you are correct in saying that there is so much attention on this issue in magazine or on TV etc. The opening two paragraphs seem like they are exploring different ideas, some clarity can be made on the main point of this assignment, is the idea that mental illness may represent as physical pain? However, I do think that your assignment started off very strong as I agree that this piece of art you have captured does give us an abstract representation of mental health and I like how you started with how children and the public may have different interpretations of mental health. This line >“Despite the attention it is getting, how aware are we of the physical challenges some might experience due to trauma or other psychologically demanding obstacles?” – one suggestion is to relate the idea of mental health causing physical pain or how having a mental illness could also represent with signs of physical distress.
Argument:
You have made a strong argument about how a doctor may not necessarily be able to find the cause of the pain as it may not be due to a physical injury or harm to the body. The use of the rhetorical questions forces the reader to give some thought to your issues you have addressed but I think to make your argument even stronger, try to answer some of these questions so more of your ideas come across in the argument.
You research proves you have given a possible solution to the problem that being exercise and nature and you have also given information on how there are initiatives in place already in Norway. I liked very much how you wrote in your language as well because that made me do some research myself and find out what “allemannsretten” means. To further your solution you could add how exactly does exercise and nature counteract depression and other psychological issues one may face and what are the types of activities available for these people in Norway.
Conclusion:
I feel even though you have stated it is hard to made a conclusion on this topic I feel to better this assignment you should try to make one away, allow the reader to understand exactly how you feel on this topic. Explore how people in Norway are aware of what do in in terms of “prevention” and “bettering” but also give insight as to what it means to experience pain and not being able to get the adequate treatment – what do you think it means and what do you think a patient might feel because of this. Another suggestion like I made before is to try to answer the rhetorical questions you are asking the audience.
Language and Grammar:
Proof read your assignment as there are some spelling and grammatical errors. This being said, despite minor errors your piece is strong and well written.
Referencing:
The referencing style used was used correctly, in text and listed at the end of the assignment.
Overall, I think your assignment is looking good, with a few changes you should have a very strong piece on your hands. Well done!
Courtney