Myth or Reality?

In the Egyptian community, stereotypical customs and traditions have always tabooed therapy, seeking help, and above all, mental health as a whole. Till the very day, some people even view mental health as a MYTH, or to be more precise, an attempt to blind people, conducted by mental health activists. With a party strongly defending mental health and another succumbing to the idea of a “myth”, an unnecessary controversy is stroke and never seem to end. Lost amid the crowds is a third party seeking the truth, yet tied to the impact of traditions, but the question is — will the power of facts drive them to the truth or will society trap them in the bubble of lies disguised in so-called “traditions”?

Will traditions evolve?

The generation I see today makes me optimistic, especially about a sensitive topic like mental health — they don’t succumb; they search, think, analyze and reach their own conclusions, make their own theories and above all, reach the truth. The universe is ever-changing - customs and traditions are not necessarily true. Science itself is ever-changing; new discoveries hail on us every day, wiping out the ones before. Our ancestors are not flawless; they are to be praised for their righteous acts and criticized for what they did wrong. It’s our choice to make; it’s either we lead or blindly follow. It’s either we make our choices or adopt the choices of others. Mental health is scientifically proven to be true, based upon clear facts. It’s NOT supposed to be a topic of controversy, but given the fact that it, sadly, is, we cannot take the wrong side. It’s not just a random topic; it’s a life-changing one. People can live their lives, suffering in silence because of society’s views on mental health. They can live hiding their bipolar disorder in the fear of society’s mockery, or their OCD because people joke about it and don’t take it seriously. Mental health is of the essence and should never be marginalized, for it’s integrated into every aspect of life and affects every life decision we make.

How do we contribute?

Regardless of how big your platform is, YOU have to raise awareness whenever possible, not necessarily using scientific terminology, but more of general knowledge and wide-spread facts. If you’re oblivious to the obvious, do your research, ask for resources, ask someone who knows, but whatever you do, stay educated, for your education contributes to more awareness. You can also join platforms that spread mental health awareness e.g. Lilac (Instagram.com/lilacisreal ); they recruit every once in a while, but for now, you can promote it —share their posts, read their articles, attend their live open mics and talks, etc... In a nutshell, CONTRIBUTE.

Beliefs don’t simply disappear over night; it takes time to change stereotypes. It takes time to educate a whole nation, but whatever you do, keep going. Keep searching, analyzing and discovering. Make YOUR own decisions. And above all, stay educated, for sensitive topics like mental health, especially in communities which hold on to their traditions, require awareness and education, period.