Core Argument - The mental health field should move beyond diagnosis and consider the individual's context, history, and societal influences [6][11][18] - Mental health diagnoses are valuable tools but should not overshadow the individual's unique experiences and the broader societal factors contributing to their distress [7][8] - Systemic oppression, societal expectations, and cultural realities significantly impact mental health, particularly for marginalized communities [5][12][13] Societal Impact on Mental Health - Societal structures and policies, such as discrimination and lack of inclusive education, contribute to mental health challenges [3][12][13] - The mental health field needs to understand the intersection of societal structures and individual experiences to provide effective treatment [14] - Stigma associated with mental health labels can perpetuate misunderstanding and reduce individuals to a set of symptoms [10] Holistic Approach to Mental Health - Mental health professionals, educators, families, and society should see the whole person, considering their context, culture, and history [11][18] - A compassionate and effective approach to mental health involves honoring the fullness of an individual's experience and recognizing their strengths [16][17] - Encourages a shift from asking "what is wrong with you" to "what happened to you" to understand the individual's pain and help them reclaim their strengths [19] Resilience and Empowerment - Despite challenges, individuals and communities demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity [14][15] - Empowering individuals by exploring their identity, community, and history can help them overcome mental health challenges [15][16] - Recognizing and honoring the strengths of individuals, such as creativity and meticulousness, can be an effective approach to mental health care [17]