Reflections on Simon Wessely’s “Mental Health is Not a Medical Condition” (IAI.tv)
https://iai.tv/video/mental-health-is-not-a-medical-condition-simon-wessely
As a longtime fan of IAI.tv, I just watched a short yet deeply thought-provoking lecture titled “Mental Health is Not a Medical Condition” by Simon Wessely. It challenged many assumptions we often carry, about stress, mental health, and even the pace at which society reacts to change.
One striking moment was when Wessely presented survey data on which professions experience the highest levels of stress. Most of us may assume it’s Air-traffic controller, doctors, lawyers, or perhaps police officers. But surprisingly, the survey revealed that medical sonographer ranked among the highest for reported stress levels. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder: what we think we know about others, or even about societal issues, is often filtered through assumptions, not facts.
Another compelling point was his comparison of social media today to newspapers in 1911. At that time, newspapers were blamed for spreading fear, misinformation, and anxiety, much like how we criticize social media today. It’s humbling to realize that these patterns aren’t new; they’re part of the recurring human experience with technology and communication.
The biggest lesson I took from this?
Time reveals truth.
What feels urgent, triggering, or even “obvious” in the moment is often best understood in retrospect. We don’t always need to react to every headline, opinion, or digital ripple we encounter. Instead, we can choose to observe, reflect, and integrate what resonates with our own life journey.
A Call for Patience and Perspective
As someone studying psychology and deeply interested in the intersection of history, mind, and culture, I find this incredibly grounding. Rather than being swept up by every new mental health label, self-diagnosis trend, or online panic, perhaps what we need more of is historical perspective, and a bit of humility.
Mental health is important, but it’s not always a clinical issue. Sometimes, it’s about context. Sometimes, it’s about life. And sometimes, it’s simply about being human.
So next time you hear something that stirs you, ask yourself:
Is this truth, or is this a moment?
Is this a signal, or just noise?
Not everything demands a reaction. But everything offers us a chance to choose how we respond.
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Let time teach. Let perspective guide. And let’s continue pursuing a life that’s not just reactive—but meaningful.
