What's Wrong With That?

Many years ago, I would notice that comments on Facebook were becoming combative more frequently. Having a different viewpoint would cause contention between the poster and commenters. I found it peculiar that a comment could be seen as a personal affront. Either society was becoming more hyper-sensitive, or the lack of critical thinking was to blame. It's possible that both outlooks are true. It's worth mentioning that the term group think would be mainstream around this time. Erykah Badu, a native Dallasite released a controversial video which showed her removing her clothes near the grassy knoll in in downtown Dallas. At the end of the video, she included a statement regarding groupthink. Group think is a term used by Irving Janis in 1972. Janis, a social psychologist, described an occurrence where a group of individuals makes a decision or accepts opinion without critical thinking, which often led to poor or irritational outcomes.

All or nothing perspectives leave little room for differing experiences. In the middle, can be instances where sometimes and rarely tilt the vantage point from either side. It's in this gray area, that the truth often lies. Most things are never really black or white. Gray areas oftentimes create situations where there's ambiguity. When things are ambiguous, perspectives can differ because the viewpoint can only be seen in one direction. Is it my opinion that caregivers should develop an unbiased approach to managing mental wellness for their loved one. The most important objective should be ensuring positives outcomes so that narrative can switch from surviving to thriving.

Critical thinking is crucial for caregivers of the mentally unwell because it helps them make informed decisions, assess situations accurately, and respond effectively to the needs of those they care for. Mental illness can manifest in various ways, and each individual may have unique needs and preferences. Caregivers should develop critical thinking skills because it allows them to empathize, understand different perspectives, and tailor their care approach according to what works best. Interpreting non-verbal cues, asking relevant questions, and communicating effectively with loved ones helps to ensure more positive outcomes.

It's important for caregivers to understand that there are many different approaches to managing mental wellness. What is effective in one scenario, may not be useful in the future. Being willing to objectively look at different perspectives in a critical way offers allows a caregiver to navigate complex situations with competence, compassion, and adaptability. If you find yourself in a situation, where someone makes a comment filled with judgement, simply reply, "What's wrong with that?"