In recent years, the concept of healing has gained significant traction, evolving beyond the realms of therapists and healthcare professionals. Healing, as a multifaceted concept, encompasses both physical and psychological dimensions. A study suggests that a person who has achieved psychological healing tends to be more emotionally balanced, and aligned with their inner self. Another study puts forward that psychological healing involves experiencing greater cheerfulness, emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and better management of chronic conditions. However, it is crucial to understand that healing is not a one-time achievement but rather a continuous journey.
Thanks to social media platforms like Instagram and Threads, healing has become a more accessible and relatable topic for everyone. The idea of finding a resource person who can provide help, therapy or counseling can be tiring for a lot of people but social media platforms have made it possible for people to access psychologists and counselors Many healthcare providers are disseminating their knowledge and expertise freely on social media platforms, which has sparked important conversations about mental health and the need for help. The stigma surrounding mental health and seeking help has diminished, paving the way for a more open and accepting conversation about healing as the percentage of people seeking therapy has increased over the years, according to statistics.
People are now more inclined to explore various methods and approaches to enhance their healing process, leading to a greater acceptance of oneself. Though it looks all sunny, social media should be dealt with caution. A Medium blog post explains that while social media offers a valuable platform for genuine healthcare professionals to share their expertise, it also provides a stage for less credible sources and pseudo-experts who provide non reliable pseudo - therapies also termed as “Instagram therapist”. This dichotomy can sometimes create an “all that glitters is not gold” scenario, where it’s challenging to discern reliable information from misleading advice. However, this risk can be managed through careful inquiry and thorough research before seeking help. Despite these challenges, social media has undeniably played a significant role in advancing the conversation around mental health. The increased visibility and openness on these platforms are essential in reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues, found in a recent study.
Healing is often misinterpreted as a straightforward path to wellness. In reality, it is a bumpy journey filled with ups and downs. There are days when one might feel healed, only to encounter setbacks the next. Expecting healing to be linear and effortless is unrealistic. Just as we rely on medications and care to heal physical injuries, it is equally important to extend that patience and understanding to emotional and psychological wounds. Though it is simple to understand concepts through analogies, it should be read with caution as mental or emotional wounds are much more complex than physical wounds. Emotional bruises might be too deep to be made analogous to physical bruises.
Consider a physical injury, such as a sprain or a car accident. We tend to care for the injury diligently and avoid further harm, even after the wound has healed. In contrast, mental and emotional wounds are often overlooked or misunderstood. For instance, a study reported children who experience emotional neglect may be more susceptible to depression and anxiety later in life. Neglectful parenting can unknowingly set the stage for mental health challenges, complicating the healing process well into adulthood. Several studies suggest that Individuals without a supportive environment may find their healing journey more arduous, similar to reopening a wound daily. A little support and understanding from one's social circle can significantly impact the healing process, often more than one might realize.
Many people imagine a healed individual as someone with Zen-like qualities—always calm, kind, and in control. They may believe that such a person never gets triggered or overreacts, and that their life is perfectly sorted. However, healing is not about achieving a state of perpetual tranquility. It is a continuous process, and there is no definitive endpoint where one can claim to be fully healed.
The perception of what constitutes a "healed" self varies from person to person. For example, someone struggling with anger might envision a healed self as being calm and composed, while another person dealing with procrastination might see healing as a state of productivity and focus. A study posits that healing is deeply personal and subjective. A person who appears to be advanced in their healing journey is often someone who has achieved a sense of internal alignment and self-acceptance. Such individuals might not seek external validation or conform to others' expectations.
Healing, whether physical or psychological, requires patience and faith. It is essential to acknowledge that healing takes time. Just as we allow physical wounds to mend without rushing the process, we must apply the same patience to emotional and psychological healing. Imagine healing as a journey up a mountain, where each summit leads to the base of another peak. The height of each peak or the progress compared to others becomes less relevant than the courage to start the journey.
Jonathan Scholl (therapist and social worker at Harvard affiliated hospital) states in one of the Harvard blog posts that many people fear confronting their emotions and might deny the need for experiencing emotions thereby, healing altogether. However, the courage to face and sit with difficult emotions is a significant first step. With patience, support, and faith, the healing process can become more manageable and less daunting.
In summary, healing is a complex and ongoing journey rather than a final destination. It involves both physical and psychological dimensions and requires patience, understanding, and support. The healing process is non-linear, with its own set of challenges and triumphs. While the idea of a perfectly healed person may be a misconception, those who embark on the healing journey with courage and authenticity are often more aligned with their true selves.
Embracing this journey means acknowledging that healing is not about reaching a static state of perfection but about making progress, no matter how incremental. By allowing ourselves and others the space and support to heal, we move closer to a more understanding and compassionate world. So, whether you’re at the beginning of your healing journey or somewhere in between, remember that each step forward is a victory worth celebrating.
Aakanksha Upadhyay
