SHERMIN LEE

The intersection of faith and mental health is a complex and often contentious area. While psychiatry aims to provide comprehensive care for mental health issues, it sometimes falls short in addressing faith-based illnesses appropriately. Here are some ways in which psychiatry may treat faith-based illnesses wrongly: #### 1. **Pathologizing Religious Beliefs** Historically, psychiatry has often viewed religious beliefs through a pathological lens. This perspective can lead to the misdiagnosis of deeply held spiritual convictions as symptoms of mental illness³. For instance, intense religious experiences or practices might be mistaken for delusions or obsessive-compulsive behaviors, rather than being understood within their cultural and spiritual context³. #### 2. **Ignoring the Positive Role of Faith** Faith can be a significant source of strength and resilience for many individuals. However, psychiatrists, who are generally less religious than their patients, may undervalue the positi

Abstract: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 13% of women globally 1 . While hormonal changes play a role, there’s growing interest in the spiritual dimension of childbirth. When the spiritual process of birth is interrupted—often due to medical interventions like cesarean sections—mothers may experience a profound sense of loss. This disruption can lead to PPD, as mothers struggle to connect with their newborns. In this article, we delve into the impact of medical interventions on the spiritual birth experience and explore coping strategies for holistic well-being. Introduction: Childbirth is a transformative event that encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. The spiritual aspect involves a deep connection between the mother, baby, and the universe. When this connection is disrupted, mothers may experience spiritual postpartum depression (SPD). SPD differs from conventional PPD, as it centers on the loss of a sacred bond during childbirth. The Exper

 

It's good to see KKH beginning to support women and children through their experiences of trauma, but is that enough?  What about going to the root of the problem in the first place - the interrupted birth process, and unnecessary medical interventions during birth, from invasive procedures like ultrasounds , c-sections, inducing birth, etc, the very things causing trauma to mothers (and perhaps even babies) in the first place? One of the ways women are healing through birth trauma is through birth reclaiming ceremonies . According to Dr. Isa Gucciardi in this article , ' a lot of women are undergoing incomplete initiations when giving birth. The result is a spiritual crisis that can leave us feeling confused, lost, and extremely disempowered. While not often understood, an unsuccessful childbirth initiation can be linked to the common mood disorder “postpartum depression.”' Knowing this, wouldn't you agree that it is high time for women to reclaim the spiritual, natura

Mindfulness has become a buzzword in recent years, with many people advocating its practice as a way to live a more present and fulfilled life. The idea of mindfulness is to be fully present and engaged in the moment, without judgment or distraction. However, for many people, the concept of mindfulness can be difficult to grasp, and can even lead to frustration and anxiety. In this article, I want to challenge the notion of mindfulness and suggest that we should focus less on trying to be mindful, and instead, simply feel our emotions and allow them to flow. The problem with the concept of mindfulness is that it implies that we are supposed to use our heads to be present. We are told to focus on our breath, to observe our thoughts, and to be aware of our surroundings. While this may work for some people, it can be challenging for others. It can be hard to stay focused on the present moment when our minds are constantly racing with thoughts and worries. Moreover, it can be difficult to

Read:  5-year-old boy caged and scalded to death: interactive. 'I killed my son because I abused him. Now I want to help others in the same situation learn how to manage before the same thing happens to them'.  Who better to serve and help communities suffering from abuse and neglect than those who lived the trauma, with first-hand, intimate knowledge and experience of the tragedy that is child abuse? There is so much potential for healing, change and and growth here, don't you think...?  Inherently evil, or just terribly unheard, misunderstood and never given a fighting chance to learn, grow, recover and break the cycle of abuse in their lives? Leave your thoughts. 🙏🏼 My 2 cents.

 My son, 5, and daughter, 7, were playing together and talking to each other when he raised his voice. Immediately after that, he starts to cry and yell about how his sister yelled at him, which wasn't true. I calmly told him I do not tolerate lying, and that he was the one who raised his voice, not her. He starts to flip the **** out, kicking, screaming, crying and yelling that I don't love him. He throws his phone to the ground (thankfully onto the mattress). I hold on to him as he struggles with his massive emotions. He rejects my touch. He proceeds to go to a corner of the room covered by my wardrobe to hide and nurse his wounded feelings. After a while of silence and sniffling, I decide to take the approach of sitting quietly nearby him, in the darkness, not touching or speaking, but just being with him. Connection worked. He may have felt anger, hurt, and misunderstood, but he now he also felt loved and cared ablut. After a while, I reached out a hand, and he places his i

Our emotions play a significant role in what we choose to eat. When we feel happy or relaxed, we tend to make healthier food choices, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. In contrast, when we're feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, we often turn to comfort foods such as sweets, chips, or fast food. One reason for this is that our emotions can affect our brain chemistry, leading us to crave certain foods. For example, when we're stressed, our body releases the hormone cortisol, which can increase our appetite and lead us to crave high-calorie, high-fat foods. Similarly, when we're feeling down, our brain may release less serotonin, which can lead us to crave carbohydrates or sweets. Another reason why our emotions can impact our food choices is that food can provide an immediate mood boost. Junk food is designed to provide us with a quick burst of pleasure and satisfaction, but it comes with a long-term cost to our health. In contrast, healthy foods provide u

The music video for "Roar" by Katy Perry showcases a powerful story of self-discovery and (surprisingly) spiritual transformation. In the video, Katy Perry is abandoned by her male companion in the jungle, leaving her to fend for herself in the wild. However, instead of succumbing to her circumstances, she embraces them and learns to connect with the natural world around her. This video symbolizes the spiritual journey that many people go through when they are faced with difficult or trying circumstances in their lives. When faced with adversity, it is easy to become disillusioned and disconnected from our true selves. We often get caught up in the trappings of modern society, losing touch with the natural world and our inner spirit. Katy Perry's journey in the video highlights the importance of letting go of our material possessions and reconnecting with the natural world. By embracing her surroundings, she discovers a new sense of power and strength within herself. This

The intersection of reality and make-believe is a complex and fascinating concept. On one hand, reality is the tangible, physical world that we experience through our senses. It is the world that exists independently of our thoughts and beliefs. On the other hand, make-believe refers to the world of imagination, where we can create and explore possibilities that do not exist in reality. However, it is important to note that reality and make-believe are not necessarily opposed to each other. In fact, imagination is often a crucial component of bringing new ideas and innovations into reality. Many of the greatest scientific and technological advancements in history were the result of someone's imaginative vision. For example, before the invention of airplanes, humans had only ever seen birds fly. The idea of creating a machine that could fly seemed like pure fantasy. However, through the power of imagination, the Wright brothers were able to design and build the first successful airp

  As human beings, we are often defined by our emotions. Joy, sadness, anger, fear, and many other feelings can dictate our actions and shape our lives. Our emotional experiences are what make us unique and human, and they allow us to connect with one another in ways that transcend language and culture. However, our society often tries to medicate away our feelings, whether it be with prescription drugs or other substances. This approach may provide temporary relief, but in the long run, it can be detrimental to our authentic living and true relief. In our culture, there is a widespread belief that we should not feel pain, grief, or sadness. When we experience these emotions, we often try to push them away or suppress them. We may use alcohol, drugs, or other unhealthy coping mechanisms to numb ourselves to our feelings. However, this approach only leads to a superficial form of relief. It does not address the underlying issues that are causing us to feel this way in the first place. I

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the overmedication of children for normal, natural behavior. The trend has been seen in countries around the world, including Singapore, where parents and doctors are increasingly turning to medication to treat children's behavioral issues. However, this approach has come under scrutiny, with many experts arguing that medication is not always the best solution, and that other alternatives should be considered. One of the challenges of modern psychiatry is that it often struggles to differentiate between normal behavior and pathological behavior. This can lead to a tendency to medicalize normal behavior, leading to the overdiagnosis and overmedication of children. For example, it is not uncommon for children to be diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when they are simply displaying normal, age-appropriate levels of activity and impulsivity. Research has shown that the overmedication of children can have

The power of language is truly immense. Words have the ability to create entire worlds, to shape our thoughts, our beliefs, and our actions. As human beings, we have the gift of language, which sets us apart from other creatures on this planet. With words, we can express ourselves, connect with others, and bring our ideas to life. Words are the building blocks of our thoughts. When we speak, we give form and structure to our ideas, and our words become the blueprint for our actions. The words we choose to use have a direct impact on the way we think and feel. Positive words can uplift us, while negative words can bring us down. The way we speak to ourselves and to others can shape our beliefs and ultimately, our reality. Incoherent speech can be a symptom of various mental illnesses, such as psychosis. In these situations, the words we use may not make sense to others, and we may struggle to express ourselves in a way that is understandable. This can be incredibly frustrating, as commu

Transcript: In many Indigenous cultures, spirituality is interwoven with the community's overall well-being, and healing is seen as a process of restoring balance and harmony within oneself, with others, and with the natural world. Thus, a relapse in Indigenous spirituality could be seen as a setback in this healing process. For example, if an individual is recovering from addiction or trauma, a relapse could mean a return to harmful behaviors or a re-experiencing of painful emotions. In this context, it's essential to seek support and guidance from community members, elders, and healers who can provide spiritual and cultural teachings, ceremonies, and practices that can help the person overcome the relapse and continue on the path towards healing and wholeness. It's also worth noting that in many Indigenous cultures, there isn't a strict distinction between the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of a person's being, and all of these dimensions are s

"Crazy Wise" is a documentary film directed by Phil Borges that explores the traditional practices of indigenous cultures and their approach to mental health issues. The film examines the Westernized view of mental health and the stigmatization of mental illness, comparing it to the more accepting and holistic approach of indigenous cultures. Borges interviews various individuals who have experienced mental health issues and have been deemed "crazy" by Western standards. These individuals, however, have found healing and insight through the ancient practices of their respective cultures. The film delves into the concept of the shaman, a spiritual leader who is believed to have the ability to communicate with the spiritual realm and guide others towards healing. The film features interviews with shamans from various cultures, including the Amazonian rainforest, the Andes, and Native American tribes. Through the stories of these individuals and the wisdom of the shama

Meditation is a practice that involves training the mind to focus on the present moment and develop greater awareness and concentration. The practice of meditation has been used for thousands of years as a tool for achieving greater peace, relaxation, and spiritual growth. There are many different types of meditation, but most involve focusing the mind on a particular object or activity, such as the breath, a sound, or a visualization. Through consistent practice, meditation can help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, increase self-awareness, and cultivate a sense of inner peace and happiness. However, there are some misconceptions about meditation that people often get wrong. One common misconception is that meditation is about clearing the mind of all thoughts. In reality, meditation is about becoming more aware of your thoughts and emotions, and learning to observe them without judgment or attachment. Another misconception is that meditation is only for spiritual or religious pe

 Positive thinking is the practice of intentionally focusing on positive thoughts and emotions, while minimizing negative thoughts and emotions. The idea behind positive thinking is that our thoughts and attitudes can have a powerful impact on our lives and the world around us. While positive thinking can have many benefits, there are some misconceptions about what it is and how to practice it. Here are a few things that we often get wrong about positive thinking: Positive thinking is not about ignoring negative emotions: Many people believe that positive thinking means ignoring or suppressing negative emotions. However, this is not a healthy or effective approach. It's important to acknowledge and process negative emotions, while also cultivating positive emotions. Positive thinking is not a substitute for action: Positive thinking can be a powerful motivator, but it's not enough on its own. It's important to take action and make positive changes in our lives and the world

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing our attention and awareness to the present moment, without judgment. It involves being fully present and engaged in the current experience, rather than getting caught up in thoughts about the past or worries about the future. While mindfulness has become increasingly popular in recent years, there are some misconceptions about what it is and how to practice it. Here are a few things that we often get wrong about mindfulness: Mindfulness is not just about relaxation: While mindfulness can be a relaxing practice, its benefits go beyond stress reduction. Mindfulness has been shown to improve cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Mindfulness is not about eliminating thoughts: Many people believe that the goal of mindfulness is to stop thinking altogether. However, this is not possible or desirable. Rather, the goal of mindfulness is to become more aware of our thoughts and emotions, and to observe them without judgment. Mi

Have you ever heard the saying "your vibe attracts your tribe?" While this phrase may sound like a catchy phrase, there's actually some truth to it. Recent research suggests that the energy and vibrations that we emit can affect everything around us, from the people we attract to the experiences we have. The concept of vibration is not a new one. In fact, ancient wisdom traditions such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine have long recognized the importance of balancing energy and vibrations in the body. However, modern science is now starting to catch up and explore the connection between vibration and our daily lives. One of the ways that vibration affects us is through the concept of resonance. Resonance occurs when one object vibrates at the same frequency as another object, causing the second object to vibrate as well. This concept is similar to the way a tuning fork can cause another tuning fork to vibrate when they are in close proximity. Research has shown that this p

You need to read this in full  here . Dr. Terry Lynch is a mental health professional who has written and spoken extensively about bipolar disorder. He has criticized the traditional medical model of bipolar disorder, which he believes overemphasizes medication and underemphasizes the importance of psychotherapy and lifestyle factors in treatment. Dr. Lynch has argued that bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed and overdiagnosed, leading to inappropriate treatment with medications that can be harmful and unnecessary. He has also emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to treatment, including psychotherapy, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and a supportive social network. Overall, Dr. Lynch's work challenges the traditional medical model of bipolar disorder and advocates for a more patient-centered, holistic approach to treatment that addresses the underlying causes and contributing factors of the disorder.

 

I don't have access to the future, and I can't predict what it holds for you. However, I can offer you some guidance on how to approach your future. 1. Set orientations: Identify your short-term and long-term directions, and dream up routes (thoughts, practices and activities etc.) to navigate them. This will help you stay focused and motivated. Here's mine: (remember, they're always changing and evolving, as we are) 2. Explore Your Interests: Consider your passions and interests, and explore careers and hobbies that align with them. 3. Develop Skills: Identify the skills you need to achieve your goals and work on developing them. This will help you become more competitive in the job market and increase your chances of success. 4. Stay Optimistic: Keep a positive mindset and don't let setbacks discourage you. Remember that failure is a natural part of the learning process and can help you grow and improve. 5. Be Flexible: Be open to new opportunities and be willing

 1. Biases or conflicts of interest: Experts, like anyone else, can have biases or conflicts of interest that may influence their advice or recommendations. It is important to evaluate an expert's motivations and affiliations to determine if they have a vested interest in promoting a particular perspective or agenda. 2. Overconfidence: Experts may overestimate their level of expertise or the certainty of their predictions, leading them to make inaccurate or flawed recommendations. 3. Evolving knowledge: Many fields of study are constantly evolving, and what was considered "expert" knowledge or best practices in the past may be outdated or superseded by new findings. It is important to seek out experts who are up-to-date with the latest research and developments in their field. Masters of their craft, on the otherhand, are individuals who have achieved a high level of skill and expertise in a particular craft or art form through years of practice, dedication, and refinemen

Psychiatric drugs, also known as psychotropic drugs, are medications that are prescribed to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. While these drugs can be effective in treating the symptoms of mental illness, they also come with a range of potential risks and side effects. One of the most significant dangers associated with psychiatric drugs is the risk of addiction and dependency. Many of these medications, such as benzodiazepines and opioids, are highly addictive and can lead to dependence with prolonged use. In fact, studies have shown that long-term use of benzodiazepines can lead to withdrawal symptoms that are similar to those experienced by individuals who are addicted to heroin or other opiates (1). Another risk associated with psychiatric drugs is the potential for serious side effects, including physical health problems. For example, some antipsychotic medications have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes and

Childbirth is a natural process that has been happening for centuries. However, in recent times, there has been an increasing trend towards unnecessary medical intervention during childbirth. While these interventions may seem like a good idea at the time, they can have harmful effects on both the mother and the baby. One of the most common interventions during childbirth is the use of Pitocin, a synthetic form of oxytocin. Pitocin is used to induce or augment labor and can lead to stronger and more frequent contractions. However, it also increases the risk of fetal distress, uterine rupture, and a more painful and difficult labor for the mother (1). Another common intervention during childbirth is the use of forceps or vacuum extraction to assist in the delivery of the baby. While these tools can be helpful in certain situations, they also increase the risk of injury to the baby, including skull fractures and nerve damage. In addition, they can lead to tears and other injuries in the

Vibration and effortless success are two concepts that have gained popularity in recent years, especially in the personal development and self-help space. The idea behind these concepts is that our thoughts and emotions emit a certain frequency or vibration, which can impact our ability to achieve success. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between vibration and effortless success and how understanding this relationship can help us achieve our goals. Vibration refers to the energy frequency that is emitted by our thoughts and emotions. Everything in the universe has a frequency, including our thoughts and emotions. When we think positive, empowering thoughts, we emit a high-frequency vibration, while negative, limiting thoughts emit a low-frequency vibration. According to the law of attraction, we attract what we emit, so if we want to attract positive things into our lives, we need to emit a high-frequency vibration. Effortless success refers to achieving our goals wi

There are plenty of productive and enjoyable things you can do when you have nothing to do. Here are some suggestions: Read a book: Reading is a great way to improve your knowledge and also to relax your mind. Learn a new skill: You can use the free time to learn something new. For example, you can learn a new language, take an online course or learn to cook a new dish. Exercise: Physical exercise is a great way to improve your health and also to boost your mood. You can take a walk, go for a run, do some yoga or engage in any other physical activity you enjoy. Connect with friends and family: You can use this time to catch up with friends and family. You can call them or send them a message to check in on them. Plan your future : Use this time to set goals and plan for your future. Think about what you want to achieve in the short term and long term and make plans to achieve those goals. Explore your surroundings: You can take a walk or bike ride around your neighborhood and explore t