I’ve always had a genuine concern for others’ well-being, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered a true passion in advocating for the reduction (or elimination!) of the stigma surrounding mental health. This passion has grown over the past few months, and if I am ever procrastinating on homework, you can bet I am scouring the internet for information on mental health advocacy. Since I have done so much internet searching, I have known for awhile that the month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month (recently made national by President Obama*), and I am going to take this time to start my process of learning about/promoting mental health awareness.
So, here is my blog, as a means of sharing what I am learning about both psychology and mental health. My first original post: on a personal goal of mine.
Goal: Judge less.
This is something I have to actively pursue. But it’s worth the effort. I used to think I was soooo nonjudgmental (all up on that high horse). But I wasn’t (and I’m still not). Recently, however, I have been fortunate enough to get to know some people who I had initially passed harsh judgment on. And guess what? They are perfectly wonderful people, with struggles both similar and different from my own.
Not that this is any justification, but it’s a natural reaction to judge people either based on appearance or their actions. However, it is always possible to take a step back and think, wait…I don’t even know them.
So, before I start passing judgment on someone’s actions (and appearance), I take a minute to collect my thoughts:
- I have no idea what his/her personal life is like (including both past and present events).
- I don’t know his/her thoughts behind those actions.
- There are people out there who judge me, because my actions don’t make sense to them.
- Does it affect me? Does it really matter?
- And admittedly, most of the time, it’s pure jealousy.
Everyone is dealing with something, whether they want to talk about it or not. So before I start making assumptions, I take into consideration that maybe they are just really having a hard time, and one of the best things you can do for someone in a tough situation is just show them some kindness (not judgmental looks).
OpenMind 