The pursuit of mental well-being is as old as humanity itself. Modern psychiatry has become the dominant system for addressing mental health issues in contemporary society. While modern psychiatry has made significant progress in treating mental pathological disorders, its potential mistakes and errors in many other areas call for ongoing critical examination. In simple terms, modern psychiatry is a blind mirror of modern society, reflecting the conquering desire to dominate nature. The current healing system is deeply disconnected, ignoring the art of transformation, inner liberation, and change, which is driven by the unity of all things. The mainstream healthcare diagnostic system with orthodox scientific tools is unable to address the roots of mental problems because it deeply ignores the existence and the phenomenon of the spirit, soul system, and subsystems. Our ancestors used it for thousands of years. However, the perfectly functional system is too primitive, archaic, and spiritual for the majority of mental health professionals. Yes, shamans don’t usually enroll in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. If they do, we might be able to understand the source of every mental health issue we face if we dare to be open to at least some basic aspects of the human psyche. The human psyche serves as a portal to multiple realities of our inner and outer existence. Modern psychiatry strongly opposes this fundamental principle and reduces the human psyche to primarily neural processes. To put it another way, modern psychiatry is killing the human spirit.
The Pharmaceutical Dilemma
The orthodox emphasis on diagnostic labels, pharmaceutical interventions, and institutionalized treatment approaches in modern psychiatry, which is strictly governed by scientific guidelines, may contribute to and lead to the degradation of the human soul. The mechanistic view of mental disorders, reducing complex emotional states to biochemical imbalances, has been accused of dehumanizing individuals and undermining their inherent dignity. Furthermore, the aggressive use of psychotropic medications, which is frequently accompanied by an extensive list of side effects, is a form of not only physical but also emotional brutality that may have unforeseen consequences. One of the primary sources of contention is the pervasive use of psychotropic medications in modern psychiatric treatments. The over-reliance on pharmacological interventions may not only mask underlying issues but also lead to dependency and a numbing of the individual’s authentic experiences. The potential for side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and the long-term impact on the human psyche raises concerns about the unintended cruelty embedded within the pharmaceutical paradigm of modern psychiatry.
The Dehumanizing Environment
Modern psychiatric institutions, with their sterile environments and emphasis on diagnostic criteria, foster a dehumanizing atmosphere by treating patients’ symptoms, never uncovering the real sources of life’s mental or emotional challenges. The cruelty lies in the stripping away of individuality, reducing patients to labels and symptoms rather than recognizing their unique human experiences. The lack of personalized, holistic care in some instances contributes to an environment that may inadvertently perpetuate suffering rather than facilitate genuine healing. In contrast to the alleged harshness of contemporary psychiatry, tribal healing practices offer an alternative methodology grounded in simplicity and a sense of interconnectedness. Tribal healing recognizes the integral relationship between mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, emphasizing the importance of community, nature, and traditional rituals in the healing process. The peaceful nature of tribal healing stands in stark contrast to the alleged aggressiveness of modern psychiatric interventions. Tribal healing prioritizes community support as an essential component of mental well-being. Unlike the individualistic approach often associated with modern psychiatry, tribal healing views the individual’s struggles as inseparable from the collective experience. The communal support, shared rituals, and cultural traditions contribute to a sense of belonging and interconnectedness that is believed to foster a peaceful and harmonious healing process.
Holistic Approaches
Tribal healing practices often incorporate holistic modalities, acknowledging the interconnected nature of mind, body, and spirit. Through practices such as herbal medicine, meditation, and traditional ceremonies, individuals are encouraged to explore the depths of their inner selves in a manner that is gentle, nurturing, and respectful of the human spirit. This holistic perspective contrasts with the reductionist tendencies of modern psychiatry. It is essential to recognize the nuanced complexities inherent in mental health care. Conversely, tribal healing practices offer valuable insights into alternative, more peaceful approaches that prioritize interconnectedness, community, and holistic well-being. As society struggles with mental health challenges, a harmonious integration of these perspectives may pave the way for a more compassionate, effective, and soul-nourishing approach to healing that is not governed by scientific rigidity and soullessness.
