About Us

Mental Health Affairs originated from the idea that writing should intermingle with peer and clinical research elements. Its birth was an endeavor to merge distinct realms, aiming to resonate with the general public and professionals in the field. While the blending has been largely successful, there have been moments of lesser efficacy.

Delving into the blog’s history, the core idea was the fusion of two realms. The pivotal theme that bridged the peer and clinical divide was self-management. This umbrella concept offers invaluable tools and methods for both clinicians and peers, empowering them to improve their emotional and behavioral well-being.

Launched in the fall of 2016, Mental Health Affairs shifted its focus post-launch based on feedback. We moved beyond mere suggestions, emphasizing broader systemic issues, from ‘ableism’ to ‘stigma.’ The platform’s purpose crystallized by focusing on self-management strategies in the face of such societal challenges: championing more profound mental health reforms.

The critical challenge is ensuring articles cater to laymen and professionals while maintaining a cohesive and insightful narrative. The foundational issue beneath self-management was the evolving language of mental health and its potential to bridge divides, ultimately challenging the prevailing stigmas. As the blog matured, its growth surpassed the narrow literature, evolving into a comprehensive resource.

The motto ‘hope and healing’ underlines my belief that better outcomes in mental health care hinge on these two pillars. Despite being endorsed by state systems, this ideal often remains conspicuously missing in practice. I attribute this gap to systemic limitations and biases, further perpetuating stigma within the care framework. Mental Health Affairs, thus, remains dedicated to enlightening its readers, urging reforms at every juncture where mental health care intersects with an individual’s journey.

Academia’s endorsement of peer work is tainted with politics and obscured fund allocations. Yet, unlike the highly-publicized drama of political arenas, the ethical battles in academic corridors remain untelevised and unspoken. As professionals, we must highlight overlooked or nascent research areas, understanding that no methodology or study is beyond scrutiny.

My skepticism about recent mental health research is rooted in concerns about its focus. Are we really targeting the most pertinent areas? Chronic illnesses, psychiatric or medical, pose lifelong challenges. The shared stories aim to illuminate individuals’ resilience and tenacity, emphasizing that even in the face of incurable conditions, the spirit to thrive persists.

In essence, Mental Health Affairs embodies the ethos of relentless perseverance in facing mental health challenges. The hope is that our readers, through these narratives, recognize the importance of persistent healing, even when complete recovery remains elusive.

Blog Categories:

• Prosumer: A fusion of clinical and peer insights.
• Peer: Emphasizing lived experiences, personal stories, and systems challenges.
• Clinical: Delving into therapeutic processes, clinical approaches, and evidence-based practices concerning mental health.
• Poetry: Expressive verses, rich in mental health metaphors, capturing personal journeys and healing reflections.

Editor’s Note: Multi-faceted articles with insights from multiple categories will be labeled appropriately for reader convenience.

Stay informed. Stay empowered.

Mental Health Affairs promotes interest among individuals in studying human behavior and the mind. This website makes no representations of the accuracy or completeness of any information on this website or found by following any links from here. Mental Health Affairs will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Mental Health Affairs will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from displaying or using this information.