Reflection On The Nature Of The Mind - Part One: The Roots

Reflection on The Nature of the Mind - Part One: The Roots

Reflect on the video, The Nature of the Mind–Part One: The Roots, and share your thoughts with the class. This discussion was honestly a lot, I did replay it twice and even continued with the second part, which I recommend as well. First focusing on the first part, I thought the discussion was very open and had a lot of information to process. Each doctor, allowed each to talk and brought a lot of knowledge and one’s own thoughts and beliefs to the table. This is important because in this era, people just judge, disrespect, dismiss, defend, fight, and argue and don’t give a chance to listen and view another’s point of view.

Dr. Krishnamurti provided a discussion involving how psychologists approach a person going for mental health concerns, to change, to actually help, and how to help get away from dependence, and security. What he claims is that not one person can ever have security because they are divisive (J. Krishnamurti Online (Producer). (1982, April 16). This statement alone, had me a little confused till I looked on Google, the meaning and it varies but mainly can be narrow to be indecisive. Which I guess makes sense, a person cannot fully have the security they seek because of the constant change, in my own opinion.

What is your understanding of the nature of the mind? My understanding of the nature of the mind is to learn and adapt. Personally, I have a different view than most, I believe the nature of the mind is to connect with human life and enjoy the central aspect of being alive. Our minds are stimulated with different things, in this era, most people are stimulated with their phones, tablets, TV, anything technology, even with people to just argue, fight, get a reaction, and so forth.

I myself, feel more at peace and stimulated, with the view of the sky, the sun, the clouds, the rain, the storms, the oceans, the trees, the flowers, and the beauty of people's faces and minds. The nature of my mind wants to listen and hear and take in people's experiences in this life. So the heart of the mind honestly just depends on how you alone view it. Describe healthy mental functioning. Healthy mental functioning is viewing basic and drastic situations and being able to process all the information and react in a healthy manner.

For instance, you getting let go from your job, processing the why and accepting the why, and not being stressed out and understanding the next step to take in order to get another job since it is essential because of the cost of living in society. Another unhealthy way would be to go on social media, show stress, anger, frustration, and seek self-pity from society, or even yell at the person who fired you, instead of processing it and just accepting it. What leads to changes in one’s mental state to the point that psychopathology (unhealthy mental functioning) is demonstrated? There are many things that can lead to a person's mental state changing to the point of being unhealthy, and that is possible to be environmental or biological. It is one’s own experience that can change that point in someone’s mind.

What is the relationship between the mind and other aspects of the human (e.g., body, personality, spirit, family, community, society, etc.)? The mind is a very powerful thing, for instance as I read this question and answer it, my brain is getting a message and processed it fast enough to come up with this response. The mind takes in most of everything, and when you allow certain views, ideologies, values, and so forth, it creates a person. A shell is formed first, followed by the heart, which is clearly a function that is needed to live, and it is the brain that pushes it however there is still more to understand.

The connection it has with not only the body is the personality we have and how we react to society because humans grow and develop with influences from family and society, but the brain also takes in that information, and then we develop a certain personality. I think the relation between the mind and other aspects of a human can very honestly depend on the human and how their mind actually functions. How does culture impact one’s understanding of the mind and one’s understanding of mental health? Culture can play a different role in those who are dealing with a different state of mind as the rest. Overall, she has improved.

I did notice she likes to help a lot. I think that if she did do one per week she still will reach her goal. Comment on the use of diagnostic manuals and handbooks including how they may limit our understanding of psychopathology. Morrison (2014) has a lot of information regarding different diagnoses and it is straight to the point of what is the cause and effect that happens to a person. I think the only limit, is changing technology, and the use of different tools to help aid in treatment is not fully used.

Another thing is they do not focus on alternative ways to help a person. Mental and physical disorders have been around for years, and had been previously dealt with through natural remedies and different techniques I believe. I think that’s where the limit is in understanding psychopathology. Include one graphic (e.g., image, picture, drawing, table, chart) to depict your understanding of the relationship between the mind and other aspects of the human. Each of your responses to your peers should include a summary of the thoughts presented by your colleague as well as your evaluation of your colleague’s comments in a manner that contributes to the further understanding of the various phenomena under consideration.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of the nature of the mind, as presented in the video "The Nature of the Mind–Part One: The Roots," offers profound insights into how humans perceive and relate to their mental processes. The various perspectives shared in the discussion highlight the complexity and multifaceted nature of understanding the mind. In this essay, I will reflect on the concepts presented, analyze the relationship between the mind and other aspects of human existence, and evaluate how cultural and technological factors influence our mental health perceptions.

Understanding the Nature of the Mind

The video emphasizes that the mind is not a static entity but rather a dynamic process characterized by learning, adaptation, and connection. I align with the perspective that the mind's core function is to learn and adapt, allowing humans to navigate an ever-changing environment. Unlike the misconception that the mind's primary purpose is solely to seek security or security-based comfort, I believe the mind inherently strives to connect with life and find meaning in existence. The notion that the mind is stimulated by external stimuli — whether technology or nature — demonstrates its responsiveness to varying influences, shaping human experience.

Healthy Mental Functioning

Healthy mental functioning, in my view, involves the ability to process life's challenges in a balanced manner. For instance, accepting job loss without excessive stress and reacting with resilience exemplifies sound mental health. Conversely, reacting with anger, social media outbursts, or denial signifies maladaptive responses that hinder well-being. Psychological resilience depends on emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and social support, all of which foster adaptive responses to adversity (Seligman, 2011). Additionally, mindfulness and self-awareness practices have been shown to enhance mental health by promoting emotional regulation and reducing impulsivity (Kabat-Zinn, 1994).

Factors Contributing to Psychopathology

Changes in mental health states toward psychopathology are influenced by biological, environmental, and personal experiences. Stressors such as trauma, loss, or chronic adversity can disrupt mental stability. Neurological imbalances, genetic vulnerabilities, and poor coping mechanisms may predispose individuals to mental disorders (Caspi et al., 2003). Environmental factors, including social isolation, cultural stigma, or exposure to violence, further exacerbate vulnerability to mental illnesses (World Health Organization, 2013). Personal experiences, such as repeated failures or relational conflicts, can also precipitate maladaptive psychological responses, demonstrating the multifactorial nature of mental health decline.

The Relationship Between the Mind and Other Aspects of Humanity

The mind is intricately linked to the body, personality, and social context. Neurobiologically, the brain processes sensory input, emotional responses, and cognitive functions that shape personality and behavior (Sapolsky, 2017). The personality, formed through genetic predispositions and social experiences, influences how individuals perceive and react to their environment. Society, family, and culture serve as both external influences and internal frameworks that mold mental processes. For example, cultural norms influence the expression of emotional distress and determine what is considered mental illness. The brain's neuroplasticity reflects its capacity to reorganize based on new experiences, underscoring the dynamic relationship between biological and experiential factors (Merzenich et al., 2014).

Impact of Culture on Understanding of Mental Health

Culture significantly impacts perceptions of mental health and approaches to treatment. In some cultures, mental health issues are stigmatized or embedded within spiritual or religious frameworks, affecting help-seeking behaviors (Amador et al., 2015). For instance, in certain communities, mental illness may be seen as a moral failing rather than a biological condition, leading to concealment and inadequate treatment. Conversely, Western diagnostic systems like the DSM are rooted in biomedical models, emphasizing symptomatology and standardized criteria. This can limit the understanding of culturally specific expressions of distress and neglect indigenous healing practices. Recognizing these cultural nuances is vital for developing inclusive mental health services (Hall, 2011).

Limitations of Diagnostic Manuals and Handbooks

While diagnostic manuals such as the DSM provide a structured approach to identifying mental disorders, they may inadvertently limit our understanding of psychopathology. These tools tend to categorize complex human experiences into predefined labels, which can oversimplify or overlook individual differences. Diagnostic overlap between disorders (e.g., anxiety and depression) can lead to misdiagnosis or neglect of comorbid conditions (Zimmerman et al., 2014). Furthermore, reliance on symptom checklists may ignore contextual and cultural factors influencing mental health. Integrating assessment tools that include cultural competence and alternative healing methods can broaden our understanding and improve treatment outcomes (Lewis-Fernández & Aggarwal, 2019).

Graphic Depicting the Relationship

Conclusion

The exploration of the mind's nature reveals its profound connection to biological, environmental, and cultural influences. Recognizing the dynamic and multifaceted aspects of mental processes enables us to develop more compassionate and effective approaches to mental health care. As our understanding evolves, integrating scientific insights with cultural awareness will be essential in fostering mental well-being across diverse populations. The limitations of current diagnostic tools underscore the need for a more holistic view of mental health, emphasizing personalized and culturally sensitive interventions.

References

• Amador, X. F., Fleming, M. F., & Strother, M. H. (2015). Cultural perspectives on mental health: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychiatry, 52(2), 151-169.
• Caspi, A., Sugden, K., Moffitt, T. E., et al. (2003). Influence of life stress on depression: Moderation by a polymorphism in the 5-HTT gene. Science, 301(5631), 386-389.
• Hall, R. E. (2011). Culture and mental health: A comprehensive overview. World Psychiatry, 10(3), 176-181.
• Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go, there you are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life. Hyperion.
• Lewis-Fernández, R., & Aggarwal, N. K. (2019). Cultural considerations in the assessment of mental health disorders. Advances in Psychiatry, 21(2), 67-86.
• Merzenich, M. M., Van Velsen, M., & Sameshima, K. (2014). Brain plasticity and intervention. Brain Research, 1577, 37-52.
• Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press.
• Sapolsky, R. M. (2017). Behave: The biology of humans at our best and worst. Random House.
• World Health Organization. (2013). Mental health action plan 2013-2020. WHO Press.
• Zimmerman, M., Chelminski, I., Young, D., et al. (2014). A clinical comparison of DSM-IV and DSM-5 diagnoses of major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 152-154, 52-56.