Moving Beyond Numbers in Mental Health: Why I Shifted from Psychology and Other Reflections

Once more, this is an opinion I've developed just thinking in my bubble while watching cricket. It's one of those many thoughts that frequently occupy my mind – and that I’ll continue to reflect/obsess on. Do I fully endorse all of it? I'm not certain. It feels valid at the moment I express it, and for now, that's as far as I'm willing to commit. It's a reflection on the intricate interplay of chemicals and context in shaping my perspectives and convictions in context at a moment in time.

Ok.

In today's data-driven world, numbers often seem to hold an undeniable sway over our lives. From the stock market to social media metrics, statistics and mathematics pervade our daily existence. However, when it comes to matters of mental health, it is crucial to recognise that numbers alone can be misleading and even harmful. I want to explore, really to help my own elementary learning, why reducing mental health to mere statistics can be both legally problematic and ethically questionable, emphasising the importance of a therapeutic context in understanding the complex nuances of individual experiences.

[Tangent] To clarify right from the outset, I have a deep appreciation for data. I pursued studies in economics and even completed a mathematics course at TAFE (I apologise to the math enthusiasts, as some may argue that statistics is not considered traditional mathematics at all, personally, I agree). Economic data for example is the bedrock of informed decision-making, and policy formulation. From helping individuals make sound financial choices to guiding governments in crafting effective policies, data serves as a critical tool. It allows economists and policymakers to track economic trends, assess the impact of policies, and forecast risks.

 One of the primary reasons I transitioned from psychology to social work was psychology's excessive emphasis on statistics and data, along with its fixation on eliminating outliers to sanitize data, seemingly disregarding the significance of those outliers, which represent real individuals' experiences. It appeared to be a discipline striving to be a science, yet, from a mental health perspective, psychology may never truly become a science, regardless of its aspirations. I also didn’t like the idea it tiered its profession, and gave impressions that clinical masters training was somehow producing a more nuanced clinician (mostly the difference between a general and clinical psychologist is the record of supervision).

The concepts we impart to undergraduate students within the field of psychology often diverge significantly from the initial motivations that drive many young and idealistic individuals to pursue this subject. During their first week of studies, many enthusiastic undergraduates express their reasons for choosing psychology, with the desire to help people typically at the forefront. It is truly intriguing how this discipline, which once aimed for a profound understanding of the subjective human mind, evolved into an obsession with data-driven results, primarily starting in the 1970s. It’s as thought this happened overnight.

Anyhow, one of the fundamental flaws in relying solely on statistics in the context of mental health is that it reduces individuals to mere data points. Mental health struggles are deeply personal experiences, influenced by a multitude of factors, including genetics, environment, trauma, and life circumstances (what I’ve called for over 20-years “chemicals and context”). Each person's journey is unique, and attempting to understand (or treat in many contexts) mental health issues through scientific methods is an oversimplification that fails to capture the complexity of these experiences.

Relying on statistics in discussions of mental health can also contribute to harmful stigmatisation and certainly leads to a detachment from seeing people with mental illness as human beings. When we reduce mental health issues to mere numbers, it can inadvertently reinforce stereotypes and prejudices. Individuals struggling with mental health conditions may fear being labelled or judged based solely on these statistics, which can deter them from seeking help or support.

Moreover, when we view mental health through a statistical lens, we often overlook the individual's strengths, resilience, and potential for growth. People are not defined solely by their diagnoses or the prevalence rates of their conditions. By focusing on numbers, we miss the opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of each person's journey towards mental well-being.

To truly understand and address mental health concerns, we must place individuals within a therapeutic context. This means acknowledging the importance of comprehensive assessments, personalised treatment plans, and the role of skilled mental health professionals.

Therapists and counsellors are trained to consider the intricacies of an individual's life, history, and emotions, rather than reducing them to a set of statistics. Why we don’t fund this profession like we fund phycologists I think is damning indictment on the mental system that is crippled by worker shortages.

In a good therapeutic context, mental health professionals work collaboratively with their clients to explore their experiences, emotions, and goals. They recognise that healing and growth are not solely determined by statistical outcomes but are deeply influenced by an individual's unique narrative and circumstances. This holistic approach respects the dignity and autonomy of each person, fostering a supportive and non-stigmatizing environment.

While numbers and statistics have their place in various aspects of our lives, they fall short when applied to mental health without an underlying subjective, person centred, therapeutic context and intent. Mental health is a deeply personal and multifaceted journey that cannot be adequately understood or addressed by reducing it to numbers. Instead, we must approach mental health with empathy, compassion, and respect for each person's individuality. By doing so, we can help create a society that values the uniqueness of each individual and works towards destigmatizing mental health issues, both legally and ethically.

With love

R and H x