Thinking Philosophically Can Benefit Mental Health

Philosophical thinking boosts mental health

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The Intersection of Philosophy and Mental Health

At first glance, philosophy and mental health might seem like unrelated fields. Philosophy often examines abstract, theoretical, and logical questions, constructing arguments that seem detached from the day-to-day concerns of most people, while the field of mental health and counseling deals with subjectivity, the nitty-gritty of everyday life. In particular, counseling is concerned with the implementation of evidence-based treatments that have been customized to the actual needs of an individual. In that way, counseling is intensely pragmatic and practical. Yet, the relationship between these two fields is more intertwined than one might initially think. What I'm proposing is that philosophy can actually benefit your mental health and promoting well-being.

From my perspective as a counselor, many of the insights that foster mental well-being in clients are akin to pieces of wisdom. The term "philosophy" itself originates from the Greek words for "love of wisdom." Wisdom serves as a bridge between philosophical reflection and mental health, providing practical guidance that can be transformative.

Philosophy and counseling are more alike than dissimilar

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The Role of Wisdom in Mental Health

Wisdom is not merely an abstract concept but a practical, experience-based understanding of life. It involves a deep comprehension of life's complexities, an ability to manage and regulate emotions, and a capacity for empathy and perspective-taking. Recent research suggests that wisdom is closely linked to mental health, as it helps individuals navigate life's challenges more effectively (Jeste & Lee, 2019).

Jeste and Lee (2019) go on to argue that philosophical wisdom—derived from practical, lived experiences—can play a crucial role in enhancing mental health. This wisdom, which involves understanding life's complexities, managing emotions, and empathizing with others, helps individuals navigate challenges and find meaning. They highlight the use of philosophical ideas in therapeutic practices, such as existential and Stoic philosophy, to aid clients in understanding and addressing their mental health concerns. Reflective practices and narrative therapy are also discussed as methods that incorporate philosophical concepts to promote personal growth and emotional well-being.

This is my personal perspective, but I see counseling as a very practical form of philosophy. One branch of philosophy is concerned with “the good life.” Well, so is counseling, but with an extra serving of subjectivity. Counseling is concerned with “what is the good life” for this person, in their culture, in their context and situation, with their life goals in mind.

According to Jeste and Lee (2019), wisdom is defined as a complex human trait characterized by a deep understanding of life, including knowledge of what is important, emotional regulation, empathy, compassion, reflection, decisiveness, and tolerance for divergent values. This definition emphasizes that wisdom involves both cognitive and emotional elements, making it a holistic quality that enables individuals to deal with life's challenges effectively. Wisdom also encompasses practical application, allowing for better decision-making and enhanced well-being.

Sense-Making

A practical, real-world form of philosophy emerges from the experiences of life, particularly from suffering and adversity. This type of philosophy isn't about detached contemplation but about deriving meaningful insights through lived experiences. It aligns with the concept of "grounded theory" in psychology, which posits that knowledge and understanding arise from the reality of individuals' lived experiences (Charmaz, 2014).

Much of what counseling does, when working with someone who has experienced trauma and suffering, is helping them make sense of their experience. Sense-making is a crucial process for individuals recovering from hardships, as it involves reflecting on and interpreting challenging experiences to integrate them into one's personal narrative. This process helps create a coherent story that connects past events with current identity, fostering a greater sense of purpose and self-awareness. Positive reframing, such as focusing on gratitude, allows individuals to acknowledge the growth and resilience gained from their struggles, rather than merely dwelling on the difficulties. This approach enhances resilience, providing coping mechanisms like positive self-talk, social support, and self-care, which better equip individuals to handle future challenges. Ultimately, sense-making transforms adversity into opportunities for growth and improved well-being​​.

Practical Philosophy and Counseling

In counseling, philosophical ideas often manifest as guiding principles or frameworks that help clients make sense of their experiences. For instance, existential philosophy, with its focus on meaning, choice, and responsibility, can offer valuable perspectives in therapy. Clients grappling with existential concerns—such as the search for meaning or the fear of mortality—can find solace and clarity in existentialist thought (Yalom, 1980).

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Similarly, Stoic philosophy, with its emphasis on resilience and control, provides practical tools for managing emotions and stress. The Stoic idea of focusing on what is within one's control and accepting what is not can be particularly empowering for individuals facing anxiety and uncertainty. This approach aligns with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques that encourage cognitive restructuring to manage negative thoughts (Ellis, 2004).

Reflecting on Experience

The process of reflecting on one's experiences, a key aspect of practical philosophy, is crucial for mental health. Reflective practices enable individuals to gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, facilitating personal growth and emotional regulation. This reflective capacity is linked to mindfulness practices, which have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (Kabat-Zinn, 2003).

Furthermore, narrative therapy, which involves exploring and re-authoring personal stories, draws on philosophical ideas about identity and meaning. By examining the narratives they live by, clients can reshape their understanding of themselves and their circumstances, leading to positive changes in their mental health (White & Epston, 1990).

Conclusion

In summary, philosophy and mental health are deeply interconnected. The practical wisdom derived from philosophical reflection offers valuable insights and tools for navigating life's challenges. By integrating philosophical concepts into counseling, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences, fostering greater mental well-being. As research continues to explore the intersections of these fields, the benefits of philosophy for mental health are becoming increasingly evident.