In psychology, and particularly attachment theory, the concept of “good enough” refers to a parent who best serves their developing child by being “enough” rather than perfect. I love this. While a child needs an attentive and loving parent, they also benefit from seeing the reality of life, the struggles, emotions and challenges in manageable amounts.
Our understanding of, and access to information about the impact of adversity on our humanness (minds – bodies – spirits – communities) has exploded over the past 20 years, and we are exponentially clearer that going through difficult things shapes our physical, spiritual and mental health.
Campaigns working to reduce stigma (whose aims I wholeheartedly support) have likened mental health problems to a broken arm, arguing that mental and physical health should be seen as equal. It’s a totally reasonable idea. However recovery from a physical injury is, often like the cause, a reasonably straight forward, individual, process. The same is not true of mental distress and so the analogy, while well intentioned, is not really accurate or helpful.
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