Weiyue Lin--Week 9

   Open in Emergency challenges modern solutions to mental illness. It introduces a new dimension. Mental illness is often marred by a strong stigma, and many victims remain hidden. Diagnosis, symptoms, and care are offered to psychiatric patients through documented and standardized steps. These procedures are products of intense research and academic studies, thus termed as scientific. The care interventions are also evidenced-based. However, the stigma continues to keep many away, deciding to suffer in silence. They fear social sanctions that come with mental health confirmation. it is a paradigm shift where the solution is generated with the input of victims. it is a revolutionary step that gives members an alternative option for managing their mental illness. However, the new approach has been termed as illegitimate and one that is developed without scientific backing. The debate surrounding alternative practices extends to herbal medicine. They are often labeled as untested in terms of efficacy and effects. However, societies continue to rely on them, and the evidence of use shows that they are useful in some instances. Safety is an essential aspect of patient care, and while alternative solutions have no research backing can be as safe as the conventional options. They are often affordable and can take away pressure from the healthcare system. As such, invalidating them is a wrong move. The state can enact policies to help in regulating their usage without full condemnation when they work. The modern world idolizes research and seems to ignore anything that has no study support. However, the process is lengthy and expensive. In the wake of Covid19, it would be foolhardy to ignore traditional solutions and wait for scientists to crack the puzzle on the virus’s vaccine. Therefore, there is prudence in paying attention to alternative medical practices rather than invalidating them on the grounds of science.
Question: What is the image of this therapy in the Asia-Pacific region?