“Erroneous Concepts in Mental Health and there dehumanizing effects” was the title of the chair given at Monterrey University UDEM by Dr. Michael Robbing and Dr. Ivan Arango.

Dr. Michael Robbins is a Harvard professor that has studies how to treat people with serious mental health issues through psychoanalysis.  He has published extensively about his theory on treating people and the relation between childhood and early development in the disorder.  During the chair he shared his views on medical treatment and proposes that mental health disorders, like psychosis, aren´t mental health disorders at all but more likely shifts in personality which some people are predisposed to and can be hightened by family interaction while growing up.

Dr. Ivan Arango spoke about his experience in treating borderline personality disorder in the Nacional Institute of Psychiatry Ramon de la Fuente.  He affirms that a person in regards to his or hers environment and themselves can generate or co-construct caotic experiences that can be hindered mainly by instability, aggression and mental and behavioral disorganization while interacting with others.  BPD is a condition which a person can be born with, but primordially it´s developed be interacting with their surroundings and their relationship with their primary caretakers.  Changes in the development of emotions can produce or are associated with extreme ideas and conducts in this context.

The purpose of this chair was to demonstrate that today there are many taboos, myths and stigmas associated with mental disorders. It´s difficult and complex to comprehend, empathize and be compassionate towards people that suffer from mental disorders.  The lack of humanity and sensibility towards people who are affected by mental disorder and suffer great emotional pain affecting their dignity.  The generalization of this phenomenon is a consequence of a dehumanized society that is guided by erroneous ideas of mental illness.  As a society we can contribute to eradicate practices and attitudes towards mental illness that are harmful to the people that suffer these illnesses.  By providing information and education on the subject, society as a whole can benefit by providing humanity to life.