Holism: All Points of View Matter

---

All Points of View Matter

When a vehicle stops working, generally what we do is analyze the different possible causes. We start with something as basic as considering the lack of gasoline, then check the oil, think about the battery, and finally inspect the vehicle’s electrical system. If we can’t find the source of the problem ourselves, we take it to a mechanic, a specialist. This whole process seems almost intuitive or logical, right? Why should I only think the problem is caused because I haven’t changed the oil and ignore all the other possibilities? It’s obvious the cause of the problem can be found in different parts of the vehicle, and there may even be elements that are not the root cause but don’t help solve it either.

What use is the previous example to us? It helps us understand that when something isn’t working well, it’s logical to look for different ways to solve it, analyze different sources of problems, or ways to cooperate in resolving the discomfort. So if the problem is, for example, depression or deep demotivation, is it sensible to look for a solution in only one place within ourselves? Or, even worse, is it good to blame the problem solely on an external source (someone, a situation, an economic issue, etc.), or should we try to solve the problem by attacking it from different angles? The answer now, perhaps, seems obvious to you.

Tackling the problem from different fronts

In different parts of the world, psychotherapists are beginning to understand that, to treat illnesses such as depression, panic attacks, anxiety, or any other psychiatric/psychological disorder, caring for different dimensions of the person allows for faster healing than focusing only on the psychological or chemical aspect. Treatments for depression through nutrition, fecal transplants (yes, you read that right), or walks in the forest are part of this holistic view of illness.