Oprah and Mental Health

Oprah has done more for the mental health of Americans than any other person in the last twenty years. Her shows focus is on what people do, think and feel. This perspective is the exact same as mental health practitioners. Oprah herself is a kind, friendly and empathic person (the ideal of a mental health professional). You do not need to be famous to be on her show, just someone that has a new idea, a new experience or a way of helping people. A major difference with other people interest shows is the lack of ridicule by Oprah. Making fun of people is not something that Oprah does. When Oprah asks questions, she is sincerely interested in the answer, as all excellent mental health care providers are. Her coverage of mental health issues, understanding of people's successes and trials, along with a sense of humor and humility about her own life, enable people to share and talk. When I was a young man studying psychiatry, the advice was to conduct yourself as Judd Hirsch portrayed in the movie "Ordinary People," and you would definitely pass the oral part of the final exam. Years later that advice still holds. Most are more familiar with how Oprah behaves at this time and the same advice applies. Be like Oprah and you will pass your exams in psychology, social work and psychiatry. I am glad to be a psychiatrist in an age when public figures are able to suggest that mental health care is necessary and that it has more to do with growth than anything else. I should not neglect to mention Brooke Shields, Owen Wilson, Robin Williams, Mike Wallace and all the other famous people with the courage to let people know that they aren't perfect and if they need assistance, they go and get it. Oprah is a great American and she should be proud. If you agree or disagree with any of these thoughts, let me know.