FAQs
The Healthy Minds Program incorporates aspects of positive psychology, but also has a strong focus on applying knowledge from clinical psychology that teaches us how to achieve and maintain good mental health. While positive psychology has a helpful focus on strengths and positive emotional states, it tends to eschew discussion of psychological disorders. The aim of the Healthy Minds Program is to reduce risk for, and prevent the onset of, symptoms of psychological disorders as well as enhancing wellbeing and positive emotion. So, the answer is we need both.
Perfectionism can have some helpful aspects such as healthy achievement striving. But too much perfectionism can interfere with our lives, create stress, cause procrastination, and actually impede achievement. This unhelpful type of perfectionism is a risk factor for depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
No. The Healthy Minds Program is a psychological skills building program to enhance wellbeing and reduce risk for future problems. People who are already exhibiting significant symptoms of a psychological disorder should see their GP to discuss referral to a psychologist for one-on-one therapy.