01 June 2023

Mental Health and Stoicism

Stoicism Awareness, Information, Research and Resources

Mental Health and Stoicism

Does what’s happened keep you from acting with justice, generosity, self-control, sanity, prudence, honesty, humility, straightforwardness, and all other qualities that allow a person’s nature to fulfil itself? So remember this principle when something threatens to cause you pain: the thing itself was no misfortune at all; to endure it and prevail is great good fortune.” — Marcus Aurelius

“Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation.” — Viktor Frankl

Contemporary Stoicism Research

Stoicism as a Philosophy for Mental Health

Mental Health and Stoicism
"Stoicism, a philosophy that originated in ancient Greece and later became influential in ancient Rome, can provide valuable insights and practices that can be beneficial for mental health. While not explicitly focused on mental health, Stoicism offers a framework for understanding and navigating life's challenges in a way that promotes emotional well-being and resilience. Here are some key aspects of Stoicism and how they relate to mental health:

1. Acceptance of the present moment: Stoicism emphasizes accepting and embracing the reality of the present moment, rather than resisting or resenting it. This can be valuable for mental health because it encourages individuals to let go of the past, avoid excessive worry about the future, and focus on what can be controlled in the present.

2. Focus on what is within your control: Stoicism teaches that we should direct our attention and efforts towards what is within our control and not waste energy on things we cannot change. This perspective can alleviate anxiety and stress by helping individuals prioritize their actions and responses to focus on what they can influence.

3. Differentiating between what is in our control and what is not: Stoicism highlights the importance of distinguishing between what we can control (our thoughts, attitudes, and actions) and what we cannot control (external events, other people's behaviors). By recognizing this distinction, individuals can reduce frustration and find peace of mind by accepting that they cannot control everything.

4. Developing resilience through adversity: Stoicism emphasizes that difficulties and challenges are an inevitable part of life. By adopting a stoic mindset, individuals can view hardships as opportunities for growth and learning, cultivating resilience in the face of adversity. This perspective can help individuals cope with mental health challenges by fostering a sense of strength and purpose.

5. Practicing self-discipline and virtue: Stoicism emphasizes the development of virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. By cultivating these virtues and practicing self-discipline, individuals can enhance their mental well-being and lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

It's important to note that while Stoicism can offer valuable insights and practices for mental health, it is not a substitute for professional help when dealing with serious mental health conditions. If you are struggling with mental health issues, it's recommended to seek support from qualified mental health professionals who can provide appropriate guidance and treatment." (Source: ChatGPT: 2023)

A Correlation and a Comparative Study of Resilience and Stoicism among Indian Adults PDF Download International Journal Of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT)

Adopting a Stoic life can provide Many Benefits News Medical Life Sciences

Big boys don’t cry: An investigation of Stoicism and its Mental Health Outcomes ScienceDirect

Birkbeck study on Stoicism and its impact on Mental Health Birkbeck University of London

Can Stoicism Make Us Happy? The Nation

Can Stoic Training develop Medical Student Empathy and Resilience? A mixed-methods study BMC

Exploring Stoicism in Leadership: A Comparison with Emotional Intelligence in Undergraduate Leadership Students Journal of Leadership Education

How To Get Started With Stoicism Orion Philosophy

Increasing Mental Wellbeing with Stoic Philosophy Royal Holloway University of London

Interactive Effects of Stoicism and Religious Coping on Psychological Distress, Fatigue and Intercultural Communication: Muslim Health Workers in Bali JSTOR

Life Hacks from Marcus Aurelius: How Stoicism Can Help Us Knowledge at Wharton

'Is Stoicism for the Mentally Ill, too?' Modern Stoicism

Is Stoicism or Optimism Better for Your Mental Health? The CUT

Modern Stoicism and its Usefulness in Fostering Resilience PDF Download ISISF

Revival of Stoicism in Modern Times Britannica

Stoic Ethics Internet Encyclopaedia of Philosophy

Stoic Philosophy of Mind Internet Encyclopaedia of Philosophy

Stoic Principles For Mental Health Nursing Nurses

Stoicism: A Guide To Mental Health LinkedIn

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Stoicism Combines Philosophy With Practical Psychology -This Is How Medium

Stoicism for Mental Health Medium

Stoicism Research Guide Otterbein University

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Too tough to ask for help? Stoicism and attitudes to mental health professionals in rural Australia NIH

The Rise Of Modern Stoicism: Is Keeping Calm A Healthy Option? ELLE

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