Editorial
Our World is changing at an accelerated pace. We are witnessing tumultuous situations and uncertain futures. This is a timely opportunity to depart from inertia and embark on new initiatives, to strive to repair the world. With our new journal: Academia Mental Health and Well-Being, our achievable ambition is to contribute to:
The Well-Being of All Beings, whoever and wherever they are. The pursuit of this ideal and turning it into a reality requires us to promote broad dissemination of knowledge, face challenges with an open mind, embrace multilogues and acceptance of diverse ideas, expressions and experiences – even, and especially – if they disagree with our views. We hope to express multiple ideas and opinions with civility and advocate for actions with compassion, understanding and productive non-violence.
Our research-communications and endeavors should learn from the past, respect thinkers and healers of all cultures, consider the present and be future-oriented. We should cautiously consider short-term (Y2030) and long-term (Y2050) predictions and promote the adaptation of practice and attitudes. We should encourage initiatives that take risks for innovation. Especially for trainees, it is intriguing to instill an attitude of ‘strive to know what you do not know’ and the ability to adapt to technologies that are not yet fathomable.
Together – with our resourceful and dynamic Publisher: Academia.edu – we envision that each published idea and project will be like a pebble thrown into calm water initiating expanding circles of waves, strengthening Academic research and teaching, exploding beyond the ivory towers of academia – to be implemented in operational day-to-day Mental and Physical Health, preventing disorders and impacting treatments when needed, further expanding the circle of operational knowledge to the wider real-world of Well-Being, socio-economic ramifications and Life in all its complex dimensions.
Together, with our Editorial Board, authors and readers, we are looking forward to bringing to fruition our optimal vision and mission:
To expand the “Academic box” to all interested people (and to those whom we wish to be aware and interested)
Our initial audience may be Mental Health Academics. However, considering the all-encompassing impact of Mental-Health and Well-Being on all aspects of human life, we strive to widen the circle of knowledge to researchers and intellectuals of all disciplines, then—to clinicians and Service Providers as well as Public-Servants and Policy makers and educated and curious people wherever they are. In order to get closer to that goal, our voice should be clear as can be, and specialized professional jargon should be limited. We should clearly distinguish between facts, data, interpretations and opinions. We admit imperfections, encourage scepticism and curiosity, and advocate dignity to all ideas and people.
To maintain a comprehensive, inclusive, interdisciplinary attitude balanced with excellence and commitment to responsibility and the highest quality
The World Health Organization (WHO) Initiation Constitution (1946) clearly states: “The following principles are basic to the happiness, harmonious relations and security of peoples. Health is a state of complete Physical, Mental, and Social Well-Being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.”
Well-Being is a multi-faceted concept which should be an operational domain. The territory is claimed by many disciplines and professions who usually emphasize their own unique perspective. Economists and politicians focus on finances, prosperity, per-capita product and jobs. Socially-minded activists focus on poverty, education, equality and discrimination, quality of life and personal safety. Law-enforcement focuses on crime. Many Health and Medical professionals see their patients mostly through the stethoscope, lab tests and imaging. Psychologists stress stressors, crises and their consequences. Psychiatrists see Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. Clergy and Philosophers emphasize spirituality and cultural values. All are correct. However, their outlooks are intertwined with each other and should be integrated into a single well-rounded comprehensive operational entity.
To be global and culturally sensitive
Health is and should be a Global Priority. Its perception and expressions vary from culture to culture and from language to language. Operational diversity is essential on all levels of international communications leading to implications of actions.
To be open-minded, flexible and compassionate
Acceptance of others and their opinions is essential for a productive dialogue. Tolerance of those who are intolerant to us is challenging but may eventually be rewarding. Many concepts which are currently considered firm and solid began as ‘crazy and far-fetched’. At the very least, we should listen and let the facts speak for themselves. Open-minded, flexible curiosity is a fundamental facet in the advancement of research. This should be inseparable from a compassionate heart which should amplify the acceptance of “the other” and extend goodwill for those who are less fortunate than us, are more vulnerable to diseases and misfortune and should be helped by progress in our research.
To incorporate individual spirituality in Mental Health
We appreciate that not all human processes and attributes are currently measurable. “Spirituality” may be considered abstract and subjective but it is an important facet of humanity. It is very personal and may contribute to individuality beyond common biology.
To assist in the “Pursuit of Happiness as an un-alienated human-right”
The American Declaration of Independence (1776) defines its essence as: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among them are Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness”.
“Happiness” is a highly individualized feeling, and its pursuit is diversified and depends on personal and social circumstances. We may assist in understanding the diversified perceptions of Happiness, their manifestations and magnitude, and study ways to enhance it – culturally and individually. Can we elevate happiness and hope in the World? That is a challenge.
To establish partnerships with all stakeholders
We take the concept of collaborative spirit seriously and operationally. We tactically strive to promote knowledge and services of health globally. To act efficiently with the highest efficacy, we need partnership with like-minded organizations.
We commence a new adventure in scientific communication, striving to be innovative, collaborative, and integrative. We invite all colleagues to sail with us towards new expanding horizons which are unpredictable yet undoubtedly promising.
