In honour of World Mental Health Day, we would like to share some insights from our recent internal semiotics training, where "health and wellness" was the focus of our exercise. While many codes were discovered during our research, we are focusing on two distinct opposites that are particularly relevant to mental health: Destructive Release and Constructive Wellness. These codes reflect how mental health is perceived and addressed in today’s society, offering different ways individuals deal with emotional and psychological well-being.
Destructive Release vs. Constructive Wellness
The first code we want to highlight is "Destructive Release." This represents a growing trend where individuals are encouraged to express negative emotions through physical, often aggressive actions. For example, the rise of “stress rooms” offers people a controlled environment to break objects as a way of releasing pent-up frustration. Viral TikTok videos, such as this one, showcase people venting emotions like heartbreak, loneliness, and depression through acts of destruction.
This trend reflects a broader cultural shift that validates the outward expression of negative emotions. Instead of suppressing emotions, individuals are encouraged to channel mental strain—whether it’s anger, sadness, or "ramai di kepala" (noisy thoughts)—into a physical release, even if it involves breaking things.
On the opposite side, we identified "Constructive Wellness." This code offers a more positive and nurturing approach to mental health by integrating wellness into social and cultural experiences. For instance, Synchronize Fest, a music festival, introduced "Olahraga Ogah Lara" (translated as "Exercise for Those Who Avoid Pain"), where attendees can cycle to the festival with dedicated bike parking and participate in group exercise sessions led by fitness personality Vicky Burky. Events like these blend physical activity, music, and community, positioning wellness as an engaging and fun way to support mental health. Similarly, Octagon Foxx offers workouts in an immersive, club-like atmosphere, showing how exercise and entertainment can come together to promote well-being.
A Balanced Perspective on Mental Health
These two binary opposites—Destructive Release and Constructive Wellness—highlight the diverse approaches to mental health in today’s culture. On one hand, there’s a growing acceptance of expressing mental strain through aggressive, sometimes destructive, outlets. On the other, we see a movement that combines fitness with concerts, festivals, and club-like environments, making mental health more engaging and fun.
Conclusion
As we celebrate World Mental Health Day, it is important to recognise the variety of ways mental health is managed and expressed. Both Destructive Release and Constructive Wellness serve as valid responses to emotional strain, reflecting different needs and approaches. By understanding these cultural codes, we can contribute to a more inclusive and mindful conversation around mental well-being, acknowledging that mental health requires both emotional release and nurturing activities.