# Sarah Smadja on mental health and normal struggles

> Psychiatrist Sarah Smadja says we have the right to feel bad sometimes without pathologizing normal struggles.
- Title: Sarah Smadja on mental health and normal struggles | Shortify
- Summary: Psychiatrist Sarah Smadja says we have the right to feel bad sometimes without pathologizing normal struggles. Psychiatrist Sarah Smadja explains that…
- Keywords: sarah smadja, mental health, psychiatry, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychological well-being, psychological distress, mental health awareness, psychological therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mental health services
- Source: Psychologies — https://psychologies.com/actualites/sante-mentale/Sarah-Smadja-psychiatre-On-a-le-droit-daller-mal-certains-jours-on-ne-va-pas-tout-pathologiser-643750
- Author: Cécilia Ouibrahim
- Published: 2026-10-20T16:37:39+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: sarah smadja, mental health, psychiatry, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychological well-being, psychological distress, mental health awareness, psychological therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mental health services
## Sarah Smadja
Psychiatrist Sarah Smadja explains that feeling bad occasionally is normal and shouldn't be pathologized as mental illness.

> On a le droit d'aller mal certains jours, on ne va pas tout pathologiser
## Mental health in public discourse
Mental health has become a major public topic since 2026, but stigma and misconceptions persist.
## Pressure to be well
Society increasingly pressures people to be happy, but this can lead to anxiety and mental health struggles.
## Consultation trends
More people, especially young people, are seeking mental health consultations due to current uncertainties.
## Temporary distress
Temporary distress is common and does not always require professional mental health intervention.
## Current challenges
Current challenges include political uncertainty, economic difficulties, environmental concerns, and the stress of artificial intelligence.
## Youth mental health
Young people are increasingly seeking mental health support due to concerns about their future.
## The happiness paradox
People feel they have enough to be happy but often struggle with mental health due to internal pressures.
## Social media impact
Social media and algorithms can trap people in negative thought cycles, worsening mental health.
## Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people recognize and change negative thought patterns.
## Self-care and performance
Self-care practices like meditation and exercise are often seen as performance rather than pleasure.
## Normal fluctuations
It's normal to have bad days and good days; this doesn't require pathologizing.
## Mental health stigma
Mental health stigma leads to people seeking help unnecessarily, overwhelming healthcare services.
## Real mental health needs
People with serious mental health conditions need professional help, but not everyone does.
## Mental health and work
People with mental health conditions can work and have fulfilling lives without being isolated.
## When to seek help
Consultation is needed if symptoms last more than 15 days or if daily functioning is significantly impaired.
## Key takeaway

Psychiatrist Sarah Smadja explains that feeling bad occasionally is normal and shouldn't be pathologized as mental illness.