A mental health-oriented publication headline blared, “Mental illness is a clever, hard-to-kill beast, and escaping it is akin to defeating a cluster of wild boar. But with proper strategy and weaponry, the invasive species can be taken down.” 

In Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), what is commonly called “mental illness” is viewed as a manifestation of impaired integration within the brain and between individuals’ neural and interpersonal systems. This impaired integration can arise from various factors, including adverse experiences, disrupted attachment relationships, and genetic predispositions. Therefore, healing and recovery from mental illness are often approached through interventions that promote integration across multiple levels—neural, relational, and experiential. By fostering greater coherence and connectivity within the individual’s mind-brain-body system and enhancing attuned relationships, IPNB aims to facilitate healing and promote well-being.

It is best to avoid metaphors that evoke adversarial or mechanistic imagery, such as battling wild animals or describing the brain in terms of “wiring” or other IT terms. These metaphors can inadvertently reinforce unhelpful narratives about mental health and overlook the complexity of human experience.

Instead, it’s beneficial to use metaphors that highlight the interconnectedness of mind, brain, and relationships, as well as the potential for growth, resilience, and transformation. Metaphors drawn from nature, such as gardens, ecosystems, or flowing rivers, can convey the dynamic and evolving nature of mental health and the importance of nurturing supportive environments for healing.

By choosing metaphors that align with the principles of IPNB—such as integration, attunement, and the promotion of neural plasticity—we can better support individuals in understanding their experiences, fostering self-compassion, and engaging in healing practices that promote well-being at multiple levels.