I believe it's pretty simple. What is even a "mental illness"? It's a diffuse diagnosis based on different criteria made by a profession that is not very tangible. I've been working in psychiatry for many years and seen so many different examples of how western medicine only tries to tackle the symptoms, when almost always the underlying reason behind almost all mental illnesses is too much COMPLEXITY in peoples lives.
When two or three big and negative things happen in someones life, you blow out at your weakest point. Alcoholism, anxiety or depression. If you get diagnosed with cancer, your mom dies in a car crash and your financially broke - you will most definitely experience one of these things. This is why people commit suicide. To escape the complexity of their lives. It just makes them feel worthless, weak and alone.
But what about those who all of a sudden start getting panic attacks? Or are suddenly depressed? First of all, experiencing anxiety or depression is just a part of life. We grow up with this false notion that life is going to be just great all the time. Especially us in the West. Many kids are spared from the horrors of the world, but at some point in life as adults they get overwhelmed by the terrifying reality that no one really cares about you, you're not safe and you're going to die. You start exercising, but isn't your heart skipping a few beats? Can't catch my breath properly? Do I have heart failure? My feet are cold, I got bad circulation! My grandmother died of cancer, so am probably I!
And, yes, you're going to die of something, that's for sure. Some people die of old age peacefully in their own bed surrounded by family. But let's not kid ourselves. You're probably going to die of some horrible disease alone, and the world continues without anyone caring.
Yup. Now, add some financial problems and relationship problems on top of that and let's see how mentally stable you feel.
My advice as a non professional? Reduce the complexity of your life. Make things simple. Have a harmonious and easy relationship. Cut out people who drag you down. Quit your job if it's too complex and you don't like it. Don't keep adding rooms to your all ready huge house. Don't buy an overly expensive car. Don't add complexity!
This is what people do, they just pile on with complexity in their lives until they break under the weight. That's why so many kids in the western world struggle with mental problems in their teens now. They take on too much responsibility. They are pushing themselves too hard on useless struggles like getting good grades in useless courses. Kids in elementary school has 2-3 different after school organized activities. Childhood should be freeroaming, not schedule and duties.
What do you think? Do you believe a lot of mental illnesses are just too much complexity in peoples lives?
