Why does the west have epidemic levels of anxiety and depression? (adult, mistakes)

[Mikala43]

Originally Posted by Lovehound

I think you are trivializing these psychiatric problems. Some people commit suicide as a result of anxiety and especially depression. How does that not supersede worrying about death? I mean, that they'd rather die than continue suffering?

I'm not buying your hypothesis.

I'm really not. Yes, there are the extremes like suicide, but we are talking about epic numbers of unhappiness. I stand by the fact that it is a rich person's concern in general. I believe that's where the high numbers are coming from.

I do not think there are epic numbers of schizophrenia, serious depression (suicidal) or other grave mental disorders.


Also, I think it comes from a tendency of entitlement. You are not JUST happy for no reason. You need to work for it, put effort into it. Physical, mental and emotional.

[CarnivalGal]

This may be controversial, but I think environmental toxins play a big role on our health. Westerners are exposed to a lot more chemicals than other parts of the world. We also didn't have things like pesticides, engineered food, etc. 100 years ago. I think these things have a much bigger impact on us than people (and the gov't) want to admit. And they are nearly impossible to avoid. I also think they are at least partially responsible for the dramatic increase in things like food allergies, autism, and mental health disorders.

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by Mikala43

I do not think there are epic numbers of schizophrenia...

Schzophrenia is an organic brain disease. Modern lifestyles have nothing to do with its occurrence.

[Mikala43]

Originally Posted by Lovehound

Schzophrenia is an organic brain disease. Modern lifestyles have nothing to do with its occurrence.

Yes, that is why I was excluding it.

[Lovehound]

Um, sorry. LH may be reading comprehension challenged.

Ya know, maybe that too is a result of just too much stimulation from modern technology and frenzied lifestyle, too busy to pay attention.

It's kind of telling, you know? (LH scratches...) I think I've got it too!

[Mikala43]

Originally Posted by Lovehound

Um, sorry. LH may be reading comprehension challenged.

Ya know, maybe that too is a result of just too much stimulation from modern technology and frenzied lifestyle, too busy to pay attention.

It's kind of telling, you know? (LH scratches...) I think I've got it too!

I have not remained unscathed. I have always tended towards social anxiety, and I came down with a host of personality quirks after my husband unexpectedly passed away, some still remain even a decade later.

I DO believe technology plays a role in a lot of mental disorders. We have vastly outpaced our ability to evolve in a healthy manner (personal belief).

PS: Puppy is up so my posts are not well thought out..... lol If I don't pay attention he will eat the house or something..

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by Mikala43

I have not remained unscathed. I have always tended towards social anxiety...

You can actually fix social anxiety or shyness yourself, or at least I did, but counseling helps too. Up until 4-5 years ago I was very shy, but I just faked not being shy--as difficult and stressful as it was--but it became a learned behavior and these days I have many enjoyable conversations with total strangers, in the market, in an elevator, wherever. And really, I'm not a fake today. I genuinely enjoy these impromptu meetings with strangers. I arrive home with a smile on my face, knowing I made somebody else smile too, and maybe helped them alleviate a few lonely moments. (And helped myself too.) I feel more connected to people in general these days.

Too bad it doesn't work to fake your way into being rich...

[Mikala43]

I followed a similar path to yours. Just telling people I'm an introvert (yeah, it's totally different then shy) makes them die laughing. I am known for being outspoken, confidant and friendly. I have awesome friends, I'm voted onto things like boards, foreperson of the jury, blah, blah..... but I still get those anxiety twinges. It did take a lot of work, some therapy (over coming less than great childhood, some sexual abuse), and flat out refusing to be deprived of a healthy and happy life.

Plus, at the end of the day I would rather be home with a book, taking pictures, processing and framing them, playing with the dogs, gardening, and of course, hanging with my best friend (husband).

I'm so happy you turned your life around. Hard work can pay off. In addition, you seem to have turned out to be a kind person.

[Lovehound]

Jeez, Mikala, you're embarrassing me! I like to think I'm kind. I'm a senior citizen and I want my life to end well. I'm doing brain surgery to fix all the flaws I can find, and I have a little help too, and I am totally confident that when my "work in progress" is near complete as it can get I'm going to be a really great person, not the person I've been my whole life. I wasn't a bad person, I just had lots of problems. I'm pretty sure I'm 80-90% the way there! And still plenty enough time left to enjoy my retirement!

At least when I see who I think may be my perfect significant other standing in a crowd, I won't be too shy to walk up to her and strike up a conversation! Getting rid of my shyness was the best move I ever made!

[Mikala43]

Congratulations Lovehound and best wishes to you!