[MuddyBoots]

I forget the thread, but the discussion was about western civilization and mental health and I couldn't find the TED talk that talked about how nations not quite as developed as the US like Cambodia handle depression differently.

I FOUND IT!

[CANDC]

@Sapien thanks for posting this!

[*Beth*]

Thank you, Sapien! I totally agree with the speaker. Western society is sick because of our isolation and lack of caring for others. And meaning and purpose is almost always connected to money. Our values are crazy. I do, however, believe that depression and anxiety (and other mental illnesses) do have - in most cases - a biological base. At least, that's been my experience. But then...I live in an extremely superficial culture.

[MuddyBoots]

Originally Posted by BethRags

Thank you, Sapien! I totally agree with the speaker. Western society is sick because of our isolation and lack of caring for others. And meaning and purpose is almost always connected to money. Our values are crazy. I do, however, believe that depression and anxiety (and other mental illnesses) do have - in most cases - a biological base. At least, that's been my experience. But then...I live in an extremely superficial culture.

I agree that most mental illnesses are biological/chemical, but they would be handled way better in a loving society focused on community and helping each other out. I know I've been particularly isolative these past few years (even pre COVID) and it's a lot easier to say "my depression is making me feel unloved, this is faulty thinking and I really am loved" when you feel loved during times of euthymia and can recognize the difference.

What saved me in my late teens/early twenties was finding and being involved in an extremely loving community (a program) where no matter what you said would be followed up with love and concern. They've saved my life numerous times. I'm extremely grateful for the counselors and especially the pdoc there. I wish I could find a community like that again, and I hope everyone else gets to experience something similar at some point in their lives. I don't believe "love cures all" but it sure as hell is an important piece of the puzzle.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Sapien

I agree that most mental illnesses are biological/chemical, but they would be handled way better in a loving society focused on community and helping each other out. I know I've been particularly isolative these past few years (even pre COVID) and it's a lot easier to say "my depression is making me feel unloved, this is faulty thinking and I really am loved" when you feel loved during times of euthymia and can recognize the difference.

What saved me in my late teens/early twenties was finding and being involved in an extremely loving community (a program) where no matter what you said would be followed up with love and concern. They've saved my life numerous times. I'm extremely grateful for the counselors and especially the pdoc there. I wish I could find a community like that again, and I hope everyone else gets to experience something similar at some point in their lives. I don't believe "love cures all" but it sure as hell is an important piece of the puzzle.

Absolutely. It really bothers me to be on all the meds I'm on when I know that 3/4 of the problem is isolation.

[Fuzzybear]

[Soupe du jour]

What an outstanding and helpful TED talk. And the host was such a passionate and amiable man. Thanks for sharing this, Sapien!

I fully agree with what the speaker conveyed and see this as a part of my own issue.

I have only met with my new therapist once, so far. I had a marvelous first impression of him, and look forward to my next session this Wednesday. Part of why is because he brought up a bit of this topic and seemed so welcoming and "touchable", so to speak. I immediately felt at ease, safe, and free talking to him. Included. My first therapist here (and many in the US) were so clinical/distant, in nature. I also liked the obvious positivity of my new therapist.