It’s way worse than you think was inspired by several recent posts on X and other platforms. Foremost of which was: What the hell is causing the current mental health crisis? Furthermore was: What the hell is causing the loneliness epidemic? Additionally: Has the sexual revolution failed? Last, and maybe the key is: Is this the end of romance?
Okay, maybe you’re one who thinks everything is just fine. Or, like Deion Sanders, God has a plan for you so just dig it. Notwithstanding, I am troubled. Because, just look at the words! Crisis, Epidemic, Failed, End. Those words alone say something’s wrong.
Let’s get into it.
Mental Health Crisis
cannot be denied. This question got a whole lot of responses. I tallied them up and reduced them to six categories:
- Social structure, or society. Breakdown of the nuclear family. Godlessness.
- Technology and social media. The fallacy of connection and its addictive nature.
- Medical and health care. Big Pharma and a failure of MH professionals.
- Governmental. Too much? not enough?
- Media. Its self-serving nature. Tribalistic nature.
- Education. Its self-serving nature. Tribalistic nature.
The first thing that jumps out at me is the absence of any personal agency. In other words, “It’s not my fault.”
This was on national display Sunday past in the National Football League. After losing for the fifth time in thirteen games, the stellar quarterback for the Chiefs went full out “It’s not my fault” (or my team’s). Despite being obvious that it is. Some context follows.
The Kansas City Chiefs were predicted by some to go undefeated and win their second straight Super Bowl. They’ve been called a “dynasty”. Moreover, MaHomes and their coach, Andy Reid, have been touted as contenders of GOAT (greatest of all time) status. However, throughout the season the team has underperformed. The reasons are many; but not that complex. I’ve posted about one.
Mahomes exploded on the sideline right after the game. Indeed, he had to be restrained from going after the referees, who he blamed for the loss. Furthermore, so did Coach Reid. Out of character everyone said of both men. Or is it?
Maybe it’s just a sign of the times? A sign that all four “things” have merit. Collectively, our mental health, feelings of loneliness, sexual identity, and romance are all in peril. Moreover, all are connected!
Loneliness
appears to be pervasive. Far more than the COVID threat was. One only has to look. Never mind all the statistics on love, marriage, and procreation. It’s depressing. Part of that, no doubt, is all the lies. Who can you trust? Why commit when the future seems to be so uncertain.
The Sexual Revolution
was supposed to be liberating for women. Indeed, also for men. It was promised as freedom from oppression and restrictive social norms. Instead, save for a few, what we got was more loneliness for children, women, and men. Furthermore, increased economic insecurity for all but a few. In addition, the mental and physical health of all parties seems to be distressed. (See Dr. Sarah Hill and Mary Eberstadt – their research and books.)
I’ve posted about it briefly, here. And here.
The End of Romance
began when? With the sexual revolution of the 60’s and exacerbated by the MeToo movement. Additionally, for sure, by pornography and the Internet. The idea of the White Knight, myth though it might be, is dead. As is traditional courtship, wherein a man had to earn the trust and commitment of a women. Now? The costs (of love, romance, & children) are greater, and more likely, than any reward. Love and romance are in a fight/flight for life. Literally.
Power reigns, as it always has? (Read the book, Election 2016. Please!)
In Conclusion
Yes, it’s way worse than you think. Here’s why. I can’t see a way out. Certainly going back won’t work. That falls under The Myth Of The Nobel Savage. Notwithstanding touted by some, foolishly I think.
What about love? Finds a way, right? Well, that’s a mystery to me. Look here. And here, yet another candidate for POTUS, Marianne Williamson. ALL THESE FOLKS ARE DELUSIONAL! Save maybe Trump?
We have an upgrade problem.
Maybe music can save us? Sports? Literature? Drinking? Therapy? And so on and so forth. God? Whose god?
Got any ideas? Let me know in the comments.
Cheers. “The smile I have is painted on.”
Are you okay? I am not okay.
Of course the mental health crisis did not begin with the 2020 COVOD-19 pandemic; but that contributed greatly. Especially because Dr. Fauci didn’t tell the truth, and gave pour guidance. As the leading expert he undermined the trust in the whole medical profession. To serve his own self interest. As did the drug manufactures. However, none of this is new behavior. It’s been going on since forever – going back to witch doctors and voodoo magic.
Now, though, this behavior has been exposed. Because of the Internet. Which does have its upside. Or maybe not? Maybe we were better off not knowing. Not knowing the extent to which leaders and experts serve themselves first; and lie to the rest of us.
This might be a huge factor in the crisis AND the loneliness epidemic. As well as love’s flight.
Following up on the End of Romance. It used to be a thing – courtship. Men competed for the prize, which was the love of woman. With that, there was the expectation of children, a family. A home. This motivated men to be, and do, the best they could. There was someone for every one. The Soul Mate. Sure, some men were abusive, cruel, mean etc. and so on. Why? Subject for another day.
~ Now, that ideal seems to be gone. Out of reach. It simply is not worth the effort or the cost. Romance is too expensive. With that – everything collapses. Wonder why we are so discontent, unhappy? Because we are out of sorts with our natures.
~ Men and women are different. (Of course there is some overlap.) However, love, intimacy, family, responsibility – all provide the foundation for meaning and purpose, i.e. contentment and happiness.
~ We’ve been lied to. By all of the above institutions.