Originally published June 29 2005
Stress the main reason for America's growing mental health problems
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A 1990 study claimed that 45 percent of Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder. In trying to determine why these numbers have been rising, many researchers are pointing to rising levels of stress and interpersonal communication breakdowns.
In his On Point column of June 10 ("Unable to cope"), the News' Vincent Carroll seemed to consider it incredible that half or more of our population might be suffering from a diagnosable emotional problem or mental illness.
Carroll also took issue with the idea that psychotherapy may be necessary to the successful treatment of these disorders.
He supported the idea that the need for therapy is related to America's loss of the values of self-reliance and fortitude.
If he'd like to take issue with the accuracy of the numbers of afflicted Americans, then Carroll should examine the model.
However, I assure him that the best techniques and sampling procedures have been used in the National Institute of Mental Health surveys.
The proper question to ask is, "Why, in this day of advancing education and rising wealth, are these numbers still rising?"
Surely Carroll is aware that more than 25 percent of our populace will experience violence at the hands of a family member and that one in four girls will be sexually assaulted before they are 18 years old.
In 1969 Alvin Toffler (Future Shock) suggested that stress in our world was growing exponentially.
Value Options researchers found that, at follow-up three months after calling for a referral, workplace absenteeism was reduced 55 percent and workplace productivity improved by 63 percent."
Whether in business, government, health care, insurance or law enforcement - to name just a few - respect for the individual is not only missing, it is sometimes lethal.
When we give special care to those of greater financial ability, greater power or other privilege, we might, in the process, disrespect those of lesser means.
As society becomes more complicated, a growing number of people will no longer be able to find their way.
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