The Pathologising of the Human Condition

Hi all,

I was just pondering today on the seeming proliferation of so-called “mental illnesses” and “personality disorders”. For those who doubt the veracity of this statement please read this article: http://www.newstatesman.com/200507110021.

But I wonder what is to be the end result of what I see as the pathologisation of aspects of the human condition? And what constitutes a person without a “personality disorder”? Is there going to be a standardised way of being that means a person is “normal” and if so, how restrictive will that be?

In the past, it is true, the really mentally ill were really treated very badly, but this was mainly due to ignorance. People in the past did not have access to the drugs and knowledge we now have. However, there was also a place for “eccentricity” without the worry of being considered mentally imbalanced.

We live in a society so afraid now that some people, especially men, are scared to hug their own children in case it is thought “inappropriate”. Isn’t much more mental illness going to be caused by children being deprived of natural parental affection because of this hugely understandable over reaction?

What is considered socially acceptable behaviour varies greatly from culture to culture and conditions considered mental illness in the past, (in the West), now are not. For example, homosexuality.

I think the over pathologising of aspects of the human condition have come about in the West because we think we have a right a happiness. And not only a right to it, but to it now and without effort on our part.

Well, I don’t believe there is any right to human happiness. Yes, there may be a right to pursue it, but like all spiritual conditions, (which I believe happiness is), it has to be earnt. It doesn’t just drop into your lap, and you won’t find by buying material things. It is something you earn though spiritual effort.

And it wont be found be dropping the right pill.

As someone who has been mentally I know this. Drugs and therapy can alleviate mental illness but that cannot bring about happiness in themselves. There is only one person who can bring that about and that is you.

With assistance from, if you believe in Him or Her, God/dess.

So do not seek to change your personality to suit some socially prescribed “norm”. As long as you know that you are being spiritually true and authentic to yourself, be yourself. (And no this is not a prescription to do wrong for if you do you will surely, by the laws of Karma, be punished for it.)

No, be yourself. In fact be Yourself with Grace.

Until next time,

Blessed by,

KK

16/9/07.