People illustrations by Storyset
There is this quote that says we all should learn to love like the sun. It describes how the sun gives without expecting anything in return.
But in my evaluation, not only is that true, I'm just finding out how applicable it is to us as humans. The question is, what would it take to show up consistently, be the light of the world, and leave consistently?
The sun gives heat and light that are converted to other forms of energy before the day runs out.
What can you give consistently? How often can you give it and not get burnt out? At the same time, how would it feel for others who have this experience with you?
Sometimes it's going to upset those who can't stand getting this energy every day. There are some days that most people can agree that the heat of the sun is pissing them off (not to throw shade at the sun, no pun intended).
Sometimes the sun will show up and be blocked by a puff of cloud all day. That doesn't mean it's not out there doing its job.
There is a big relationship between existentialism, mental health, and responsibility.
Existentialism: This is the philosophical view that points to individual existence, freedom, and the search for meaning in life. It seeks to address important questions about human existence, purpose, and the nature of reality. This philosophy emphasizes that humans are responsible for making meaning out of life and not relying on an external force or predetermined circumstances.
It also follows psychological perspectives of the internal locus of control. "My life is determined by my decisions" if I could simplify.
But what does this have to do with mental health and responsibility?
Mental Health: This is a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how individuals think, feel, and act, and it takes into consideration emotional stability, resilience, self-esteem, and the ability to cope with stress. Mental health can be influenced by a range of factors like biological set points, environmental factors, and psychological factors.
This is why it is often called the bio-psycho-social way of looking at things.
But what does this have to do with existentialism and responsibility?
Responsibility: Responsibility is the moral, ethical, and personal obligations that people have to themselves and others. This, in part, also deals with seeing and receiving the results that come due to one's deeds and decisions. When people are described as responsible, it means that they make choices in life, and they are aware of the impact these choices have on how things play out in their lives.
But what does this have to do with existentialism and mental health?
Existentialism and Mental Health
Thinking existentially can help address and understand some of the mental health challenges that we may face from time to time. Existentialism sheds light on the fact that people struggle to find meaning in life and the meaning of life.
Some mental health problems have roots in the inherent meaninglessness of life. Take suicide, for example. In its most basic form, it is the resignation of the depressed to dealing with the pain of existence. First, they have to feel the pain, then they act upon it.
One way of looking at it is that if life wasn't so meaningless, why would it hurt so much? Another way of looking at it is that life is so meaningful that it hurts so much.
We know we exist because of the pain and the horrors of this world. They affect us in ways that pleasure cannot soothe.
Existentialism and Responsibility
To what extent is it true that we have the ability to mold our lives the way we want them? Many people do not have food to eat or a house to rest their heads. Do these people have the ability to mold their lives into what they want?
Well, no. In reality, nobody has the ability to mold their lives to the extent that what we want is not as real as what is available to us.
It is also the case that if a person is conscientious enough to strictly follow rules, they will not be as successful in an unstable society.
Mental Health and Responsibility
One school of thought is that mental health problems are both an issue of nature and nurture. It's just like a weakness in a balloon that eventually falls apart when pressure is applied uniformly throughout the balloon.
Responsibility is stressful, and it applies pressure evenly to every aspect of our lives.
Everyone is challenged in different ways, and taking responsibility for our actions becomes increasingly difficult, and making informed decisions becomes more complex.
There are certain personalities that are more inclined to certain disorders like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and they can impair judgment.
One significant aspect of all this is that humans are social animals, and certain aspects of social behavior are necessary for dissipating stress.
I don't think that this stress is necessarily spread out evenly to all those involved most of the time because, as social creatures, we are built to be capable of handling our own stress and the stress of others.
My view
In a country like Nigeria, where there is contact with the broader society and subsets of people who live well below the poverty line, I don't think there are vast movements along the economic ladder. However, that is not to say that certain lifestyles are not more likely to suffer due to irresponsibility.
So, the drunk taxi driver in Nigeria may not suffer from inflation as he borrows to feed his habit of numbing himself, but he is still a drunk driver and suffers because of this tendency.
These are the people I really want to dedicate my clinical practice to—the majority of men.
I think men and women are misunderstood, but the majority of men are misunderstood because they are not even heard, and that is partly because they don't speak.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the relationship between existentialism, mental health, and responsibility is intricate and multifaceted. Existentialism prompts us to confront the inherent uncertainties and search for meaning in life, while mental health encompasses our emotional well-being and ability to cope with stress. Responsibility plays a crucial role in shaping our lives, as we make choices and bear the consequences.
Existentialism offers insights into addressing mental health challenges by acknowledging the struggle to find meaning and purpose. Mental health, in turn, influences our ability to take responsibility and make informed decisions. It is essential to recognize that mental health issues arise from various factors, including biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Responsibility, though a significant aspect of personal growth, is not equally distributed among individuals due to societal factors and circumstances. While we have agency, societal structures and external limitations can impact our ability to mold our lives as desired.
Overall, the interplay between existentialism, mental health, and responsibility underscores the complexity of human existence. It is crucial to approach these topics with empathy, seeking professional support when needed. By acknowledging the interconnectedness of these aspects, we can navigate life's challenges, strive for authenticity, and promote holistic well-being in ourselves and others.