Mental Illness as a Crisis of Meaning in Modern Society

Video from Eternalised

"Modern society has seen a massive spike in mental illness. Why could this be? We will be exploring the characteristics of modernity and associate it with the rise of mental illness through a lack of meaning in life. Modernity is associated by scientific and technological advancement, individualism and hedonism. The empowerment of the individual self is one of the most ramifying features of modernity. In The Myth of Mental Illness, Thomas Szasz suggests that many people who suffer from mental illness is due to the consequence of the attempt to confront and to tackle the problem of how to live. Modern man feels the weight of his freedom and responsibility to live his life, as Sartre asserts, we are “condemned to be free”. Kierkegaard says that one can get lost in the finite (becoming lost in the crowd) or in the infinite (a state of analysis-paralysis). Camus’s absurd person is one who has seen through the ridiculous repetitions of daily life (Sisyphean condemnation). When we do not have a “why” to satisfy our existence, we must search for alternatives or risk falling into an existential crisis. Nietzsche’s proclamation of the death of God engenders the most profound cultural, sociological and psychological repercussions, leaving many facing a crisis in discerning a meaning or purpose for their existence, leading to a sense of disorientation. Viktor Frankl tells us that we are living in an existential vacuum, the mass neurosis of modern times is the “unheard cry for meaning”. Modern man is in desperate need for the hero journey, described by Joseph Henderson. Carl Jung analyses the question: “What actually takes place inside the mentally ill?” Sebastian Junger tells us of he importance of a tribe which modern man lacks, and finally, Carl Jung describes the psychic dissociation in modern man." from video introduction.

Ephesians 1:4

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

I have been fortunate to not have a severe form of mental illness. One of my professions, my most recent was as an LPN in Healthcare. I have witnessed much and at one time worked intermittently in our local hospitals mental health floor.

But I have known many, many friends with bi-polar and other mental health issues.

In addition I have been with friends and others as cancer has taken them out of this world. But one thing I have become convinced of is no matter the type of brokenness we have, physical or mental, our Christian identity is found not in our diagnosis, but instead in our position as redeemed children of God.