How To Instantly Improve the Quality of Mental Health in Our Country

Today we celebrate the independence of this great nation. Everyone has a different definition of what greatness is and what makes a nation great, so I will leave that up to you to define it. That said, nearly every culture celebrates their culture, even knowing all the inherent flaws it may have.

One of the things that hasn’t been so great, is the state of mental health. This study says: “Mental illnesses are common in the United States. It is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (57.8 million in 2021). Mental illnesses include many different conditions that vary in degree of severity, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. Two broad categories can be used to describe these conditions: Any Mental Illness (AMI) and Serious Mental Illness (SMI). AMI encompasses all recognized mental illnesses. SMI is a smaller and more severe subset of AMI.”

This doesn’t even take into account the multitudes that aren’t considered “clinically” mentally ill, but struggle to function because of constant inhibiting thoughts. Many suffer from functional anxieties and depressions, that while undiagnosed, and they appear to be doing “okay” to everyone on the outside. And they may be for days, months, or years; but things happen or things change, and next thing they know, they cannot get out of their own head and feel like they’re on a cycle downward (Been there, done that, got the tee shirt and mug!").

So we know studies show that connection to others via community is super important. What also is important is the quality of that connection and community. We must do our part to make sure the quality is good for others.

Hopefully in turn others do the same for us. I HIGHLY recommend church assembly for this exact reason. Though not perfect, it is a highly likely place to get this kind of community.

This can be achieved by simply showing humility and kindness.

Humility and kindness is important for good mental health because both help to build strong relationships and reduce stress. When we are humble, we are open to learning from others and less likely to feel the pressure of always being right (you can tell if you are fighting internet culture wars everyday, lol). This can make us feel more relaxed and happier. Being kind to others makes us feel good about ourselves and helps create a positive environment where people support each other. These positive interactions can help our mood and make us feel more connected, which is great for our mental health.

Philippians 2:3 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Colossians 3:12 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

Proverbs 11:2 - "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

1 Peter 3:8 - "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."

“In the mercy of God, the little thing done with humility will enable us to be found in the same place as the saints who have labored much and been true servants of God.” + St. Dorotheos of Gaza

“Humility and the fear of God are above all virtues.” + St. John the Dwarf, The Sayings of the Desert Fathers

“When pride retreats from a man, humility begins to dwell in him, and the more pride is diminished, so much more does humility grow. The one gives way to the other as to its opposite. Darkness departs and light appears. Pride is darkness, but humility is light.”

— St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, Journey to Heaven: Counsels on the Particular Duties of Every Christian

A humble man is never rash, hasty or perturbed, never has any hot and volatile thoughts, but at all times remains calm. Even if heaven were to fall and cleave to the earth, the humble man would not be dismayed. Not every quiet man is humble, but every humble man is quiet. There is no humble man who is not self-constrained; but you will find many who are self-constrained without being humble. This is also what the meek humble Lord meant when He said, ‘Learn of Me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.’ [Matt 11:29]  For the humble man is always at rest, because there is nothing which can agitate or shake his mind. Just as no one can frighten a mountain, so the mind of a humble man cannot be frightened. If it be permissible and not incongruous, I should say that the humble man is not of this world. For he is not troubled and altered by sorrows, nor amazed and enthused by joys, but all his gladness and his real rejoicing are in the things of his Master. Humility is accompanied by modesty and self-collectedness: that is, chastity of the senses; a moderate voice; mean speech; self-belittlement; poor raiment; a gait that is not pompous; a gaze directed towards the earth; superabundant mercy; easily flowing tears; a solitary soul; a contrite heart; imperturbability to anger; undistributed senses; few possessions; moderation in every need; endurance; patience; fearlessness; manliness of heart born of a hatred of this temporal life; patient endurance of trials; deliberations that are ponderous, not light, extinction of thoughts; guarding of the mysteries of chastity; modesty, reverence; and above all, continually to be still and always to claim ignorance.

+ St. Isaac the Syrian,  Homily 72, Ascetical Homilies of St Isaac the Syrian