Output 17--Cultural differences

I've spent the last 5 years learning Spanish and, not coincidentally, making friends who speak Spanish. I've come to realize there are some glaring cultural differences when it comes to beliefs about mental illness and its treatment. I wouldn't dare try to write a sociological examination of these differences because a. I'm no academic and b. I don't have the mental capacity to do that much research or writing right now. So I'm going to base everything I'm saying on personal experience with the two Spanish-speakers I'm closest to, one Mexican and one Venezuelan.

From what I gather, they think Americans are obsessed with mental illness and its treatment and that this obsession actually creates mental illness. I don't disagree, but the fucking train has left the station on that one. There is a lot of profit in psych meds, this genie isn't going back in the bottle, no matter how much posturing Dr. Oz and RFKJR666 want to try.

And speaking of meds, they really don't understand why Americans want to medicate away all of their problems. Or go to therapy to talk about all of their problems. To them, this is living in the illness. In order to live in the solution, one must do tangible, physical actions. This, I absolutely disagree with, because the mind is a freaky labyrinth and I believe talk therapy is an indispensable guide through it. I can't get out without a guide. To do otherwise is just to suppress your issues... which is how many of us got here in the first place. I have some Latin American friends who are in real terror and pain over what's happening in the US right now, but most won't see a therapist, and that makes me sad.

And then there's this: "It's all in your head. Life is for living! Be happy!"

Um, yeah. My head is a fucking prison right now. I have tried so hard not to make all the shit in my head everyone else's problem, while in fact making it everyone else's problem, but in a passive-aggressive way. I've fucked up so many jobs where my employers probably had high hopes for me--I'm a great interview. I've distanced myself from so many people because of my rage and anxiety. I'm probably getting a reputation at my local Kroger. I'm not in control anymore.

So yes, it is all in my head. I wish just ignoring it, thinking positively, and living life were the way out. But for many people, myself included, …nope.

La llorona weeps eternally because she drowned her children in a jealous rage. Sounds pretty Bipolar to me. I wish I could sit by the riverbanks singing for eternity, but unfortunately, I need to figure out how I am going to earn a living soon.