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ArishMell · 70-79, M
No.
It's not an "epidemic" in infectious terms of course, but what makes it seem more widespread than it ever was is largely growing understanding and acceptance of all of the many forms of mental conditions.
However, the proportions of mental illness to others may be changing.
For example, the Alzheimer's Society charity reckon that form of dementia, in which the disease damages the brain physically, is now one of biggest causes, or even the biggest cause, of death in Britain. It probably is, statistically, but because so many other previously fatal conditions are now treatable, very many more people now live long enough for incipient dementia to develop into a fatal state.
'''''
A sign of that growing understanding is that Alzheimer's and similar used to be called "Senile Dementia", Well, yes, it does affect far more older than younger people, but what does the adjective really mean?
It does not mean mental or physical infirmity; and age alone is not some sort of illness!
"Senile" means simply "Elderly", just as "Juvenile" means "Young". Neither word describes any disease! Unfortunately, colloquial use by far too many too lazy to understand simple English, has given both of those innocent adjectives of age, deeply negative connotations.
Some who is simply "senile", is , simply "old"; and dementia can start to develop in or even before early middle-age. It is then described as of "early onset".
It's not an "epidemic" in infectious terms of course, but what makes it seem more widespread than it ever was is largely growing understanding and acceptance of all of the many forms of mental conditions.
However, the proportions of mental illness to others may be changing.
For example, the Alzheimer's Society charity reckon that form of dementia, in which the disease damages the brain physically, is now one of biggest causes, or even the biggest cause, of death in Britain. It probably is, statistically, but because so many other previously fatal conditions are now treatable, very many more people now live long enough for incipient dementia to develop into a fatal state.
'''''
A sign of that growing understanding is that Alzheimer's and similar used to be called "Senile Dementia", Well, yes, it does affect far more older than younger people, but what does the adjective really mean?
It does not mean mental or physical infirmity; and age alone is not some sort of illness!
"Senile" means simply "Elderly", just as "Juvenile" means "Young". Neither word describes any disease! Unfortunately, colloquial use by far too many too lazy to understand simple English, has given both of those innocent adjectives of age, deeply negative connotations.
Some who is simply "senile", is , simply "old"; and dementia can start to develop in or even before early middle-age. It is then described as of "early onset".
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Yisrael · 46-50, M
@Flenflyys I can go with this one. In my era a lot of people were exposed to led and this was a major catalyst for ADD long before it ever became ADHD. Back then there was no getting diagnosed. In the school system they put you in special education. With your parent they took you out of their custody and made you ward of the state you resided in.
ArishMell · 70-79, M
@SW-User Well, if they do, that would not be new, historically. Only the subject of any particular hysteria and its methods are specific.
therighttothink50 · 56-60, M
Tastyfrzz · 61-69, M
In the USA definitely.
Avoidance, Paranoia, Projection, xenophobia, and alienation are rampant.
-There is a dual justice system. One for the rich and powerful and another for everyone else. It's crazy making.
-The MAGA folks are pushing for a dictator out of fear that they are becoming a minority.
-The evangelical Christians are scared that children's library books will turn people nonbinary or push women to have equal rights or maybe look at religion as being contrary to science.
-Desperate people are trying to get into the USA. People on the border are forgetting to live their neighbors in need. Large numbers of people are homeless. The rest of the country is ignoring the problem totally.
-Inflation to compensate for overspending is pushing up prices faster than wages and destroying savings. Child care is so high people are remaining childless.
-Oh, and alienation is keeping people lonely. The legal jeopardy people can potentially get into when they attempt to become partners is excessive.
Avoidance, Paranoia, Projection, xenophobia, and alienation are rampant.
-There is a dual justice system. One for the rich and powerful and another for everyone else. It's crazy making.
-The MAGA folks are pushing for a dictator out of fear that they are becoming a minority.
-The evangelical Christians are scared that children's library books will turn people nonbinary or push women to have equal rights or maybe look at religion as being contrary to science.
-Desperate people are trying to get into the USA. People on the border are forgetting to live their neighbors in need. Large numbers of people are homeless. The rest of the country is ignoring the problem totally.
-Inflation to compensate for overspending is pushing up prices faster than wages and destroying savings. Child care is so high people are remaining childless.
-Oh, and alienation is keeping people lonely. The legal jeopardy people can potentially get into when they attempt to become partners is excessive.
SammyJo · 51-55, F
Is it a growing thing? In a way, I think that modern society throws at us more things that we are told to get stressed about - from how we look, who we hang around with, what job we have, what we wear to what we watch, listen to and read - that sadly some people take this to heart.
Life used to be a lot simpler yet we still had those same stresses and strains that can affect our mental health.
🤔
Life used to be a lot simpler yet we still had those same stresses and strains that can affect our mental health.
🤔
This message was deleted by its author.
SammyJo · 51-55, F
@Yisrael Hmmm...the media spoon feeds people with their headlines, scandals and general misinformation's and whilst human beings exist, they'll always want to cut corners....so not to find things out for themselves.
And, true, people are quite insular at times, not going any further than their own front door at times....fact is, the world doesn't help.
And, true, people are quite insular at times, not going any further than their own front door at times....fact is, the world doesn't help.
Dainbramadge · 56-60, M
deadgerbil · 26-30
Morvoren · F
No I don’t think so. In certain spheres of society people are much more creative in finding solutions that personally work for them, and less willing to be just another victim.
acpguy · C
Only affecting those that watch fake news and have gone to schools controlled by liberal educators. Normal people call them liberals.🤣
HannahSky · F
Not an epidemic, but I'd say it's increasing. Along with that, and more people, the ability to treat is also increasing.
Pinkstarburst · 51-55, F
No. It’s a disease that’s just becoming more understood.
Yisrael · 46-50, M
@Pinkstarburst Yes and no. There is no actual cure, suppressant, or vaccination for ADD, ODD and PTSD. What they give you flatens you out. It’s treating the behavioral symptoms by forcing you to shut down, or be lackadaisical Nothing neurological. While those things may have disease behaviors the medical field has yet to create medicine that is preventive medicine, vaccine or a cure.
Pinkstarburst · 51-55, F
@Yisrael That’s what I said. It’s a disease that more are becoming aware. There will never be a vaccine or preventative as everyone’s brain is different. Mental illness isn’t like smallpox, or the flu. It’s like Type 1 diabetes or a hereditary disease. It is something that some people just have. The imbalances in our brain can be adjusted with medication or many types of psychological therapies. As for meds making someone flat, sometimes it takes a few tries to get the right med or combination.
Also, cancer is a disease, Parkinson’s is a disease, Alzheimer’s is a disease, neurological as a matter of fact, but they have no vaccine, meds, or cure either. The meds are incredibly difficult for people living with these. And mental illness can be just as deadly.
Also, cancer is a disease, Parkinson’s is a disease, Alzheimer’s is a disease, neurological as a matter of fact, but they have no vaccine, meds, or cure either. The meds are incredibly difficult for people living with these. And mental illness can be just as deadly.
Yisrael · 46-50, M
I really appreciate the constructive feedback everyone has given. You rock and happy new years.
ABCDEF7 · M
It's better we should refer the data.
CrazyMusicLover · 31-35
Epidemic where?