The idea of being called crazy has historically been part of humorous exchanges between people. Much of it comes from the fear of being branded as such or having problems of that kind and trying to hide it.
Throughout my early life I ran into some older (usually old) people that displayed what us kids considered odd behavior. The teasing these people received from the children and some adults was a commonplace response. Another type of usual response was that given to the two soldiers in the field by General George Patton in World War II. Although Patton suffered serious consequences that kept him out of the war until the Normandy invasion, that kind of thinking kept, especially men, from showing this side of their mental state.
At the same time, it was the same state of mind displayed by men returning from war and military service that began to change family attitudes toward the illness. In my family, death of one of our returning warriors visited us as a result of the Iraq invasion.
The transfer of the concern from a mental illness associated with war to a more generalize view of its effects caused mostly by our lifestyle was brought to the limelight by COVID when most had to retreat to their homes and live an isolated existence for three years. The sense of solitude caused by the circumstance exacerbated that trend especially among the new Millennial Generation.
The Millennial generational trend describes a preference to communicate on cell phones, computers, video and other technological facilities rather than person to person or in a group setting face to face. This represents a major change in the style of human interaction.
COVID hid some of that. But now it is out in the open. Many in the labor force prefer to work from home. That preference is part of the new style of communication that tends to also cause mental illness.
Research is indicating that almost 21 percent of adults and 11.5 percent of youth in the country are suffering from mental disorders. This represents almost 53 million people.
Inbedded in the crisis are the 15 percent of adults reporting substance abuse and the 4.8 percent considering suicide. Ninety-three and one half percent of the population has received no treatment.
Similarly, 16 percent of youth amounting to 2.7 million have reported major depression episodes. Of that number, 60 percent have received no treatment.
Of particular interest to Latinos are the 11 percent of multiracial adults that are suffering from mental issues. This is because Latinos are not only multiracial, but also have the fastest growth in interracial and interethnic marriages.
Also creeping into American mental health are cultural identity themes that appear to be caused by major and relatively rapid changes in our demography. The emergence of the new minority majority for example, is not only creating social and political division, but is also causing some confusion about what the image of an American should be.
The Latino community has a lot of experience with the matter. The centuries of carrying an identity pulled apart by a variety of cultural forces has left a mark on its very soul.
Mental illness in the United States is real and covers all of our landscape. The speed of change is a major cause.
The pressures brought by our evolution as a country are part of the baggage that can make us unwell. A lot of that can be treated individually by modern therapies. Lifestyle choices are another matter. That goes to the fabric of who we are.
The views expressed by David Conde are not necessarily the views of la Voz bilingüe. Comments and responses may be directed to News@lavozcolorado.com.
