Pathology of Life (part 1)

dis·ease

noun \di-ˈzēz\

: an illness that affects a person, animal, or plant : a condition that prevents the body or mind from working normally

: a problem that a person, group, organization, or society has and cannot stop

"Disease." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.

Mental health is a sliding scale. There is no model of perfect health, nor a model of imperfect health (as it pertains to social/emotional/relational/mental health). Psychological disease is evidenced in every human being who chooses to avail themselves to the judgements and mercies of everyday society. Mania, insomnia, depression, bipolar disorder, paranoia, narcissism, nymphomania, kleptomania, etc. Look around you, and you are sure to see a glimpse of disorder...

The presence of mental disease which prohibits supportive relationships, reliable employment, or safekeeping of oneself and others warrants direct intervention. When the progression of life is halted because of emotional or cognitive instability, it is time to take drastic measure and believe in the hope of change.

The definition of mental health (which includes eccentricities) is broad enough to offend the sensitivities of most good folk. A person who can maintain at least one lasting relationship into adulthood, exhibits an absence of homicidal or suicidal tendencies, can sustain menial employment, is able to care for themselves well enough to maintain health - this is a classic example of a mentally healthy person. This list is not exhaustive, of course, but rather it is meant to serve as an example. There is much room for fault, abrasiveness, awkward moments, poor decision-making skills, and overall muck in the model of mental well-being. It is time to scrap this notion that pleasantries and perfectly cooked meals are the hallmark of healthy relationships. It is time to peer into the reality of messy childhoods, awkward marriages, grumpy aging, and relationships that leave room for need.

The better understanding of mental health (and its misnomer) is useful for a variety of reasons. I will mention three of them today.

1.  With it, we can explain our needs. It is why we need each other so desperately, and simultaneously loathe each other so desperately. We crave community, loyalty, partnership, dependability, friends, lovers, dependents, providers. Our most insatiable needs are often rooted in other people, yet one of the most common complaints that marriage counselors hear is "He/she cannot be satisfied".

2. With it, we can empathize. Once we arrive at a better understanding of mental health, our own lack of perfect health, and each other's cries for help, we can see through one another's eyes. We can begin to judge less, help more, and stick around longer.

3. With a better understanding of ourselves comes a better understanding of God. So many people - followers and sojourners - question their need for God. A more accurate understanding of our diseased state can help us see why God intends to heal us (because we are sick!). A firmer appreciation of our struggles can provide a clearer hope for an eternal future, free of maladies.