Why So Many Emotional Problems?

Over the past decade or so, several people have commented to me how so many Americans seem to be having emotional/psychological problems. The statement is almost always followed by how it also seems that these types of problems are on the increase. Of course, this all begs the question: "If this is true, why are the problems increasing?"

There are lots of stresses and strains going on in American society (as well as elsewhere). Many people are working harder than ever, but are still struggling to make ends meet. I'd also say that the "Hollywood" factor comes into play on this. This is not to bash movies and television, but let's be honest, in "Hollywood," the guy gets the girl, the girl gets the guy, the bad guys get caught, or are punished in some manner, and the whole story ends with great elation, and some moralistic message. Real life is NOT like that!!! (At least not much.) I realize that movies are an escape for us, but after you finish watching, you need to touch down on Mother Earth again. That isn't always easy for everyone to do though. Television, especially, has been such a part of our lives for so long, that, in my opinion, these happy endings come to be expected in our own life sagas. Personally, I liked the 1950's TV show called, "The Millionaire," where a wealthy guy tried to give away a million bucks to some deserving person in every episode. I've read and heard that Hollywood people have said they wanted to end a TV show or movie in a different, and a not so pleasant way, but they knew the public wouldn't tolerate it. I'm sure they're right. We like happy endings.

Dealing with the negative side of reality isn't easy for any of us. Reality doesn't cut us any slack, nor does it take pity on us, or leave us alone because we're having a bad day. We all have our denial of things with which we'd just as soon not deal. With emotional problems, I'd say it is a matter of degree. We all have some sort of emotional trouble, at least at times, but some folks have persistent or enduring problems. Having said this, what do we do about it? Damned if I know! Hey, I gotta run! There's someone knocking at the door. Maybe it's that guy with a million dollar check for me! I've been waiting for him all of these years.