theletch1 said:
1 in 4!? I have to wonder if that number doesn't reflect the "it's not my fault" mindset that seems to be overtaking american society. "I couldn't help myself. I have a mental disorder." has always seemed to be a big cop out to me...but that's a whole different thread. I can only think that MA would assist in the development of concentration for things along the lines of ADD or ADHD. I know that we have several members on the board that do indeed suffer from both of these ailments. Good luck in your report. I'd be very interested to see the finished product.
Thank you for your kind and considerate response. First, I must add that this is a very short essay; secondly, I find some of the answers to be way off line given the nature and tone of my question. But, regardless. I did some research over the weekend and found that indeed several studies have been carried out by psychotherapists, for instance, that point to the health benefits of practicing martial arts in general for people with illneses as varied as MS, depression, etc.
Another point I am trying to make is analyzing this topic from a different understanding of what illness and the healing process mean in our culture. I agree: 1 in 4 Americans is said to suffer from a "mental illness." The problem is, the definition of "mental illness" according to the mainstream medical establisment keeps widening in part becuase of gigantic economic interests. Nowadays, kids are being administered dangerous drugs for things like ADD, when perhaps their "mental" problem could be easily solved by understanding that ADD may not be solved with drugs, but with the practice of a martial discipline that brings focus, attention, respect, etc. etc. to the individual.
About depression: depression is not a psychological illness. Currently, the medical establishment believes that depression is caused in most cases by a chemical imbalance in the brain mainly due to the absence of a substance called "serotonin." While I do not dispute these findings, my argument is: even if depression has a biological origin, will the administration of drugs suffice to "cure" the illness? Here is where I think a different phlosophy of healing based on a less invasive and more humane approach to human health and well being could be useful (and please, save yourselves the trouble of going to the extreme of sarcasm with references to Scientology, as I am a proud and out atheist and thus do not believe in any mythological narrative espoused by anyone who claims to hold the Truth and nothing but the Truth).
What can the martial arts offer in this regard? There are numerous scientific studies that have already established a clear connection between exercise (any type) and the relieving of depression (when exercising, apparently, the brain produces more serotonin which in turns makes you "feel good"). I do believe, however, that the martial arts can offer additional benefits, particularly on the preventive side. My essay takes into consideration two aspects of the relationship between mental illness and the martial arts: the physical/psychological aspect (that is, can the martial arts help in the healing process of what we know as a mental illness?); and secondly, the preventive aspect. This means, for instance, realizing what we as martial artists can do in order to reduce the impact of mental illness in our society. Several studies have for instance found a direct correlation between poverty and violent environments and mental illness: you are more likely to develop a mental illness if you live in poor and unsafe environments than if you life in the opposite. The martial artist, thus, has two options: to see her/his knowledge as a private acquisition not to be shared with anyone, or to be guided by the principles that inspire the art of making the world a little better. Establishing martial arts programs in economically depressed areas, for instance, perhaps on a voluntary basis, could offer alternatives to children who grow up surronded with unsurmountable amounts of violence. Some studies have confirmed that enrollment in martial arts programs resulted in a reduction inthe level of violence and risk factors amongst high school youth.
My approach to the topic of "mental illness" is just more than the pop-a-pill approach or the "let the crazies solve their issues" approach that this individualistic society promotes. I honestly thought I would find more open minds here. Sad to see it is not the case. I'll be glad to share my essay with whoever requests it, after friday.
Sincerely,
A.T.
