Mental Health Issues, a by-product of capitalism? Guest Blog Post

 Guest Blog Post

Mental Health Issues, a by-product of capitalism?

I am deeply indebted to the owner of this site, for the invitation to explore and investigate the links, whether causal or anecdotal, between the onward march of capitalism, and the deepening crisis of mental wellbeing in the western world. As well as being an interesting and relevant discourse, I believe it will also be a valuable part of my personal journey back to positive mental health.

By way of background and context, for 30+ years, I was a husband, father, and card carrying member of the relatively well to do. Way above average salary, working across the globe for a blue chip technology company. A frequenter of airport lounges, business dinners and stock options.  Then it all fell apart.

Capitalism is defined as an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state, which may all be well and good, until it is put on steroids and taken to the extreme, the rise of neoliberalism, loosely categorised as. a political approach that favours free-market capitalism, deregulation, and reduction in government spending.

These three drivers once manifested in the workplace, create a culture or expectation of, do more, spend more time, subscribe to the dog eat dog, no second place mentality. Do as you’re told, forget your values, switch off your moral compass. All bought with the vague promises of cash, status, and pseudo security.  Essentially adding up to a cynical exploitation of one’s delicate existence in the rentier environment.  Get it wrong .. it’s not just your job that goes, it’s your livelihood, your mortgage payments, your health insurance, and frankly your self esteem. I got it wrong, it cost me my marriage, my kids and very nearly my life.

According to the NHS good mental health is predicated on five core values

1. Connect with other people

Real heartfelt and meaningful connecrtion becomes ever more difficult, when others are made out to be competitors. Do you have the best car, the biggest house, the finest food. All part of the capitalist plot to drive consumption, to keep the factories efficiently burning human labour value to deliver profit to the entitled few.

2. Be physically active

I was lucky, I only worked across Europe, North America and Asia, balancing those time zones and associated jet lag, either meant I was so physically drained that the journey to bed was like a marathon … or so “wired”my cardiovascular workout could be achieved just fending off conference calls and emails.

3. Learn new skills

Ok so you get the message, I was rarely at home, and pulling silly hours, but of course my employer invested in me with training and development. Maybe not, that is a cost that decreases profit, unless it is the annual “ethics” training - otherwise known as litigation avoidance documentation .. then straight back out there to increase share holder value.

4. Give to others

Ha, as if capitalism really enables the art of random acts of kindness, any such acts are always calculated, with expectation of return … or if it is a feast day the habit of giving of presents is hyped up in importance, again to drive the need for rampant consumerism.

5. Pay attention to the present moment

Towards the end - I did, I discovered meditative techniques, mindfulness podcasts, and taking time out to imagine. Which took me to a place where I realised my values really didn't fit with the expectations of the capitalist world.  I lost it, and began the journey of suicide attempts, mental breakdown, arrest and months in psychiatric care.

So, looking forward, what do I see for the future, well firstly I have promised myself that I will pay attention to the 5 key factors of mental wellbeing! Secondly, and for those of you hoping to see calls for adversarial revolt, I will disappoint - I do believe there needs to be a revolution, but one based on empathy, compassion, and financial/ecological sustainability.  I have heard it defined as “Happytalism”, a new economic system, socio-political philosophy and human development paradigm, that places the primacy of Happiness, Wellbeing and Freedom at the centre of human development and all life.

Stay safe, and be kind to yourself

Colin