Well-being, Anxiety, Depression and the Modern Lifestyle

We hear much about the effects of anxiety and depression in New Zealand and the western world generally; anti-depressants are being prescribed at record levels as a quick fix. A book by Johnn Hari (Lost Connections) takes an interesting approach to the issue and the root causes; he talks about man and his rise to the top and how mankind has achieved this by working together to overcome the challenges of survival by co-operation and team work they tackled stronger, faster and larger animals as a source of food on the Savannah of Africa. He contends that man evolved to live in a tribe just as bees evolved to live in a hive. Our tribal instincts have taken many forms throughout history forming patriarchal family groups with an accepted established leader, villages, religious groups, church life, sports clubs and friendly societies. All the above have provided a sense of belonging, companionship and in many cases a purpose and or goals.

He contends that in society with the breakdown of family, clubs, societies and networks that people generally feel more alone and lonely though they live in the thick of towns and work- places where there are a lot of people we interact with through our daily life. Very often in suburbia people don’t interact with their neighbours and in many cases even those next door.

It is ironic that social media doesn’t strengthen relationships to the point of supporting each other and fulfilment.

He cites examples in London where Doctor Sam Errington took the novel approach to introduce his patients with anxiety and depression symptoms to each other and they set up a community garden behind the medical practice, working together enjoying the exercise and camaraderie of preparation and planting and watching nature do what nature does through the seasons.

Which illustrated mans need to have a purpose and to interact with nature and people; he cites another issue of the modern world with work and life, the sense of powerlessness being overwhelmed by daily life and its challenges.

In summary it is apparent that anxiety and depression are far more complicated than a simple chemical imbalance that can be treated solely with a prescription. Work life balance, personal relationships and spending time in the natural world must all be factored into our understanding of what has become a major health issue in New Zealand.