Our Cry For Meaning: Aggression, Addiction, Depression
Some 50 years ago, the world-renown psychiatrist and Nazi concentration camp survivor, Dr. Viktor Frankl, called attention to three major societal ills: aggression, addiction, and depression. He termed these problems the "mass neurotic triad," a kind of psychological axis of evil in today's parlance. Significantly, this triad comprised more than targets for psychiatric intervention (the views of Tom Cruise and Scientology notwithstanding). The mass neurotic triad was symptomatic of a contemporary world that was missing something; indeed, something vitally important to the nature of human existence itself. To Dr. Frankl, the problems of aggression, addiction, and depression could be traced, in large part, to an "existential vacuum" or perception that one's life, including one's work life, appeared to be meaningless. He observed that the existential vacuum was a widespread phenomenon of the 20th Century and underscored that these conditions were not truly understandable, let alone "treatable," unless the existential vacuum underlying them was recognized.
If Viktor Frankl were alive today (he passed on in September 1997, during the same week when Princess Diana was killed in a car accident and Mother Teresa died), I'm sure that he would still be concerned about this mass neurotic triad. In fact, he would probably argue that the problems of aggression, addiction, and depression are worse now than when he first wrote about them after World War II!
For example, when it comes to aggression, we see it manifest itself in ways that Dr. Frankl may not even recognize. Besides overt aggressive behaviors, like road rage, air rage, parking lot rage, and "desk" rage (e.g., work stress that leads people to engage in counterproductive workplace behaviors that cost employers billions of dollars in lost productivity, insurance payments, and increased security), postmodern society also must confront increasing levels of relationally aggressive behaviors (e.g., research evidence, believe it or not, suggests that aggressive children in school are perceived as being more "popular" than meeker students). And these illustrations of aggression say nothing about the "shock and awe" mentality that plagues societies in the 21st Century on an international scale with wars and rumors of wars.
Insofar as addiction and addictive behaviors are concerned, the situation, I would argue, is very similar. And we're not just talking about the alarming increases in substance abuse, both the "legal" and illegal kinds, which concern our modern age. The new millennium has brought us new kinds of addictive behaviors, such as those associated with shopping, telecommunications (e.g., "crackberry"), and the Internet, along with new forms of work ("workaholic"), gambling ("day-trading"), and sexual addictions. Indeed, there seems to be no person left behind when it comes to the powerful reach of the addictive mind!
And to close the loop on the mass neurotic triad, it is a simple fact that depression is occurring more often and at earlier stages than in decades past; that is, when Dr. Frankl first called our attention to this phenomenon. Indeed, the statistics are staggering:
• 20 percent of adults will experience depression at some point in their life
• 97 percent of those reporting depression also reported that their work, home life, and relationships suffered as a result
• Women are twice as likely to experience depression as men
• Depression is the leading cause of disability in women
• One in seven men will develop depression within 6 months of becoming unemployed; and so on.
Once again, these statistics point primarily to the manifestations and effects of depression on individuals; they don't even begin to describe the fall-out that comes "naturally" with depression at the family, community, and nation-state levels. The implications of depression on such a macro-level can be, and usually are, profound. The fall-out or "collateral damage" (to borrow yet another familiar word from the modern-day lexicon of aggression) associated with the current financial crisis, we can rest assured, will only exacerbate the incidence of depression along with its personal and societal implications.
The persistence of the mass neurotic triad in the 21st Century suggests, as I mentioned earlier, that we are facing a "crisis of meaning" that will not go away on its own, nor will it disappear solely through the pursuit of power (i.e., a correlate of aggression) or the pursuit of pleasure (i.e., a correlate of addiction). But where there is a crisis, there is also opportunity. Hence, a crisis of meaning is also a call for meaning--in our personal lives, in our work, and even in our public policies (I hope that all incumbents and candidates for political office pay attention to this window of opportunity). In the midst of the personal and collective suffering that surrounds us, and as we approach this critical time for the world economy, there is still hope for a better, more meaning-full future for all.
And, ultimately, as Viktor Frankl would say, it is meaning that sustains us throughout our lives no matter how little or how much power and pleasure come our way. It is meaning that can help us address the problems of aggression, addiction, and depression. It is meaning that will sustain us as we face the challenges of everyday life in our relationships, at work, and with society as a whole no matter how desperate they may appear or actually be. However, it is up to each and every one of us to find this meaning in order to reach the levels of human evolution and enlightenment, as well as quality of life, which still await us.
You can find out more about Dr. Alex Pattakos, author of the international bestselling book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts: Viktor Frankl's Principles for Discovering Meaning in Life and Work, in his HuffPost Bio and at http://www.prisonersofourthoughts.com. Contact Alex at: alex@prisonersofourthoughts.com.
Follow Alex Pattakos on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrMeaning
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alex, i like that you've taken the time to respond to so many people on here. it shows a great quality. thanks for the great article as well.
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You are most welcome! One of my goals is to contribute to making the Living Section of the HuffPost come "alive" by encouraging comments and building a "community" of practice through meaningful dialogue. If I don't try to "walk the talk" and respond to people's comments, this goal will never be realized. My responses are also a way of showing my gratitude for the comments that are shared via this forum. In this connection, thank YOU!
I have suffered from depression since I was a teenager. It seemed like every attempt to improve my life met with bad results. I joined the Army in '89, broke my back during training. I went to college, flunked out. Finally found a steady job, got spinal arthritis 5 years later. Been out of work since '03. I did the pill thing, gave me nightmares and caused embarassing sexual problems on the rare occasions when I dated. Since then, the best thing that happened was I began monthly mental health counciling at my local V.A. clinic. It's nice to be able to talk to someone who is impartial. My dads solution was just ignore it, my moms was to feed it. My siblings think I was just being lazy. But my counciler helps me find solutions that are slowly but surely working. I joined a gym about 7 months ago. I go at least 4 times a week. Im meeting nice people who help keep me motivated. I have even been approached by many people at the gym who say I keep them motivated just by being there. You have no idea how that makes me feel. And with the election of Barack Obama, I feel that things are looking better and better. There is a world out there that I have a chance of taking part in. There is hope for all of us.
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You ARE an inspiration! Thank you! With your positive, can-do attitude and your determination, I can see how people are attracted to and motivated by you. Bravo! Whether you know it or not (and I hope that you now know), you have become a beacon of hope for everyone!
Footnote: I recall reading an interview with singer Tony Orlando who, when describing the most difficult and depressing time of his life, remarked: "When you hit bottom, there is no where to look but up!"
Great article. I see so many of my friends suffering a mild depression, one they struggle to deny while at the same time struggle to understand. And I honestly believe it is because they are not doing work that has any real meaning to them, thus they feel like their lives are meaningless and therefore they feel a bit glum and lost. In this financial climate, many feel that they can't find a way to change jobs let alone go back to school or anything else. There is a sense of fear that they better stay where they are and be "happy" and thankful with what they have. And I know this all very well because I too have been in the same boat.
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Thank you for your excellent and meaningful comments! The current financial climate is definitely taking its toll on many levels, including the very personal "fall-out" that you have described. In addition, the search for meaning at/in/through work is a longstanding issue that predates the current economic malaise. I'm glad that you appear to have left the "boat" for higher ground! I pray that your friends will be able to do the same. In my heart and soul, I know that better days lie ahead! Thanks again for sharing!
i agree with you. i think a new era is dawning and it is evident by the landslide election. i am really glad you pointed out that the meaning of life through work is an issue that has been around for some time. it drives home the point of how important work is in feeding our souls. and it also shows that it is not the current climate that dictates our happiness but a choice inside.
There was an interesting film titled "Affluenza" on PBS that addressed this idea from a slightly different angle. In our search for meaning, we (western / American society) have mistaken wealth for worth.
We have come to believe the idea that the one with the most toys wins.
Agression is the most direct way to create and secure your wealth. We teach our children that they need to be at the top of their class, get into the best school, evaluate a job offer on the pay, etc. That doesn't even touch the issue of war over land/oil/resources.
Once we believe that wealth is the path to happiness, it is a small step to addiction. Our trappings are supposed to make us happy, and when the 'new-bling' euphoria wears off, we want more, more, MORE. Like all good addicts, it takes more & bigger to get that rush.
-At this point I was interrupted and didn't get to finish it.
Ever since , I have noticed that when I evaluate my activites & motives from a standpoint of : Does this make me a BETTER -rather than RICHER- person ? making decisions and setting priorities is much easier. It often leaves me feeling like a Luddite,even though i'm really rather tech-savvy. I will never get rich at my job. But i'm happy at it and I'm good at it, and I make a difference in a lot of people's lives. The CEO of my Fortune 500 Co. can't buy that.
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You have raised some excellent points! Thank you! By the way, the producer of the film, "Affluenza," John de Graaf, is also a co-author of a book by the same name (incidentally, my book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts, is by the same publisher as Affluenza) and, as you point out, is very much concerned about the search for meaning in a country (and world for that matter) that is plagued by its obsession with uncontrolled economic growth at any cost, as well as a contagious, socially-t
I'd rather not go too negative in a section regarding seeking positive direction to 'go through' depression, but I have to point out one irony. After reading the comments section I immediately became interested in learning more about the film Affluenza. As a counselor I thought it might be helpful to my clients. I was more than a bit surprised at the asking price for the DVD - $250. Really? How do you guide people towards a new direction when the price to get there is so steep? I know, you may tell me to read the book, it's cheaper. But when as counselors we may only have one or two hours to capture the attention of our patients a DVD will have more grasp on their brains, when combined with group discussion. How many folks have group talk today over a book they just read?
May we recommend the Great Physician?
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There is a simple and practical way to overcome these unpleasant condtions. When you come down with a depressive state, be aware of it. Find a quiet place and let cause take effect. A clear indication of depression is your heartbeat especially the pressure and irregularity. Do not lose touch of your depression just be aware of it , however unpleasant it is feel how it affect your heart beat do not attempt to control just let the unpleasantness take centerstage. Be patience , just be an observer after a while the unpleasantness will wear off as the enregy of that unpleasnt consciouness will dissipate away. Be patience all conditioned things are impermanent.
Be mindful always. After you have empty the bucket of waste do not not fill it up again otherwise you will spend much of your time needing to do this.
You can try escapism by diverting your thoughts and attention to something pleasant but those depressive states are still inside.
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Meaningless, aggression, addiction and depression, why Alex they seem like old friends. we use to hang our when I lived in England but them I got wise and ditched them. They have tried to visit but I tell them I have no time for such friends. I have become close to knew blokes- peace, patience, love and self respect.
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Ed, I'm glad to hear that you've made new "friends." Although I'm sure that we've all had some kind of encounter with your old buddies, ideally we don't want to become too close to them! Indeed, over the long haul, they tend to outlive their welcome! Thanks for sharing, my friend.
Hello Dr. Alecko!
I enjoyed, as always, reading your article. As you know, the Greek word for depression is "stenahoria", meaning "being in a narrow place". On the whole I have always viewed depression as one of the many emotions all experience, or better yet "go through"! In the many years I have mentored people, I have always attempted to make them feel comfortable in expressing what they feel. In so doing, I have constantly heard, "You have no idea what sh it I am going through!" At this point I would say, "well, you just said it all!" They would respond, "I have not even told you!" Then I would say, "well, I hear you saying that you are going through sh it, yes?" They would say , "well yes"! Then I would say, "well, keep going, for "going through" implies that there is an exit. And, as we discuss further your dilema, keep in mind that "sh it makes things grow"! I would see an immediate release of tension and anxiety as we proceeded to deal with depression as a normal reality in our lives, and not so much as a disease that needs to be treated with medication. Here is where "faith" comes into the picture. Here is where the sacrament (mysterion) of Confession becomes the vessel to lead to healing and wholeness. It is a process. It is effective.
Great post...yes i always thought of depression as a gift of sorts...sp
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As I'm sure that you know, it has been said that there is a "fine line" between creativity and so-called "madness." As you rightly point out, depression, like anxiety, can help to fuel creativity. In this regard, cartoonist Chuck Jones (Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, the Road Runner & Wile E. Coyote ) once said, "Anxiety is the handmaiden of creativity
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Dear Diogenis, as always, I enjoyed reading your comments! Nicely said! To be sure, "mood swings," including what is commonly called "depression," are, as you point out, "a normal reality in our lives." Building our capacity to "go through" such experiences and "grow" from them in a meaningful way is often a formidable challenge. Your comments help to demonstrate that there is a "light" at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for sharing your insights!
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