Mental illness is a disease. Not viral or bacterial, but a disease none the less.
Calling a problem a disease is often times a cop out, and a way to excuse irresponsible behavior. Calling shoplifting a disease is one good example. But don't be tempted lump in eating disorders. Anorexia and bulimia are forms of mental illness.
As far as why we only see this illness in the western world - there's not a short answer to that. There are other examples of aberrant behavior and emotional states that are regional. In Japan there is a phobia that is common in men that their penis will retract into their body while they sleep. Some men actually have injured themselves by attempting to secure their members outside their body with a rock and a string. This problem is unheard of in the United States. Anorexia is just as uncommon outside the US. That doesn't mean it's not real.
"In Japan there is a phobia that is common in men that their penis will retract into their body while they sleep. Some men actually have injured themselves by attempting to secure their members outside their body with a rock and a string. This problem is unheard of in the United States. Anorexia is just as uncommon outside the US. That doesn't mean it's not real."
...would that be like the "Pocket Fisherman?"
http://www.asseenontv.com/prod-pages/pocketfisherman.htm?gid=
Popeil Pocket Fisherman
Spin Casting Outfit - This is the famous fishing pal that has thrilled generations!
Convenient Design
Double-flex rod is hinged into closed position when stored away. Simply unfold from this position until it snaps into fully extended position.
LOL! A string and a rock, that's almost too good to be true. I wouldn't be surprised if that fear can be traced to Japanese folklore and superstition. But your comments about mental illness in general are true. Somethings with the psychiatric qualifier NOS as in "not otherwise specified" can be just idiosyncratic. Anorexia Nervosa can be fatal.
I wonder if many of the current psychiatric/psychological maladies are due to modern civilization. Not so long ago 100 - 200 years ago many of our ancestors were living a simple existence farming, hunting and/or fishing.
This is no phobia. This can really happen! Mine got lost that way for several weeks until it popped back out one day while I was doing weighted squats.
You can imagine my relief!
Oh, great. Now we have something else to worry about.