Why Capitalism and Mental Health is a Dangerous Combo
The true cost of capitalism is our mental health.
Whom of us has not found themselves caught up in the adrenaline rush of deadlines after deadlines, whether its school, work, or chores. I, for one, wish I could get my time back from that relentless pursuit to “feel better” as dictated by the modern ideals of success. Unfortunately, it’s not until many of us reach a breaking point that we start to ask the important questions.
I remember lying in bed so exhausted that I could not will myself to tackle another day. It wasn’t the first time I had pondered the deeper questions of life, but sometimes, some random thought strums a chord and you can’t stop thinking about a certain thing. And so, I got stuck thinking about the relationship between mental health and capitalism.
Historical Context
With roots that dive as far back at the 16th century mercantile economies, capitalism has morphed into a system of private ownership and market competition in the pursuit of profit on an international scale. The belief in this unyielding system’s success has been solidified by the industrialization of labor through the Industrial Revolution. These events have inaugurated an age in which human value has indelibly been fused with productivity and economic utility.
Welcome to “hustle culture,” a contemporary reiteration of these ideas, exalting long hours and constant productivity over well-being.
Despite all his criticisms, it was Karl Marx who initially highlighted the inherent conflicts between capitalist values and human well-being. Marx very rightly insinuated that capitalism alienates individuals from their labor, which ultimately leads to people feeling a sense of powerlessness and estrangement from their true self and purpose in life. But Marx isn’t the only historical giant to suggest that.
History is riddled with great thinkers who time and time again emphasized this idea. The renowned psychologist, Erich Fromm, for example, expands on Marxist ideas and suggests that the capitalist focus on material success is a recipe to develop a sense of inadequacy and existential anxiety.
Philosophy and Psychology
You don’t need to be a literary genius to see that the capitalist emphasis on individual achievement and competition is something that continuously creates a conflict with our innate need for community and cooperation. This system encourages us to view other people as rivals rather than allies. The growing sense and trend of isolation, loneliness, depression, and anxiety is not a coincidence. It is a byproduct of how this system has been unknowingly designed. These byproducts are the very conditions that lead to a decline in mental health.
This isn’t just senseless “finger pointing,” but rather a critique that’s backed by psychological research. There have been numerous studies that show that the inherent pressures of capitalist societies like constant competition, job insecurity, and glorification of overwork are significant contributors to stress, burnout, and mental health issues.
In fact, this “burnout” that we so casually refer to in our conversations, is now so prevalent that the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized it as an occupational syndrome in 2019.
WHO recognizes workplace ‘burnout’ as an occupational phenomenon (cnbc.com)
Think About Your Life
Take a moment and reflect back on your life. Think about the times when you were overcome by the need to “prove yourself” to someone or some ideal within this capitalist framework. When this relentless pursuit of success, defined by external metrics, took over your life, leaving little room for self-care or genuine personal fulfillment.
It’s not an uncommon thing. We are all born and bred in it, so it is natural to go through this cycle. But unless you start questioning these values and begin prioritizing your mental health, how can you assume to find any semblance of balance and relief?
In our digital age, the information and knowledge are abundant. You can find plethora of strategies and advice that will pragmatically guide you through the trenches of mental health struggles. Strategies like setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and valuing intrinsic rewards over extrinsic ones have been integral in finding my own way, and I’m sure that they will do the same for you, once you start your journey to a better self.
The unending demands of capitalism come at the expense of our mental health. This system is fertile ground for growing stress, burnout, and mental illnesses as it constantly urges us to prioritize productivity and competition over community and mental well-being. As we spend our lives within this framework, it’s imperative that we reflect on our values and consider alternative approaches to a life well-lived.
After all is said and done, true success isn’t measured by wealth or status, but by our ability to lead fulfilling, balanced lives.
Capitalism and mental health seem to be fundamentally at odds, and we need to recognize these conflicts to make conscious choices that can help us achieve and attain a more balanced and humane existence. It’s time we rethink our priorities and place well-being at the forefront of our pursuits.
