There is nothing wrong with being fiercely independent, and many reasons why one might want to cultivate that particular trait: Independence means you learn to take care of yourself. Independence teaches you responsibility. Independence means that it is easier to assign blame. Independence allows you to do things your way on your schedule.
But while independent, we are highly social creatures. The worst punishment we can think of is solitary confinement. None of us is truly, radically independent. For the most part, we all buy clothes, food, and shelter produced by other people. Most of us wouldn’t even know how to produce these basic necessities.
We pursue money so that we can exchange it with other people for goods and services that otherwise, we could never provide for ourselves. Even if you knew how to make a cellphone, you likely couldn’t get the parts. If you could manage that, you couldn’t create a cell network on which to use it. And at the end of the day, you would need someone else to talk to or share information with. Otherwise, why build a cellphone in the first place.
Though it is less obvious, the same is true when it comes to our health. Every individual is responsible for their own health. But no one can go it completely alone. Here is a bit of what I mean:
Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Practically speaking, no one cures themselves of addiction. People suffering addiction need help. According to information found here, drug overdoses claim over 100 lives every day. A large number of those cases have a mental health component.
People addicted to drugs and alcohol needs help because they often don’t even realize they have a problem. They are the last to know. If they do know, they don’t have the resources to deal with the problem on their own. In many cases, medical treatment is required. Drug rehab is not a DIY project.
Disease Management
We don’t catch diseases on our own. There is usually a genetic or environmental component to it. And while our behavior may contribute to the contraction of a disease, it is not the only component.
Likewise, we do not manage disease on our own. There is always medical research involved, along with the good advice of a physician. Pharmaceutical companies have to invent the medicine. And pharmacists have to formulate it.
You cannot diet and exercise your way out of most diseases. Healing is not a matter of willpower. You have to take the time to listen to the advice of others, see a doctor, and in many cases, partner with your loved ones for best results.
Far too many people try to tackle disease management on there own due to pride, embarrassment, or some other unworthy reason. But embarrassment is a really poor reason to suffer and die.
All too often, men refuse to see a doctor because they don’t want to admit to having a problem. They fear that it makes them seem weak. But the real weakness is the refusal to tap into the strength of the community. Managing disease is not a DIY affair.
Diet and Exercise
Surely, one can manage diet and exercise without help from others. But that turns out not to be entirely true. Serious dieters need accountability buddies to help keep them on track. The same thing is true for those serious about an exercise regimen. The best thing about joining a gym is not the facilities, but the accountability.
Even if you like to exercise alone, you probably use an app to help you keep track of that exercise, or listen to music to keep motivated. Did you make the app? Did you produce the music? Probably not.
Naturally, the initial motivation has to come from within. To be successful, you have to be a self-starter. No one denies that. But along the way, you have to take advantage of the opportunities inherent in human societies. This is true whether you are rehabbing from addiction, managing a disease, or dieting and exercising. If you succeed in any of these things, don’t forget about all the people you have to thank along the way.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
