The American Tradition of Trying to Address Anxiety with Parks
6 comments
·November 14, 2025ninininino
The American phenomenon of labeling the natural consequence of economic stress + overwork + being disconnected from healthy relationships and nature as "anxiety" and treating the symptom with brain scrambler pills while doing nothing about the cause.
foxyv
This is why I get angry at my doctor whenever they say "Reduce your stress." I'm like "Dude, I can't just quit my job like that." Meanwhile everyone else is telling me to paper over the cracks in the wall with meditation, exercise, and good eating. Turns out that doesn't do much when you are working 60-80 hours a week. Meanwhile, it's getting harder and harder to support your family.
ekropotin
Assuming you are working in IT, there are plenty zero stress working opportunities available. However, they are not being paid that well. There I’m going with it - there is a choice available, more money vs less stress.
danaris
...Which actually works out to trading one kind of stress for another. It's a false choice.
This is a systemic problem, and we cannot fix it with individualized solutions. For the vast majority of people, the only way to actually get ahead is to fix the system.
Tax the rich. Shatter the current massive income and wealth inequalities. Institute proper social safety nets. Provide for everyone, not just those deemed "deserving."
jalapenof
[dead]
It’s heart breaking to see they are defining NPs. From my immigrant’s POV, National Park’s system is one of these cool things America did incredibly well. I’m a huge fan of it and visit parks at least 5-6 times in a year.