Imagine if an Evil Ruler was in charge of our society and their top priority was to create and perpetuate mental illness as a way to diminish and control their subjects. How would they do it?
Quite simply, the Evil Ruler would create policies and promote behaviors guaranteed to contribute to brain health issues and mental health problems. Sadly, our society is largely fostering habits that are doing just that, as the rates of mental illness have skyrocketed in recent years.
On the flip side, imagine a Benevolent Ruler, who is passionate about ending mental illness in order to create more effective, happier humans. What would they do to end mental illness? They would encourage people to enhance their brain health and advocate policies to reduce their risk factors.
In this blog, you’ll discover how the Evil Ruler is fueling the mental health epidemic, how the Benevolent Ruler would help minimize suffering, and what you can do personally to overrule the Evil Ruler.
Sadly, our society is largely promoting habits that contribute to brain health issues and mental health problems, as the rates of mental illness have skyrocketed in recent years. Click To Tweet10 REASONS WHY MENTAL ILLNESS IS RISING
Here are 10 ways the imaginary Evil Ruler is driving up the rates of anxiety disorders, clinical depression, and other mental health issues. Plus see how the Benevolent Ruler would reduce mental illness, and what you can do on an individual level to overrule the Evil Ruler.
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Perpetuate the biological warfare in America.
The Evil Ruler promotes foods that are high glycemic, ultra-processed, and high in sodium, which leads to overconsumption, food addiction, medical conditions, and mental health disorders. According to one study, only 12% of the population meets the criteria for optimal physical health.
The Benevolent Ruler would counteract the biological warfare waged on society by creating a nationwide program for people to fall in love with their brains. It would start in schools and go into churches, businesses, and senior centers.
How to overrule the Evil Ruler: Don’t let advertisers fool you into eating foods that poison you.
To win the war for your physical and mental health, you need to focus on eating nutrient-dense foods that fuel your brain, mind, and body.
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Use psychological warfare to hurt their subjects.
This includes ignoring past emotional trauma created by alcoholic or drug-abusing parents, and not addressing current or past traumas from earthquakes, fires, floods, immigration, and criminal behaviors.
The Benevolent Ruler would teach subjects how to deal with current or past emotional traumas and make psychotherapy readily available for those who want or need it.
How to overrule the Evil Ruler: Seek treatment from mental health professionals to help you overcome adverse childhood experiences and other forms of trauma.
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Model undisciplined, negative thinking patterns.
The Evil Ruler will never teach their subjects how to eliminate the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) that infest their minds.
The Benevolent Ruler would make rational thinking skills (eliminating the ANTs) part of the educational curriculum.
How to overrule the Evil Ruler: Learn how to challenge your negative thoughts and teach your children how to do so at a young age. Whenever you have a distressing thought, simply ask yourself, “Is it true?”
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Foster activities that cause head trauma.
The Evil Ruler would allow children to hit soccer balls with their heads, play tackle football, and engage in other high-risk behaviors that can cause concussions. The brain-imaging research and clinical experience at Amen Clinics shows that mild traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of psychiatric symptoms.
The Benevolent Ruler would encourage the population to love their brains and the brains of their children and protect them at all costs. Ban children and teenagers from hitting soccer balls with their head or engaging in high-risk activities.
How to overrule the Evil Ruler: Protect your brain and your child’s brain by avoiding risky behaviors, wearing your seat belt, holding the handrail while going down stairs, and more.
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Cause strife among their people.
Subjecting people to chronic stress that separates them from each other allows the Evil Ruler to retain more power.
The Benevolent Ruler would make job training, healthcare, parent training, stress-management classes, and financial assistance readily available to those who need it. Plus, they would provide classes on decision-making skills, so we would make better life decisions and be less stressed.
How to overrule the Evil Ruler: Learn relaxation techniques to calm stress and notice what you like about other people more than what you don’t like.
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Bombard people with negative news cycles.
This creates an us-versus-them mentality and pits political, racial, and other groups against each other. Watching a constant stream of violence, disasters, and political discord can increase symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to research.
The Benevolent Ruler would limit negative news and highlight more good news.
How to overrule the Evil Ruler: Reduce the amount of time you spend watching the news. Create a buffer against the negativity by watching some good news or comedy shows.
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Promote recreational marijuana and alcohol as healthy.
The Evil Ruler claims that marijuana is innocuous and alcohol is a health food. In examples of Evil Ruler entrepreneurial genius, Girl Scouts are now setting up outside marijuana dispensaries. In 2018, a 9-year-old Girl Scout sold 300 boxes of cookies outside a San Diego pot dispensary in about 6 hours. Smarter still, inside the pot dispensaries they are offering Girl Scout THC Peanut Butter Cookies.
The Benevolent Ruler would highlight research that reveals how alcohol and marijuana damage brain health and lead to substance use disorders. In addition, they would discourage tweens and teens from smoking cannabis.
How to overrule the Evil Ruler: Know the facts about the scary effects of alcohol on the brain, and how cannabis drives brain aging. When you understand how these substances negatively affect the brain and contribute to mental health conditions, it’s easier to limit or eliminate them.
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Increase the social pressure to stay connected to your phone.
Our society has ramped up the concept that we must be connected to our phones at all times for work and relationships. This doesn’t allow enough time for sleep or self-care, which ramps up mental health problems. Even more importantly, it can lead to digital obsession or tech addiction.
The Benevolent Ruler would limit social media and educate people about the dangers of tech addiction, so you can go to sleep early and get the rest you need.
How to overrule the Evil Ruler: Set limits on your phone. Turn off digital devices at least a few hours before going to bed and make your bedroom a device-free zone.
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Lead people to live meaningless lives.
When your life is devoid of values, and you lack a connection to something greater than yourself, it can increase feelings of depression and emptiness.
The Benevolent Ruler would model a purposeful life and encourage everyone else to do the same. They would encourage spiritual beliefs and practices without dictating them, such as prayer, meditation, worship, and service. Fostering a deep connection to the past, the future, and the planet would also be a priority.
How to overrule the Evil Ruler: Find your purpose in life. Think about what you’re passionate about and how what you love to do can help others. It’s in helping others that life becomes more meaningful and fulfilling.
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Discourage brain scans in mental health care.
The Evil Ruler would discourage the population from getting brain scans or other diagnostic tests to see if their psychiatric symptoms are being caused by head trauma, exposure to toxins, chronic infections, inflammation, or other issues.
The Benevolent Ruler would encourage people to get brain scans or other diagnostic tests to determine the root of symptoms of mental illness.
How to overrule the Evil Ruler: If your mental health symptoms aren’t responding to traditional treatment, consider getting a functional brain scan, such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). SPECT scans can help identify the root causes of your symptoms.
Ultimately, by overruling the Evil Ruler, you can take responsibility for your own life and be calmer, happier, and more goal-oriented. This leads to better mental health and greater success in every area of your life.
Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
What in the world were you thinking when deciding to post something like this at a time when people are scared out if their minds over this virus. Bad timing, bad taste. The facts are accurate and clear but thr good against evil video game format definitely not up to the standards we have come to appreciate and expect to hear coming from the Amen Clinic.
Comment by charlene g gaede — March 18, 2020 @ 2:33 AM
I try to get free start, but could not find the code. I am worried about my brain health because I have two sister with dementia and my mother died with. Believing it is hereditary I am think that I nay get it too. N ext month it will be my 80th birthday and they started to lose their memory after they reach the 80th birthday. What can I do to avoid dementia and keep my memory.
Comment by Elena Valentin — March 18, 2020 @ 2:54 AM
And let’s not forget what the Georgia GuideStones say…….could there be an agenda or what….??
Comment by John Szewczyk — March 18, 2020 @ 4:16 AM
now imagine if you would use your power as a christian and all the good you could do if you only realize that the cosmic conflict is NOT imaginary. Satan is real! and importantly, Jesus is real! I recommend reading the great controversy. theres also a documentary by doug batchelor “the cosmic conflict” You are 100% correct, mental illness is one of satan’s many tactful evil ways he comes to steal, kill and destroy. So my question is why did you continue to say, this imaginary evil? why did you use imagine?
Comment by Imelda — March 18, 2020 @ 4:18 AM
I have symptoms listed above. I can’t accept change, cant love, don’t have empathy. I don’t want to be this way, but negativity rules me. I have a bad marriage. Am expecting a grandchild, and don’t know if I will love it. My son was my life before he married and moved out. I know that was wrong, but that’s the way it was. Heck was my life. I feel abandoned. I know it’s evil making my mind this way. I pretend all day to be nice at work, then come home and feel bad, act bad. Can’t be myself. Can’t talk about it because all I do is cry.
Comment by Lesa — March 18, 2020 @ 5:04 AM
Yep. John. I was thinking the same thing. There’s more to it than just our health, but fighting it requires good health.
Comment by LM — March 18, 2020 @ 5:42 AM
Dr Daniel Amen is 100% correct. People tend to fill their life with negativity and worship celebrities with mental health issues, worship money, eat poorly, lack morals and religion and then wonder why they have anxiety, depression, and feel worthless.
Comment by Kamala — March 18, 2020 @ 7:01 AM
Dr Daniel Amen book is great, I will screen for some of these diseases in my practice. It is a great book for Medical Doctors to improve their practice.
Comment by Kamala — March 18, 2020 @ 7:02 AM
I firmly believe this is what is happening right now! So on point as I just thought yesterday what greater way to make people go insane than quarantine them to their homes and make them rely on social media for connection??
Comment by Angela Minelli — March 18, 2020 @ 7:22 AM
Dear Lesa
Our starting place for healing is being honest with ourselves. Sounds like you are doing that. I am also in that stage of life of healing. Next step is to find the right person to help you walk through the healing process. Prayers that you find a good person for that. And I work at a place where people come with horrible brokenness and I see lasting healing and restoration. I know it’s possible.
Comment by Kristi — March 18, 2020 @ 7:23 AM
Great article today. The systemic challenges in our society (modeling outrage and negativity) and the individual challenges we are facing (ANT’s, Shame, Unhealthy habits) are formidable foes.
So, our climb to back to robust spiritual, physical and mental/emotional health is a tough one. It’s time for change. Opt to do one thing today that you know is a step you can take for your own better health or a better outcome for your immediate community. One step every day will add up.
Comment by Jenny Lynn-Garner — March 18, 2020 @ 7:32 AM
I agree 100%!
Comment by Elizabeth Bub — March 18, 2020 @ 7:42 AM
I agree with you 100% Imelda. I have believed for years this mental illness epidemic is 100% Satan. We have become a Godless nation, Sodam and Gomorrah and have kicked Him out of everything. We are living in the result of our decision selfish decision. KILL, STEAL AND DESTROY as you said is Satan’s mission and let me tell you, he has done a very powerful job in this nation and will continue to unless American repents.
Comment by Angel — March 18, 2020 @ 9:14 AM
The irony here is that no ideology in all of human history has a greater track record of pitting people against each other than the Christian concept of a cosmic conflict between good and evil, in which anyone who does not subscribe to the Christian faith or fit the mold of what it believes are the expectations and requirements of humanity in God’s eyes is either to be converted, subjugated, or destroyed. Doesn’t get much more “us versus them” than that.
Comment by Ryan — March 18, 2020 @ 9:27 AM
Best time to have it. It was badly needed. Come on … we need all the education we can get.
Comment by jennifer footman — March 18, 2020 @ 9:55 AM
People! Dr. Amen was making a hypothetical analogy using an age old literary device. Good vs Evil. Not to be taken literally. Maybe Amen Clinics can deliver some smart pills for those of you who miss things like this!
I agree, Girl Scouts shouldn’t be setting up shop outside pot dispensaries, but that is very clever.
Relax people. Dr. Amen truly cares about our health and his work.
Maybe take a trip to that local dispensary and chill out!
Comment by NeuroGuy — March 18, 2020 @ 10:10 AM
Thanks for calling attention to SNEAKY WAYS & Mental Illness. It’s good to have a WAKE UP CALL to what is occurring in the world.
I agree with you on all points, especially recreational marijuana dispensaries….WOW what a CRAZY World that will be!
I had the good fortune to survive a former husband that survived Viet Nam. So, I have first hand knowledge the affects of a war and
PTSD and other inherited brain disorders. Therefore, I do believe there is a place for MEDICAL Marijuana for people with chronic pain.
Blessings to you and your family
Comment by Linda — March 18, 2020 @ 12:16 PM
So just curious, guessing you don’t believe in evil, thus no right or wrong. Right is for each of us to determine ourselves. But I am right and you are wrong. Thus, the conflict possibly?
Comment by DeeDee Reynolds — March 18, 2020 @ 2:51 PM
I agree with Ryan’s point re not just Christian, but all religion based on a “God” entity-we do not need to believe in an entity to be decent humans to each other-it is totally a choice! “Good and evil/God vs Devil” -the us vs them is MAN”S doing-
Any so called evil is just human’s behaving terribly-many have had awful childhoods, many have some form of mental deficiency/ailment, many are just Government and religious leaders that have NO interest in helping people, but have their own agendas, and normally use fear to control people, and pit us against each other-
Unfortunately, war, religion, and the stock market have sent us down the path of our own destruction, as fear, apathy, and greed consume us-especially the Western world.
I come from a family of 11 children, WAS Catholic, and have seen the hypocracy first hand.
Comment by DAMIAN COSTELLO — March 18, 2020 @ 4:10 PM
It’s just a tittle and some people are going over the top with it. No wonder many are here for mental health advice. The evil one could refer to our own evil nature, we as humans are very destructive. We also have plenty of good in us and many do great work. To me the most problematic one’s are the ones who think that know it all even if it’s above their head, like some of the negative comments suggest. Does Dunning Kruger effect sound familiar?
Comment by Andy — March 19, 2020 @ 5:27 AM
I believe that everything happens for a perfect reason. If we could see virus, it is really bad because it can kill lives, bring down economy, panic etc. This virus will teach us so hard because , us as a human we are stubborn we don’t care about other people..no love anymore. we don’t care about the environment. Do you think if you gonna tell to a progressive country that..Hey! you should stop all your businesses for a month because it creates big pollution on earth. do you think they will follow you. A big NO. So GOD or universe created something that will teach us VERY WELL .Yes it will cost lives of a little percentage of human on earth but the results will be good to majority. I believe this virus teaches us how to get discipline, LOVE yourself, others, environment, not to be greedy etc. Thank you Dr. Amen for helping many with your love, advises and learn how to love ourselves specially the brain.
Comment by Bens — March 19, 2020 @ 6:38 PM
Knowledge is power. If there was understanding would people be scared out of their minds over this virus?
Comment by Geri — March 20, 2020 @ 6:43 PM
Read your Bible. The Good Ruler and the Evil Ruler are real.
Comment by A. L. — March 21, 2020 @ 6:45 AM
Good thoughts people
Comment by Stephanie R Morse — November 16, 2021 @ 6:46 PM