Part 7/13:
Psychological insights reveal that humans are pack animals; they thrive when pulling against a weight, a responsibility they choose. This leads to better mental health and resilience. Conversely, without such a load, many men experience internal turmoil, depression, and self-contempt. The opioid epidemic among unemployed middle-aged white men in the United States exemplifies this: job loss strips away identity and purpose, leading to pain, despair, and maladaptive coping.