I’m not sure if I can provide links or not but look up on YouTube the channel Truthstream Media & the documentary “The Mind’s of Men”- I have no affiliation with this channel or the documentary but it is absolutely a must see in regard to the Mental Health System. It’s very very long but is packed with very well documented research & references you can follow up with independent research- I hope this helps also. It’s a “heavy” watch but well worth it-I’ve watched it several times personally.
I agree with a lot of what you wrote. Priestmonk Kosmas in Australia has very good lectures discussing mental problems in our current time, Ive always found them helpful. One thing I remember him mentioning is a quote from Elder Paisios that today everyone suffers from three things: cancer, divorce, mental illness. It’s a way for modern man to fight his pride because a lot of the time we don’t know how else to. This might explain why modern medicine usually makes mentally ill people worse off than they were prior to seeing the psychiatrist. It’s a cross to accept and bear, not something that can quickly be rid of. In today’s society it’s hard to not be mentally unwell to an extent. That’s why saints are considered the only truly “normal” people.
I can't believe that mid-twenties is considered "young" for marrying these days. My mother had 4 kids by the time she was 25, but that was by the early 70s. I was unable to have children because at 21 I was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure. This really grieved me and I was astonished that my only fertile years were between 11 and 21 years old. That felt pretty insane, but of course had I known this would be the case, I would have tried to marry at 18. I think a young marriage is very good, particularly if both are Orthodox.
Thanks Roosh.
Welcome! My advice is to unlearn the lessons that taught you to believe late teens is too young to get married.
Welcome! I come from a similar background as you. I decided to go to college because that seemed the best thing to do at the time. My mom also had this stupid notion that I had to have a degree because she never got one. My advice would be to avoid college, even if you asked me before all this covid stuff. But especially now, you really don't want to be in that environment if you are serious about the faith and being a homemaker someday. My advice would be to find a good church and look for young men there. It may be difficult to find one that suits you and has the same dreams but God will be with you. I personally know of a young man your age, so there are guys out there. Don't feel too rushed into finding someone, and St. Xenia can help you find someone. I would tell you to focus on the faith first, for from that you will find God's will for you. Then I would say to learn/hone in on any skills that would help you become a better wife/mother (cooking, cleaning, sewing, etc). Finally, get a job that you genuinely enjoy so as to pass the time and make some money as you wait for your future husband. If you are really interested in some type of career that is more skilled I would say trade school or community college would be the best investment, but make sure it is actually a skill, not just an associates in something useless like psychology or biology.
Thank you for the reply! I have the impression that my younger age makes me more vulnerable to men who don’t have the best intentions in mind. I read of your marriage at the age of 19 that went wrong. How do I avoid men who are manipulative?
My current plan is to get an online degree related to computer programming. That way, I don’t have to set foot on a college campus while gaining a skill that may be useful in the future. I’m certainly not too interested in the subject, but getting some sort of a degree seems like a necessity in the eyes of my family.
I’ve heard this advice before, and although it makes practical sense, I cannot help but feel that it is an inappropriate way to view church. I want my desire to attend church to spring from my faith, not from the urgency to find a husband.
Really, though, it's not "either-or", but both together. My husband advised our son to "fish in the right pond", where you find someone who shares your same beliefs and values. A church. especially with an active youth group is certainly better than a bar.
