3 Mental Health Lessons We Can Borrow From Our Ancestors
Modern life may have its unique challenges, but that doesn't mean our ancestors had it easier. They may not have had fancy buzzwords surrounding mental health, but managing stress and grief were very much a part of life back then.
There may not be exact statistics, but it's true that people in times past enjoyed a greater overall well-being. Today, the situation is such that one in every two people is expected to experience a mental health condition within their lifetime.
When mental health issues become so large-scale, it's time to go back to our roots. In this article, we will discuss three lessons our ancestors have to offer. They can drastically change the mental health scenario of America in particular and the world in general.
Healing Happens in Community, Not in Isolation
People in the bygone eras seldom faced emotional struggles alone. There's a famous adage associated with parenting that states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, that's true for all types of ancient challenges.
Tribes and villages served as interconnected systems where hardships, grief, and joy were shared experiences. Communal grieving was the mode of mourning the loss of departed loved ones. Similarly, the entire community came together to celebrate and support at the time of birth.
Even daily work like gathering food or building shelters was a community effort. This means each individual’s emotional well-being was deeply entwined with social bonds. Modern life is the opposite in the sense that isolation and emptiness run deep.
Many today live far from extended families or work remotely. Even among those who stay physically close, there's a sense of disconnection due to smartphones and constant immersion in them. No wonder loneliness is a growing epidemic, especially in larger cities.
It's come to a point where loneliness has been declared a public health issue worldwide. What's more is the fact that the American Psychological Association (APA) found that middle-aged adults in the US are lonelier than their European counterparts.
It's time to be more intentional with your social circles. Don't simply engage in small talk with people in your neighborhood. Instead, participate in group traditions or local events, and share personal experiences.
The truth is that even small, meaningful connections matter. So, you need not look for formal organizations for a social life. Perhaps schedule a weekly gathering with close friends. Look for hobbies or faith-based communities, or volunteer for causes you care about. Each step helps in alleviating emotional burden to some extent.
Storytelling is a Tool for Emotional Regulation
Back in those days, therapy centers or offices didn't exist. People processed life through stories. It's no surprise that legends, epics, and songs were not just for entertainment. They served as vital tools to manage and regulate emotions.
Storytelling became the means to make sense of grief, celebrate joy, and even navigate the uncertainty of life. When personal experiences were framed within a larger narrative, our ancestors were able to find meaning in suffering and learn from mistakes.
The interesting part is that modern mental health practices validate what those back then naturally knew. Narrative therapy is an example where people are allowed to reshape their negative stories into ones full of hope.
Moreover, verbally sharing experiences or writing them down (journaling) lowers stress and clarifies emotions. The power of words in giving structure to overwhelming emotions is recognized even in mental health education.
For instance, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions use therapy and medication. Many PMHNP schools emphasize narrative approaches, encouraging future practitioners to listen deeply to patient stories.
In many cases, the story itself becomes the most effective therapeutic tool. Moreover, Cleveland State University shares that psychiatric nurses extend holistic care and work with patients of all ages. When storytelling is introduced, it's possible to understand experiences at every stage, helping patients process emotions and strengthen resilience.
Outside of a professional setting, there are ways to incorporate storytelling into your daily life. Journal your thoughts, share experiences with a trusted friend, or create fictional accounts of your challenges.
Nature is a Trusted Companion in Recovery
It's a marvel to think that life for most of human history unfolded outdoors. It was commonplace for our ancestors to rise with the sun, walk barefoot on dewy grass, work in the fields, and sleep under the stars.
Today, nature might be a weekend retreat at best. Back then, it was thoughtfully woven into daily life. This constant connection with the natural world was more than sustenance. It provided a quiet and restorative space for the mind and body.
Modern research confirms what our ancestors intuitively followed: Mental health challenges are worse in highly urbanized areas. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) shared a study conducted in South Queensland, Australia, on the multifaceted importance of green spaces. The findings confirmed that green areas in regional settings reduce stress, facilitate social interactions, and encourage physical activity.
In other words, a brief pause in the park, a quiet moment spent with a plant, or simply watching the clouds or mountains can be grounding. Gradually, you will experience a better mood and fewer symptoms of anxiety or depression.
This isn't to imply that spending time outdoors can altogether replace professional mental health support. Therapy, counseling, and even medication in severe cases are foundational to well-being. Time in nature can be more of a supportive or complementary practice, rooting the healing process.
You can begin your day with time in nature to calm your nervous system, recharge emotionally, and enhance the benefits of traditional treatment. A good way to go about this is to tie outdoor time to something meaningful. For instance, gather some herbs for the day or go stargazing to meditate on the vastness of creation.
Your outdoor time can even be ritualistic, involving gratitude journaling under a tree or enjoying alfresco meals without devices.
So we see that our ancestors thrived, not because they had zero problems, but because of connection. They made psychological well-being an integral part of their daily lives.
The lessons shared in this article are timeless and open for you to borrow as you please. A holistic approach to mental health depends on combining ancestral wisdom with contemporary care strategies.
