Discussion Question: Is a problem still a problem if you don't think it's a problem?
Discussion Question: Is a problem still a problem if you don't think it's a problem?
I think it definitely depends on the problem.
For example, addicts may not think their addiction is a problem, but any addiction can be a problem, as it's something that lessens your control through life and affects your decision making abilities dramatically.
Other "problems" may not be problems. It all depends on perspective and how dramatic and traumatic the situation is. There are so many factors that go into this.
@EleNergy I'm glad I'm not the only one. ;)
If a problem affects u despite ur trying to not think about it ...the problem is still there , its only u not being able to recognize it as one ...which inturn is a bigger problem. Recognizing a problem & taking adequate measures in solving it should be the approach & not just denying its existence.
It depends on the problem. Sometimes it's only a problem because you believe that it is. We're constantly under many societal, familial, and personal pressures to be and act a particular way. It's not unlikely that a person needs to learn to accept and forgive themselves. This is particularly an issue when it comes to regret. Many people will strongly regret past actions, and it may negatively impact their current thoughts and actions. Or they may continue to be angry at a person who's wronged them, causing serious issues with their mental and physical health. Negative and irrational thought processes cause problems of all kinds, and they're problems that are created by that person. But often people are unable or unwilling to recognize that a small change in perspective may alleviate a great many problems.
The other side of the coin is that people are just as good at deflecting and reframing in negative ways. What we may recognize as being a problem, likely one that we're afraid of tackling, we can alter just enough to make it not seem a problem anymore. Just because we don't look at the growing stack of bills or conveniently forget that worsening smoker's hack, or not see the doctor about that really scary mole, doesn't make these problems go away. But we're just as good at ignoring problems into perceived nonexistence as we are at creating problems where there are none.
YES! People deny things they're not ready to deal with or admit to themselves. Some people tend to shove things under the rug, so they don't treat it as a problem. I feel like if approached correctly, problems can be solved well enough to become very minor challenges.
If someone cuts my arm off but I don't feel the pain or see it as a problem - it still is a problem because my body will shut down regardless of how I percieve it emotionally.
If I become bankrupt but I only care for the simple life - its still a problem because I will be paying off debt, tax and bills regardless of how little I care for money.
You may not percieve it as a problem but it will still cause a strain on you - and its your choice to acknolwedge that problem or not.
@MidniteAngel
"its still a problem because I will be paying off debt, tax and bills regardless of how little I care for money"
Depends on the country :-)
@carefulBike3504
Your country has no debt, tax or bills? Please take me over there - this sounds like heaven.
@MidniteAngel
You just need to be poor enough. Without an income, there is no income tax, and with the most basic social benefits, no one can take them away because they are for food and such.
It is not such heaven because most people want to do more things (hobbies, sports, having a nice home) than just surviving, but... technically speaking, it is possible to go bankrupt and just do nothing for the rest of your life. But only few people do it because it is not THAT nice. The level of comfort is variable between countries. Well, I suppose it was one of the reasons for Brexit (the comfort level for "doing nothing" is fairly high and some foreigners wanted to take advantage of that).
@MidniteAngel Yours is a very astute response! Thank you so much for clarifying some points that need to be expounded upon.
A problem will always be a problem,no matter what. Sometimes it's just a matter of ignoring it and pretending it's not there. You can trick yourself to believe that you don't have a problem but deep down you will always know that it's a problem.
I don't think any problem is a problem, if you don't think it's a problem. A problem which may seem like a 'problem' to somebody else, is not a problem if it's not, in perception a problem to you.
A problem is still a problem even if you disagree with it. That's called Utilitarianism. People often become spoiled or stuck up because they're used to getting their way, because their way makes THEM happy. However it is not always good for them and causes them immense struggle to recognize what they want and what they need.
It saddens me a bit the number of knee-jerk responses in the affirmative. "Problems" aren't universal. Perception is extremely important. No, we can't wish away life's difficulties, but changing perspective could make a world of difference. It makes it easier to tackle problems that are concrete, (financial, interpersonal, professional), and can make a world of difference to address emotional "problems", like guilt and regret, anger and anxiety. Sometimes people will discover that many "problems" dissipate if they view them more rationally and objectively. Self-aware introspection can be extremely valuable.
Well this is something I personally deal with very often and I do tend to wonder about it myself. Many times I feel like I either outgrow my problems or ignore them to the point where they seem meaningless to me. The issue with that is that the problem never gets resolved and can come again later on in the future. I would say 7 out of 10 times the issue reappears and I'm stuck having to figure out what I'm going to do about it once again. Another thing is that if you ignore a problem now, it may develop into a bigger issue if you leave it alone without trying to find a solution for it. In the end, I would have to come to the conclusion that you should try to face and solve your issues as soon as they occur and if your a little behind and have been feeling like they don't matter anymore, I still suggest trying to get them resolved no matter how much time has passed by. This will only free up space for more positive things in your life Hope this helps!
