<p>Any nation has flaws.&nbsp; All do, in fact.&nbsp; The American dream is based on the idea of being free and independent, and it is the goal that all strive to enjoy in this nation.&nbsp; This is a lofty goal, but an important one.&nbsp; As July 4th draws nearer, there is no better time to understand that than on Independence Day.</p> <p><strong>What is the true value of independence and freedom?</strong></p> <p>When it comes to the concept of both of these values, the focus is one the same main theme from one to the other: safety.&nbsp; When a nation is free, and its citizens are both independent and free, everyone is safe to be who they are.&nbsp; There is no need to hide one&rsquo;s true personality or to pretend to be something they are not.</p> <p>Those who are fortunate enough to live in an independent nation like America have the luxury of simply living life how they best see fit for themselves.&nbsp; The keyword here, of course, is luxury, since many other nations do not have this same freedom distributed throughout the nation as a whole.</p> <p>Its value means peace of mind, comfort, safety, relaxation, and so-on.&nbsp; Americans have all of these things on a regular basis.</p> <p><strong>What is the connection to mental health?</strong></p> <p>The connection to living in a free and independent country, in regards to mental health, is certainly palpable.&nbsp; When living in safety, as discussed, people feel free to:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Seek support when needed:</strong> If you are looking for a chance to get mental health support or treatment, you will find resources waiting for you that are accessible in many ways throughout all stages in life.</li> <li><strong>Be themselves publicly:</strong> Regardless of how open or closed they wish to be about their mental health, disorders, conditions, etc., America is a nation that encourages everyone to be who they are in public, if they wish.&nbsp; This allows many to feel free to express themselves, too.</li> <li><strong>Focus on their priorities without repercussions:</strong> Whether that be mental health treatment, or simply focusing on individual needs as far as health is concerned, the goal is always do what is best for an individual&rsquo;s long-term needs, even if it means they are not able to focus on work or economical growth.</li> </ul> <p>While not everyone will seek help, understanding that the resources are there and available on request can offer the first step to one day seeking help.</p> <p><strong>What we can learn</strong></p> <p>As we look forward to the holiday, we can also take it as a moment of reflection.&nbsp; In being grateful to be a nation of free people, it also gives us an opportunity to appreciate what freedom and independence mean both as a nation and individuals.&nbsp; It can also help us to speak up for those who do not have rights or freedoms as of yet.</p> <p>The importance of both independence and freedom cannot be overstated.&nbsp; By both enjoying it for what it means and also using it as energy to keep pushing for those who do not, it will help make the American dream even better for everyone who is looking to make it their reality.</p> <p>Sources:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.nclap.org/freedom-mental-health/">https://www.nclap.org/freedom-mental-health/</a></li> </ul>