One of the hallmarks of our country is its commitment to freedom. Freedom is engrained in the American dream in so many aspects of life. Power and autonomy are intertwined with the importance of mental health. A healthy mental health state is characterized by having personal freedom – to be free to make good choices for one’s self and others. Understanding how the concept of freedom is important to good mental health begins with an awareness that freedom is itself a relative concept. We discuss Righting Reflex, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and Behavioral Economics