Modern life requires mental sustainability
“The experience I have had is that once you start talking about [experiencing a mental health struggle], you realize that actually you’re part of quite a big club.”
— Prince Harry
The future is a wave that’s either going to crush us or that we can learn to ride. Learn to ride the waves.
Your mind drives your life experience: personal esteem, connection to others, physical capacity, mood, sleep and ability to thrive.
The problem with mental pain, writer C.S. Lewis said, is that it is less dramatic than physical pain. Though it is more common and harder to bear, “The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say ‘My heart is broken.'”
He wasn’t wrong.
An estimated 10-20% of adolescents globally experience mental health conditions, yet these remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Every single one of us experiences loss, stress, anxiety or trauma. That includes NBA stars, Kevin Love and Demar Derozan and Prince Harry and Meghan (Duke and Duchess of Sussex) who shared their struggles and vulnerability with teens everywhere. They underline the idea that showing your vulnerability is a sign of strength.
But the ability of the brain to change throughout one’s life (neuroplasticity) is real. You can change the way you think about something. You can rewire your brain to positivity.
Take notice of what you consume with your eyes, your mind -- the movies we watch, language we use, or the people we follow on social media -- it affects your health. Focus on the uplifting, positive vibes out in the world and get better at sorting out how things make you feel and what really matters.
Take time together to reflect on the vulnerability, strength, and beauty of the human body and spirit, and the good that can come out of hard times. Try to catch yourself complaining about what you don’t have and, instead, name three things that
Take time to truly value your people. You, and other amazing humans all over the world, have the determination and spirit to help each other to be resilient.
Spend time with people who put you at ease, maybe even make you laugh.
Ask yourself what matters to you? What do you live for? Those answers can help you focus and feel a sense of optimism and hope for a bright future. If you have something to fight for and live for, emotional resilience will naturally come to you.
Shine the light on the positive.
