Panic Attacks...
I read a post today. It talked about depression and anxiety and said that today was a Mental Health Awareness day. It made me think!
I come across posters about depression, anxiety and panic attacks in colleges and universities everywhere. Employers are warned to recognize the signs in their employees. Teachers are trained to detect early symptoms in children in schools. Every Physician keeps a brochure on depression in the office. The number of Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers and Therapists is on the rise.... I think and I wonder about the causes.
It is the reality of our times. It is the price of individualism and freedom we pay. There are more resources but less satisfaction. People have friends but no companionship. Houses are bigger but vacant. Closets are over flowing but hearts are empty. There are numerous ways to socialize, yet people are lonely. Globalization is everywhere, yet isolation is prominent. Physical distances are overcome but the emotional gaps have widened!...
Why? I ask!
In the material rat race to outdo the other, people have let go of human values. Technology and science have made life comfortable but replaced human touches. Availability and quantity has cheapened the value. There is simply too much of everything and too much exposure. There is too much awareness too! Lets start with Children. They are loosing their innocence way too early. In our need to prepare them against the dangers that lurk in societies, we are stripping them of a carefree childhood. The high rate of suicides among young adults pin points to the pressures these precious souls undergo. Adults are overburdened. Elderly are bitter. No one is happy.
We are living in the times of extremes. Everything and everybody has a tendency towards the extreme. On one hand we see extreme acts of kindness, courage, valor and sacrifice...Mother Teresa and Abdul Sattar Edhi come to mind. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdul_Sattar_Edhi ). On the other hand we see extreme cruelty, selfishness, oppression and obsession...Terrorists, use of chemical weapons and such are predominant examples.
We live in times of fear! Politicians use fear as their favorite toy to play with our psyches. Everything is over dramatized. Media controls our lives and blows things out of proportions to sensationalize the norms in their quest to achieve maximum ratings. Everyone is worried. Everyone wants to live in the moment. No one wants to think about the future because it is too far away and the present seems so insecure.
Everyone wants to be happy but they do not know how. Living in consumer societies, they try buying happiness. Spend extra amounts on living, shopping, partying, socializing, vacationing...everything...but still happiness eludes them.
What is the solution? My mind inquires!
Contentment. Heart replies.
Freedom is precious within limitations.
Exposure is beautiful with guidance.
Technology is an asset with humans.
Houses are homes with people.
Media is priceless with morals.
Books are worthy with wisdom....
Contentment comes from containment. We need to learn to contain our wishes, our longings, our freedoms...in order to have peace of mind!
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