Unintentional Atmosphere of Unawareness
What’s in the air that seems to blind so many people to the consequences of their actions?
Some parts of our society, I’ve noticed, tend to unintentionally create an atmosphere that it’s not okay to feel, think, or act certain ways.
Ways which really don’t harm anybody — that in fact, can do quite the opposite. Ways that said parts of our society may deem as unnecessary or shameful, even though they can bring about positive change.
This alienates those who do these certain things without apology. (Or sometimes with apology, it’s okay – I, too, occasionally apologize with little to no reason.)
Those alienated are the people who tend to voice valid concerns, address negative feelings, and attempt to overall do better – all ways which may come off as different in some parts of society. Inadvertently condescending, even.
Examples of these instances include speaking on anxiety, depression, and loneliness along with potentially healthier healing methods.
These are all unfortunately common human feelings, yet may often lead to the speaker being looked down on as odd, sensitive, or just a buzz kill (typically in group settings). Despite the fact that bringing awareness to these very real (albeit sucky) emotions may actually reap many positive benefits.
So Let’s Become Aware
Not only does speaking on these deeper issues begin to dissipate the atmosphere that these feelings are not normal, but this awareness can help lead to the action of seeking healthy treatments.
In other words, when these emotions are healthily acknowledged, positive solutions are perfectly viable. Positive solutions can include but are not limited to:
- healthy self reflection (as found in meditating – helps with becoming more aware, present, and mindful)
- moving of the body (staying healthily active for your physical as well as your mental well being)
- exercising of the mind (reading, regularly intaking valuable information to keep your brain active)
- socializing in reasonable doses (as to have quality time with friends/family, but still with boundaries in place for necessary alone time as well)
- honing ones ability to thrive in occasional isolation (in connection with self reflection, learning to not only be okay with alone time but even utilizing it for your own benefit)
When feeling anxiety, don’t simply dismiss it – acknowledge that you’re feeling it, why you may be feeling it, and make your decision in spite of it. (i.e. you feel anxiety about socializing – acknowledge that this is perfectly okay and normal to feel, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that socializing is inherently bad and you should avoid it – make that phone call or invite that friend out anyways.)
Many wish to drown out these feelings, blatantly attempting to ignore or brush them aside. This often proves to be futile.
They may drink or smoke for a nice buzz when they feel anxiety creeping in, go party to surround themselves with people the minute they feel loneliness, or drown themselves in shopping receipts and self care routines at the very hint of depression. They may even just lay in bed all day watching TV to sort of escape their current reality.
And at the end of it all they laugh off any real understandable concerns one might have towards these damaging habits.
Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing inherently wrong with a person if they do any of these things. I have done these things myself in the past. They are all essentially different forms of self-harming coping mechanisms.
These coping mechanisms will most certainly cause damage, if not now then in the long-term, when repeatedly being used as distractions in order to avoid ones inner self.
It is good for one to at least attempt to slow down and gain some self control as soon as they notice these actions becoming habits. Otherwise they can quickly spiral into uncontrollable addictions.
Instead of taking a hit or sip or just shutting down whenever you feel that anxiety creeping in, let yourself feel it. Ask yourself why you feel it. Is whatever thing that is giving you anxiety at the moment really that bad? Probably not. And if it is that bad, you’re better equipped to handle dealing with it in a healthier state of body and mind anyways.
You know what would probably help you feel better (not only in the moment but over time) more than that puff bar, a beer, or mindless scrolling?
Making sure you’ve eaten. Actually attempting to eat kind of healthy while you’re at it. Going for a jog or doing some yoga. Calling a (preferably good influence) friend/family member for support. Practicing a skill or hobby.
So many things that are actually proven to be way more beneficial over time, yet seemingly so little people willing to actually implement these positive habits into their daily lives.
Why is this?
It is due to the atmosphere that we as a society have unintentionally created – one that shames such negative emotions, consequently promoting the blocking of them out often using instant gratification tools (smoking, drinking, doom-scrolling, etc.).
It’s a sad yet increasingly growing issue that we must acknowledge ourselves in order to accept and even attempt to make a change from.
Don’t shame your friends or family for unknowingly promoting these damaging ideals though. Instead you must focus on yourself and your own personal growth, in hopes of ultimately inspiring the people around you to do the same.
If you would like to do more for those around you, gentle advice and guidance (such as simply sending them this article) makes all the difference compared to any passing of judgement. Especially as most of us can’t deny we’ve been in the same place ourselves at some point.
We’re all human after all. Let’s treat each other as such.
This gentle, yet persistent and unapologetic spreading of awareness is something I believe can bring true change.
“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, more unashamed conversation.” — Glenn Close
