Spotlight: The Pressure to “Always Be On”
Feeling Overwhelmed? You're Not Alone.
In today's digital world, it's easy to feel constantly bombarded by negative news and the pressure to "always be on." The constant flow of content on conflict, human suffering, inflation, and the cost-of-living crisis, amplified by social media, creates a sense of constant unease and contributes to a collective feeling of overwhelm. The pressure to 'hustle' and 'adapt' can feel immense, leaving many people feeling like they're failing to keep up. But what if we could learn to accept our limitations and prioritize our well-being?
Le feu follet (Louis Malle, 1963)
Social media has become perhaps the largest platform for receiving information about the world.
In the insightful podcast 'Sarde After Dinner,' hosted by Médéa Azouri and Mouin Jaber, renowned neuroscientist and clinical psychologist Albert Moukheiber offers a much-needed counterpoint to the prevailing 'grind' mentality. Moukheiber challenges the notion that we must constantly strive for more, arguing that this relentless pursuit of success can be detrimental to our mental and physical health. We need to accept the world is not perfect and that the issues happening in the world do affect us.
While the situation is serious, it is not without hope. During the episode, Moukheiber shares valuable insights on how to navigate these challenging times with greater self-compassion and a greater sense of community. He emphasizes the importance of setting realistic boundaries, prioritizing taking the time to let the mind wander, and accepting that it's okay to not be okay. Connecting with others and fostering a sense of solidarity can provide much-needed support and a sense of shared experience.
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, here are some organizations that can provide support:
The Mental Health Foundation: Offers resources and information on various mental health issues.
Mental Health Europe: they maintain a directory of youth helplines across Europe. You can find it here.
YoungMinds: Provides information and support for young people experiencing mental health problems.