21–30 of 158 posts
Nobody says we can't do something useful with our time, but spending one's sparetime working won't help.
I've heard the phrase "chop wood, carry water" here on HN a few times. It's not a bad concept and if you have the option then I'd suggest trying. It's far more rewarding than watching Netflix.
Consider therapy. Other things might help as well. Sleep more. Rest more. Work less. Find time for some physical activity. But at least in my case, finding and addressing the root cause(s) was the key (followed by years of un-learning of some unhealthy mental patterns).
>I feel like we are destroying our planet, destroying our economy, we make poor people poorer, stir political extremes, we alienate the younger generation with social medias, there is war in Europe, everything is about politics when it should be about science and people... I think my opinion is unpopular, but it shouldn't be, and perhaps the fact that it's unpopular is part of the reason why so many people find thems…
Until I talked to a therapist. Initially we spoke every week, now I talk to her about once a month. We talk about everything. What bothers me at work. What bothers me in the world. Things that are going well. Things that are unfair. And she's an impartial advisor on how I can handle and deal with my feelings.
Going to a therapist has turned my life around for the better, and I feel dumb for not going earlier.
If we break our bones we visit a doctor. If our teeth hurt we visit a dentist. And similarly when we feel depressed we should talk to a therapist.
I hope OP finds the help he needs.
99% of the world's population would happily trade with you, just focus on this.
Also, I don't think it's true. Most people don't want improved material circumstances as much as they want dignity and peace of mind. Yes, most people in the world are objectively poor and would benefit a lot from having more money; still, the idea that people are obsessed with material gain or envy is endemic to the West under capitalism but not universal. They would not "trade lives". It's the same as with refugee crises and mass migration--they don't want to leave their homelands and families, but have no other choice.
You can get killed by a car the moment you exist your house. So, chill out. Learn to enjoy life and time spent with those near you. You have back up investments, so you did things to have a fail over plan. Just relax!
Unfortunately, "just relax" is not helpful advice for the anxious person, any more than "just cheer up" is for the depressed.
Ultimately, your mental health can only be solved by one person. You.
Stop reading the news. The incentives lead to amplification of negative narratives and the unhealthy feeling that you are responsible for or able to respond to every bad thing in the world. It is a mental health crisis. If you stop reading the news and discover that you and the people around you are mostly happy and you are able to ease their suffering and help them find joy, them you've found the way to live. The na…