Our Sanity at Risk

In 1970, Alvin Toffler wrote a bestselling book titled Future Shock. The main point Toffler put forth is that the human mind cannot adapt to such rapid and multiple societal changes in a short period of time, and that continuing to experience rapid change would ultimately drive a human being insane. At the time this book was published, this idea was pretty radical. Whether or not Toffler’s premise is true is still open to debate. However, after 30 years as a mental health professional, I have seen plenty of evidence that being exposed to too much information in too short a time does cause personal stress and often disorientation, which in turn affects one’s decision making ability and sense of wellbeing.

Over the last three years, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans and Canadians have been subjected to incredible disruptions of normal routine (i.e., schools and churches closed; working at home instead of going to the office; suspension of normal social interactions; postponement of travel; etc.) Evidence is mounting that the severe restrictions on social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic were detrimental to our mental health and also to our overall sense of wellbeing.

Related: 
STAYING SANE IN A WORLD GONE MAD – Part 1
STAYING SANE IN A WORLD GONE MAD – Part 2

Our cultural traditions and religious beliefs are being attacked in ways we have never had to deal with before

And if that were not enough to cause us to feel disoriented and disconnected, we also have had to mentally process the constant information being fed to us through the 24/7 news cycle. Much of “the news” has been absolutely shocking and upsetting, and before our psyche has time to make sense of what we just saw or heard, we are hit with another sensational news story. While we are continuing to be bombarded daily with way too much information to process, we also are now learning about the extensive amount of misinformation and censorship that our governments and the media engaged in during the pandemic. Learning that we have been purposely lied to adds a whole other element of angst and concern.

Both Biden and Trudeau are becoming bolder in implementing their personal agendas, which include exerting more and more power and control over their countrymen’s lives. Each leader has demonstrated in numerous ways that they don’t really care about their citizens, and the citizens are starting to understand how true that is. It takes a heavy toll on one’s spirit to know the leader of your country does not have your best interests at heart.

Then on top of all of this, our cultural traditions and religious beliefs are being attacked in ways we have never had to deal with before. Americans and Canadians are also experiencing loss of person freedoms at a rate that we have never before experienced. No wonder the rates of depression, suicide, and drug and alcohol use have skyrocketed in the last few years.

The basic cure for anxiety, as well as for mild to moderate forms of depression

All of this social change and daily overdose of information places a heavy demand on our brain, which then becomes overwhelmed and confused. The only way to help the brain become less overwhelmed and less confused is to limit the amount of data or information it absorbs each day, and that is easier said than done in this digital and high-tech world.

For some individuals, just walking down a busy city street can over-stimulate the brain which is now trying to process (i.e., make sense of) all the sights and sounds seen and heard. Even watching television commercials these days can confuse the brain because some of the commercials are so multi-layered and fast-moving that it is impossible to take in all the images and data presented. When a person is exposed to stimulation in any form that is new or confusing to them, it causes the brain to work much harder. When our brain is working hard for too long at a time, we become stressed and anxious.

The basic cure for anxiety, as well as for mild to moderate forms of depression, is to put routine back into daily life. Having a daily routine, especially a routine you have designed, will create purpose, and purpose creates meaning. The rhythm that comes with daily purpose significantly aids our sense of well-being.

Instead of allowing your brain to be overloaded every day with all the stimuli coming from overexposure or overuse of technology, make a conscious effort to limit your exposure. Instead of watching TV or Internet news all day long, only watch a couple of news shows that you believe will provide you with the best and most truthful news coverage.

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My new heroes are Jordan Peterson, Elon Musk, Canadian Truckers 

Consider this. Instead of wringing your hands because there is so much really bad news these days, decide what concerns you the most about the state of the world today, and then figure out what you personally can do to influence or change the trajectory. For example, if you are worried about the future of the younger generation, volunteer to lead a youth group or become a mentor or tutor. You will be most successful at influencing or driving change if you are doing it in your own corner of the world (neighborhood, city, or state) as opposed to trying to do this globally. Get to know the movers and shakers in your local community, so that when you want to make a difference in your local area, you will know who you need to get to know or talk to or write to.

Having a purpose in life and hope for the future are necessary for our mental health and overall wellbeing no matter what our age. The Klaus Schwabs, Justin Trudeaus, and Bill Gates of the world are doing their best to take away any freedom of choice, hope, or joy we may have. Stopping this evil cabal from perpetrating even more evil and societal destruction must start with American and Canadian patriots deciding they have had enough and being courageous enough to say NO. NO, I’m not going to be intimidated, fearful, discouraged, or depressed. NO, I’m not going to allow these tyrants to indoctrinate our children with a Marxist and transgender agenda. NO, I’m not going to put up with not being allowed to worship where and when I choose.

My new heroes are Jordan Peterson, who refused to play the gender pronoun game, Elon Musk, who seems to be leading the fight against censorship by shining light on the truth, and the Canadian truckers, who were brave enough to say “no more” and are still being harassed and demonized by their own government.

So, was Alvin Toffler right? Are we going to be driven insane by too much change too rapidly? Not if we stay grounded in God’s Word, always seek Truth, and reject Evil in all its many forms.

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