Changing Climate

Credits : @canva

Growing up, I didn't knew the word "anxious." My parents, teachers, friends and even media never talked about it. May be that feeling when I had an assignment to submit the next day I wasn't even close to finishing should have tipped me over. It didn't. May be when my brother didn't arrive from school until late in the night was another warning sign. But I missed it. I think I knew how to navigate through those feelings without having a label. I believed it was a symptom of growing up and dismissed it recognising it to be a fleeting phase.

Many years later now, my six year old yesterday handed me a piece of paper their school counsellor handed them outlining the ways to support mental well being and dealing with anxiety. I kept contemplating if it was a good move introducing him to a word that never existed for me. Anxiety was something I learned to cope, developing my inner strength and resilience. For my child, understanding anxiety may empower him to navigate his feelings more effectively, equipping him with tools to articulate his emotions rather than bury them. This awareness is a crucial aspect of dealing with challenges of the modernised world.

The modern landscape presents a stark contrast to my childhood, where mental health issues were often dejected. Today’s children are learning early on that it’s okay to talk about their feelings, to seek help, and to understand that it is a common experience.

However, I can’t help but wonder if this new openness also comes with its own set of challenges. Are we unintentionally amplifying children’s anxieties by exposing them to topics that feel overwhelming? The information age has created a paradox: while it provides tools and language for understanding emotions, it also bombards young minds with stressors that can feel insurmountable.

Traditional ways of self-care often revolved around community and familial support - spending time with loved ones, engaging in communal rituals, or seeking solace in nature, creating a buffer against the inevitable ups and downs of life.

In contrast, modern self-care emphasizes individual strategies and professional help. Therapy and mindfulness apps are accessible, but lack the depth of cultural resonance. This shift towards individualism can lead to feelings of isolation, even while providing tools for managing anxiety.

As I ponder the implications of my child learning about anxiety, I realize we can honor the strengths of both traditional and modern approaches to mental health. Teaching my son about emotional literacy while also introducing him to the rich tapestry of self-care practices from different cultures can equip him with a broader toolkit for resilience.

My hope is that he can navigate his feelings integrating the wisdom of the past with the tools of the present. It’s a delicate dance, but I believe that fostering open conversations about emotions while grounding him in the strength of self can empower him to face whatever challenges lie ahead. In this changing climate, communal power can strengthen the core and core can build the resilience.

Now with the modern toolkit and traditional partnerships, I wish to empower my students to understand it is ok to feel this way but more importantly I am not alone in this and I have enormous power within me. All I need to focus on my Calm.