Today, it seems we are bombarded with existential threats to human existence, including global warming, the next presidency, illegal immigration, unscrupulous media reporting, and the next pandemic. Since the 2020 pandemic, Americans are suffering from increased levels of anxiety
In his latest book, The Anxious
Generation, best-selling author Jonathan Haidt examines how social media
and isolation have negatively affected ‘Gen Z’ [ages 12 – 27]. In an era of
“safetyism,” where parents hesitate to let children walk to the end of their
driveway without supervision, children are safe at home but released on the
internet, where pornography, bullying, hate groups, and other high-risk
behaviors are a click away.
Help, I need somebody.
Haidt finds that America’s next
generation of workers are emotionally isolated and suffering from diagnosable
mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Symptoms include
being socially awkward, demotivated, unable to focus, self-harm, and suicide.
Described as a Surge of Suffering in Haidt’s previous
book, The Coddling of the American Mind, mental illness is rising
rapidly and affecting college students at unprecedented rates, including
anxiety (25%), depression (20%), and ADHD (7%). Self-harm and suicide
levels have risen dramatically since 2010. This “rewiring” is caused by
over-exposure to electronic devices, including smartphones.
The U.S. Surgeon General‘s report, Social
Media and Youth Mental Health, reports that 95% of youth aged 13 – 17
report they “almost constantly” are engaging in social media. The American
Psychological Association issued, Health Advisory on Social Media Use
in Adolescence, discussing ways parents can, you guessed it, protect their
kids from the effects of social media and the anxiety that accompanies it.
When I was younger, so much younger
than today, I never needed
anybody's help in any way.
And for the second year, The Walton
Family Foundation – Gallup Voices of Gen Z Study reports that merely
51% “of Gen Z are thriving in their lives.” Of these, 79% of the next
generation of workers “agree they have a great future,” while only half report
feeling prepared for that future.
Similar aberrant behaviors are exhibited among
older Americans. Just in time for the election, Iran, along with China and
Russia, are, once again, using social media to spread conspiracies, provoke
activists with fake news, heightening division and elevating social anxiety.
And although outlets like the Omaha World-Herald, FactCheck.org,
RealClearPolitics, PBS, and SNOPES actively debunk political stories and
quotes, efforts to undermine American self-confidence and trust in the system
are working.
But now these days are gone, I'm not
so self-assured. Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors
Amid this distrust and anxiety, PEW found that
41% of respondents reported that the American Dream was once possible but no
longer achievable. Gallup reports that 83% feel American morals are “only fair”
and “poor.” As anxiety goes up, support for representative democracy, such as
ours, is increasingly questioned. Support for authoritarian leaders and
autocratic regimes is rising in the USA and numerous other nations. According
to PEW, 83% of Americans feel that elected officials “don’t care” what
people like us think.
But every now and then, I feel so
insecure. I know that I
just need you like I've
never done before
Recently, I became aware of efforts to help,
including a 24-hour crisis helpline, by dialing 988. On September 28th,
the suicide awareness and mental health Out of the Darkness walk and fundraiser
will take place at Stinson Park. Bridges to Mental Health trains medical
practitioners to heighten mental health awareness among medical practitioners.
Omaha's Kim Foundation “serves as a supportive
resource and compassionate voice for lives touched by mental illness and
suicide.”
Help me if you can. I'm feeling down,
and I do appreciate you being around.
Help me get my feet back on the ground. Won't you please, please help me!