Broken connections: The search for relevance
By Haroon Wadee
Independent Health & Development specialist
One of the biggest epidemics we face in the 21st century is that of mental health. We are witnessing an increase in depression, social anxiety, borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder that often result in societal ills such as substance abuse, violence, suicide and self-sabotage. One of the deep causes of this - new studies are showing - is increasing disconnect with self, family, community and society. This manifests in a range of disorders and addictions to substances, social media, sex, pornography, television, shopping and the like.
In a fast-paced highly competitive world, traditional and conventional social systems are slow to provide meaning and connection to the growing numbers of people who come from diverse racial, gender and generational backgrounds. Shifts in employment patterns are rapidly eroding workplace benefits, with higher levels of flexible labour practices offering little to no protection or job security.
This impacts on increasing levels of broader social anxiety. Added to this is the escalated cost of living, reduced access to credit and rising fuel prices, property prices, unemployment, joblessness and homelessness. Indeed, it seems to be a forecast that does not see the planet surviving to mark the end of the 21st century.
Politically, a global shift to the conservative right has seen the scourges of xenophobia, racism and sectarianism proliferate, along with neo-liberal economic policies that have little time and space for health, education, social welfare and the environment. All this inhibits sustainable development, and puts livelihoods and ultimately the survival of our species at great risk.
This provides the context to better understand the multitude of issues we face today. These issues are not limited to the individual, and it is reckless to lay blame on the individual. Within that lies the wholesale and unconscious acceptance of neo-liberal ideology which tends to sweep social, economic and political ills under the carpet, and has us chanting mantras of self-love and self-responsibility. This is reaffirmed with mindless memes on social media and a plethora of motivational speakers and coaches who prey on the insecurities of a heavily anxious and afraid populace in order to milk these proverbial cows. The milk is creamy as it floats all the way to the top, but it is sour and leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
The current situation has people competing and chasing – chasing shadows, rainbows, tales and tails. All of this to find meaning and relevance.
People are yearning, screaming to attain relevance with hashtags, selfies, quotes, checking-in and checking-out. This is all fed by a hunger for connection with self and others. The deluge is overwhelming and translates into a multitude of addictions. Boundaries are shifting, barriers dissipating and targets are constantly moving. Whether it’s cocaine or heroin or Instagram, the form differs but in substance there is a growing sense of loss and alienation. The growing void brings with it influences and influencers who capitalise on the lowest common denominator – disconnection. Once a connection is made to a person, an ideal, a thing, an image, a label, a group or a cult, it allows us to comprehend the shape of things as they are now and the shape of things to come.
The way in which we view the world has changed and is ceaselessly changing. The barrage of information, the constantly shifting sands and the numerous tumultuous trends continue to heighten anxiety and uncertainty, and make it increasingly difficult to find silence and solace. In the face of it all, it is no wonder that huge swathes of disconnected souls latch on to whatever they can.
We need to start looking at constructive ways to make ourselves feel relevant, respected and most importantly - connected.
Haroon Wadee is an independent health & development specialist. He has expertise in economics, policy, health systems, and social science. His doctoral research delves into survival-strategies of street-level heroin users. His band's debut album WhaT iF?!? explores pertinent social issues.
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