It’s Good To Feel
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Let's face the reality: the Internet, along with all its devices, is here to stay. In fact, as we advance in technology, these devices and our digital relationships will become more integrated and intertwined into the very fabric of our existence. The boundaries between the digital and real worlds will blur further as we continue our technological advancements. Fighting against this tide is futile. While some argue that internet connectivity has had detrimental effects on us, particularly on mental health, I don't believe opposing the progress of technology is the solution. Attempting to disconnect from devices to prioritize self-care may offer temporary relief, but it could potentially create even bigger problems in other areas of life.
Perhaps the issue doesn't lie with the devices themselves. Instead, it may stem from our relationship with our own emotions. Mental health has been a part of human life since the beginning of humanity, but it's only in recent decades, that we've begun openly discussing it. Unfortunately, in many places, conversations about mental health remain heavily stigmatized.
Certainly, the internet and media contribute to feelings of alienation in some individuals. I firmly believe this stems from the fact that we haven't learned how to navigate this new, unexplored frontier. We lack the tools to help ourselves honestly or seek help from others without shame. Although therapy is a valuable resource, it is often stigmatized, nuanced, unavailable, unaffordable, or perceived as shameful by many.
Personally, I have experienced the tragic loss of three people to suicide in just the past few years. I wonder how many others have been affected similarly. Numerous artists, stars, and celebrities have also succumbed to this plight. Countless works of art, songs, and movies have been created, born out of explorations of mental health, personal trauma, and addiction—arguably some of the best creations.
So, why do we instinctively retreat from technology, the true connector of our world, and isolate ourselves to deal with our problems alone, without proper tools? Why are we afraid to embrace our emotions fully? Why is it stigmatized for alpha males to seek help?
I recall my great-grandfather, one of the strongest men I've ever known, who never expressed an ounce of grief or vulnerability. Was he void of such emotions? Was he Superman? Certainly not. He lived through wars, hunger, and other triggering events in his lifetime, but he, like many from his generation, was conditioned to keep emotions internalized.
Although the term "PTSD" was coined in the 1980s, it wasn't widely discussed until the late 1990s and 2000s. Does that mean there was no PTSD before that time? Of course not. Soldiers who experienced war, survivors of abuse—they undoubtedly had those feelings, but they lacked the language and understanding to address them openly. Or simply were afraid? To be thought of less than…
The fact is, discussing mental health is still relatively new. So, how do we begin to heal and learn to embrace our emotions?
This is the challenge that myself and our team at BeCurious Studio have taken on. Through numerous conversations with psychologists, psychiatrists, and health professionals, it has become evident that this is a profound, rapidly growing, and evolving issue. Older generations were conditioned not to express emotions, while newer generations face the constant bombardment of information and curated images, creating a deeper disconnect with themselves. They constantly compare themselves to others who seem to be doing better in various aspects of life, causing distress.
We need to pause, hit reset, and honestly ask ourselves, "How are you really feeling? What can you do today to feel better, and how can you learn to communicate your emotions to others?"
We don't claim to have solved this dilemma, nor do we expect to be the ones to do so. What we offer is a chance to reimagine how we capture and quantify emotions. An anonymous yet unanimous act, where each of us participates and contributes. In this space, we collectively say it's okay to feel.
Our approach is multi-faceted and will take several years to implement fully. Step number one involves retraining ourselves to understand and document our emotions. Allocating daily time to be honest with ourselves helps us better comprehend how our minds and bodies handle triggers, stress, and joyful moments. This process also gradually allows us to share our emotions with others at our own pace and on our own terms.
Next, we aim to introduce ways to share emotions in groups, public spaces, and work environments. Imagine applying for a job and being able to gauge the emotional atmosphere of the workplace you're about to join. Is it healthy, stressful, happy, or sad? These metrics are as crucial as salary numbers, if not more so.
Furthermore, imagine being able to sense the emotional vibe of a business, restaurant, shopping center, or tourist area in real-time. Wouldn't it be helpful to know how people feel while being in that space? It could be the deciding factor in choosing where to go.
For business owners, founders, and managers, this data would be invaluable in understanding the emotional health of their teams and identifying potential issues before they escalate and cause significant disruptions to the business.
Ultimately, the goal is to prevent more losses to suicide by encouraging open discussions about emotions and mental health. We want to ensure that creative individuals like Robin Williams, Amy Winehouse, and Mac Miller live on through their art, rather than becoming casualties of their own struggles.
In the end, our emotions bind us together. They are what make us uniquely human—our ability to speak, feel, and relate to one another. So, why are we so hesitant to embrace this fundamental aspect of ourselves?
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I believe it's time to embrace our emotions fully, to be vulnerable, and to seek help when needed. At BeCurious Studio, we may not have all the answers, but we're committed to creating a platform that fosters emotional understanding and communication, helping us connect with ourselves and each other in a more profound and authentic way. Let's break free from the stigma, learn to understand our emotions, and build a world where feeling and expression are welcomed and valued.
