In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%, according to a scientific brief released by the World Health Organization (WHO). They also highlighted the following.
- 1 in every 8 people in the world live with a mental disorder.
- Mental disorders involve significant disturbances in thinking, emotional regulation, or behavior.
- There are many different types of mental disorders.
- Effective prevention and treatment options exist.
- Most people do not have access to effective care.
It appears that we have gone from a physical to a mental pandemic requiring an effective and widespread intervention to prevent further negative consequences, some of which are accidents, addiction, crime, domestic violence, GBV, poverty, trauma, unemployment, warfare, and environmental degradation. I believe the answer lies in a basic educational program on mental health, called ‘Minding your own business’ which would be taught to school children. The program is designed to build inner resilience by educating children how to nurture their own incredible, evolving human natures, at a body, heart, mind, and soul level.
They will be introduced to ‘The Mansion of Being’, as outlined by Steve Biddulph in his groundbreaking book, ‘Fully Human’. Just as in a house, your mansion consists of four very important, interconnected floors that make up who you are – first floor is your body (sensations), second floor is your heart (feelings), third floor is your head (thoughts), and forth floor is your soul or spirit (sacredness), which is the roof top connecting you to everything and everyone else. Once children learn to navigate the mansion of their being, understanding where they are, and knowing what to do, they will be able to interact with their environment in the most effective and instinctive ways. As a result, their confidence and creativity will increase and their ability to ‘mind their own business’ and live their best lives will be solidified.
Through the program, children will be taught daily practices to bring them back into the present moment. Practices like conscious breathing, emotional intelligence, mental flexibility, and meditation will ensure that each child’s instinctive and evolving being is readily available and at the forefront of all their doing. I am confident that when we teach our children how to connect with their deeper consciousness and instinctive wisdom, which we all have in common as a human race, their resulting actions will be constructive and collaborative. The myriad interpersonal conflicts and environmental problems that face us, and often tend to overwhelm us, will be a source of great learning and growth as our children make us proud that we did the right thing, and pleased that their futures have been secured. To find out more about the program, ‘Minding your own business’ please contact me – psychologist in Fourways.