TW: Sexual harassment.
Being a student is challenging, I find myself learning more and more everyday day. This I find can be a blessing and a curse. While being informed of world issues is highly valuable, it’s hard to shift my focus on all the awful events that take place.
In today’s article I want to discuss the value of finding a balance between being informed and having a healthy mind.
One issue that can be overwhelming, specifically for the younger generation is climate change. Thousands of Adelaide school students have flooded the streets of the CBD in demand for immediate climate change action by the government. Young people are angry, the future is uncertain and demand a change before it is too late[1].
The strike 4 climate change rallies have been undertaken since early 2019, with many young voices having their voices heard. Even online rallies have been employed in other states, such as Melbourne, due to COVID lockdown restrictions. But it is not only the younger generation that is making their stance. A group of older activists, between the ages of 44 and 73, glued themselves to the road in the city centre[2]. Emphasizing that our children are in danger if action is not taken. Feeling of climate anxiety are normal and reasonable responses to the ambiguity of the current world.
Another topic constantly occupying my mind is the rate of sexual harassment. A 2021 study conducted in the United Kingdome found that 97 per cent of women between the ages of 18 to 24 had been victim to sexual harassment in a public space. With 70 per cent of women of all ages have endured harassment of the same nature[3]. One statement on the current crisis explained that:
Some examples of sexual harassment under the Australian Human Rights Commission include:
· staring, leering or unwelcome touching
· suggestive comments or jokes
· unwanted invitations to go out on dates or requests for sex
· unnecessary familiarity, such as deliberately brushing up against a person[4]
It is apparent that there are many issues in the world that we could discuss such as poverty, extinction of species, house prices, war, and so many more.
But the discussion point now is, how can we mentally handle all of this information?
Its key to “balance being informed with being mentally healthy” and not allowing your wellbeing to be harmed by situations out of our control[5]. Its normal to feel anxiety and overwhelmed by the future, and feel a sense of guilt for not doing more. But it’s important to understand that the problems facing the world are too big for just one person to solve.
Setting limits on news consumption, focusing on what we can control, and finding communities that feel the same passion as ourselves are just some simple to steps to better your mental wellbeing.
Wanting to help change the world is a beautiful human trait, but taking care of yourself first will make you the best ally possible. Don’t try to fix everyone before taking necessary time for you, even superheros need a day off.
Big hugs, take care, and drink water x
- Shannon <3
^ see Support Resources page for available help.
[1] S, Pestrin, et al, 2021, Thousands of students join School Strike 4 Climate to demand stronger climate change action, ABC News, viewed 23 October 2021, < https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-15/students-around-australia-join-school-strike-4-climate/100541412> [2] D, Keane, 2021, Extinction Rebellion protesters glued to road in Adelaide’s CBD call for climate change action ahead of UN summit, ABC News, viewed 25 October 2021, <https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-20/extinction-rebellion-protesters-glued-to-road-in-adelaide-cbd/100552566> [3] R, Thompson, 2021, 97% of young women have been sexually harassed study finds, Mashable, viewed 25 October 2021, <https://mashable.com/article/sexual-harassment-un-women-uk> [4] Australian Human Rights Commission, 2020, Sexual Harassment, viewed 26 October 2021, <https://humanrights.gov.au/quick-guide/12096> [5] Mental Health America, 2020, How can I be ok when the world is terrible?, viewed 27 October 2021, <https://screening.mhanational.org/content/how-can-i-be-ok-when-world-terrible/>
- Photo: @shannon.blyth on Instagram.
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