~ by Irmi L
I know it’s Monday and this is not a light topic. There isn’t a “good Monday” for this message, so we’re doing it today:
We’ve heard many times that South Africa has one of the highest alcohol consumption rates in the world. For many it’s a way of dealing with their stress, a way to get away from pressure, or even numb pain. It’s almost a socially accepted knee-jerk reaction that we all share.
Let’s not single out alcohol. Over- or under-eating, sleeping less because you’re escaping into other digital worlds, using any numbing substances to get rid of the fear, the pain, or the pressure are some of the most common crutches. There is a long list of mindless things we do instead of facing what’s eating at us.
Most of these activities create a neurotransmitter imbalance in our bodies, and this results in depression, anxiety, compulsions, and other mood disturbances to name a few symptoms. Some will seek help, and take antidepressants or other chemicals, thinking it would help, but keep engaging in the activities that create the imbalance to begin with.
Truly healing will need you to stop, stand back, and understand what you are doing, and why you are doing it, before you can slowly work at changing the behaviour, and thinking patterns so the vicious cycle can end.
For some this is a small change. For others it may be a life-altering change, something that will change the course of your life forever. No matter how small or big the change required is, you don’t have to do it alone. It’s always advised to find a partner on this journey, someone who can help you understand yourself, and then from that basis of understanding the truth will bring about a changed trajectory.
If you want a partner to walk with on your journey, consider a life coach, or integrative health provider.
Work with Irmi L
“Solving niche challenges founders face”.
Illustrator: Lisa Williams (Instagram: @artist_llw)