Overcoming Depression and Anxiety

Overcoming Challenges: Mental and Emotional Well-Being in Modern Times

One of the greatest challenges for modern humans is navigating the everyday struggles of society while maintaining a healthy and happy mind. In this post, I want to share my personal journey of keeping my mind and body healthy after moving to the UK in 2020 for higher studies, right after Brexit.

Moving to a completely new country without knowing anyone and having very little money meant starting from scratch. Just a few months after my arrival, the first wave of COVID-19 hit the UK with full force. Finding a job and paying rent became a major struggle. Universities charged full course fees, yet most of our studies were conducted remotely. It was an incredibly tough time—not just for me, but for countless others.

During the lockdowns, I shared a house with seven other people, including a family with a young child, a couple, and two friends whom I considered older brothers. With eight of us in one household, stress and anxiety were inevitable. Outside, panic-buying led to fights in supermarkets over basic necessities like toilet paper, while strict lockdown measures confined people to their homes. The virus was claiming thousands of lives daily, yet I had to continue working to afford rent and survive.

Despite the hardships, one of the most valuable lessons I learned during this time was the power of community. I am certain I would have been deeply depressed if it weren’t for the small moments of togetherness—sharing tea in the evenings, playing ball games in the garden with the two-year-old, and having dinner and drinks together once or twice a week. The diverse age range within the household (from 2 to 40 years old) offered different perspectives, experiences, and wisdom. These interactions helped me combat loneliness, anxiety, and depression during those trying times.

After the pandemic, economic instability followed. The UK and Europe faced financial stress due to the Russia-Ukraine war, inflation reached record highs, and basic necessities became more expensive. Then came the Palestine-Israel conflict, another wave of COVID-19, rising geopolitical tensions, and ongoing personal struggles—finding a stable job, affording high visa fees, and maintaining a social life. The last five years have felt like an uphill battle just to meet basic needs—not just for me, but for working-class and lower-income people worldwide.

However, despite everything, I have managed to stay physically and mentally strong. On the bright side, my hard work has allowed me to achieve significant milestones: traveling to over ten countries, earning a master’s degree, securing jobs with reputable companies, ticking off bucket-list experiences, and saving money. Through it all, I’ve learned crucial life lessons, which I want to share:

1. The Power of Community

Humans are communal beings. It is vital to live in a society with a diverse household—different ages, genders, races, and religions. In difficult times, a strong community is our greatest asset. I highly encourage people to embrace joint-family living or stay close to their extended family, including grandparents and grandchildren. While generational differences may lead to disagreements, we should focus on understanding rather than division. Concepts like divorce, elderly care homes, and individualistic living are often pushed by governments and corporate interests to promote consumerism and social fragmentation. A strong family unit provides love, wisdom, and guidance, which are essential for a child’s healthy development. A more connected society could also help reduce teenage violence, crime, and other social issues.

2. Health is the True Wealth

The COVID-19 pandemic taught me that health and time are the most valuable assets in life. Being in a foreign land, far from family, made me realize how crucial it is to take care of one’s physical and mental well-being. Through extensive research, I discovered that diet and lifestyle choices directly impact overall health.

Balance is key. For instance, I eat a vegetarian diet three days a week and practice intermittent fasting every Monday, having only dinner. This has helped me maintain a stable BMI for the past five years. Meditation has also played a crucial role—I started inconsistently but have been practicing daily for the last five months. Additionally, I prioritize a fruit-rich breakfast and light dinners. These small but effective lifestyle changes have kept me focused, mindful, and healthy.

3. The Healing Power of Nature and Travel

Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I visit parks, rivers, or natural landscapes at least once every two weeks. Spending time in open spaces, specially under the sun, surrounded by trees, birds, and animals, helps reconnect me with nature. This realignment with the Earth’s natural frequency alleviates stress and anxiety. Similarly, traveling or hiking breaks repetitive thought patterns and introduces fresh perspectives, reinforcing a sense of balance and renewal.

4. Motivation: The Driving Force

Perhaps the most important factor in staying fulfilled and happy is having a clear goal and purpose. Motivation is the fuel that keeps us moving forward, helping us overcome anxiety and depression. When we have a strong sense of direction, we naturally filter out unnecessary stress, distractions, and toxic influences.

Clarity in goals, vision, and purpose creates a sense of contentment and focus. Whether it's career aspirations, personal growth, or a meaningful cause, having something to strive for makes all the difference in mental and emotional well-being.

Final Thoughts

Life in the modern world is full of challenges, but resilience comes from community, health, nature, and a strong sense of purpose. While external factors like economic downturns and geopolitical conflicts are beyond our control, we can take charge of our mindset and well-being. By fostering meaningful relationships, prioritizing health, staying connected to nature, and pursuing clear goals, we can navigate even the most difficult times with strength and optimism.