Alone in the Crowd: – The power of togetherness.

Let’s speak about mental health issues, depression, and anxiety. Having lost my son to suicide, I realise that he felt  “alone in the crowd”. Matt felt so isolated and detached from others that he believed he was alone in the midst of a crowd. Through my journey of grief and a quest to understand the reasons behind his pain, I’ve come to realize the crucial importance of togetherness, empathy and human connection in maintaining good mental health. However, through my journey and a thirst to understand the reasoning why, I want to share some of my learnings.

Our biological heritage is one of togetherness living in nomadic groups of between 60 to 80 people. Working together sharing stories, and building on key neurological neurotransmitter-producing behaviours such as empathy, trust, awe, and belief all of which produce an abundance of oxytocin the most powerful of our strong brain chemicals. Oxytocin the chemistry of “togetherness” also known as the LOVE Hormone

Oxytocin counteracts the negative effects of cortisol and increased adrenalin, both of which add toxicity to our prefrontal cortex and hippocampus rendering us unable to think clearly and make the right decisions to help us become more resilient.

The world is a place of isolation as we have lost touch with what it means to be human, we think being tough, demanding and not showing weaknesses is something to aspire to.

We are wrong – the world needs empathetic leaders, husbands, wives, citizens, and employees that have the ability to show kindness

The dangers of feeling alone in the crowd are real and significant. As we mourn the loss of those who felt isolated to the point of desperation, we must use their stories as a catalyst for change. Our human heritage is one of togetherness, and it is time to reclaim that sense of community and empathy. Let us strive to be kinder, more understanding, and more empathetic towards one another. By doing so, we can build a society that embraces mental health, supports those in need, and ensures that no one feels alone even in the most crowded of places.

Starting with just a few minutes a day can make a significant difference. Here are a few simple techniques to get started:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you will not be disturbed.
2. Set a timer for 3 minutes to start with (I use my phone), gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable
3. Close your eyes and take deep breaths, focussing your attention on the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body.
4. As thoughts come into your mind, acknowledge them without judgement and gently let them go, returning your focus to your breath.
5. Consider using a guided meditation app to help you get started. They provide step-by-step instructions and can be a valuable aid for beginners – actually I still use various apps.

So lets all be kind to our brains and enjoy each day, be mindful and embrace the profound benefits that meditation can bring to your life. Your mind will thank you for it!