Bad Feelings

We talk a lot about the importance of acknowledging our mental health, and I think this is in the right step. But I also feel that being hyperfixated on it, and treating anxiety only as if it's something that happens to you, rather than something that you can control with your willpower is not helping us. I talk about the story of why I started Youtube, the despair that I was in, and one woman who may have changed the direction of my life. I think we can all learn a thing or two from her.

[TryinBin]

On your point about mental health. Of course all the kind words helped to cushion my suffering, but they never helped me leave my suffering. All of my accommodations at University for my depression and anxiety only taught me to delay my learning to the extended deadlines more, only made me struggle more. It wasn't until I had a voice that pushed me, that emphasised they believed I already had the toolset I needed to get better and just needed to put the work in, that said the consequences of my actions were from ME and MY actions, not my depression and anxiety as something seperate and far-removed from who I was. Only then did I start to build myself up. It was HARD. It was really hard. But what we need to teach young people about mental health, is that yes accomodations and kindness can go a long way. But they ultimately go nowhere without resilience, responsibility, adaptibility, and confidence.

[timmytwodogs]

Hi Charlie, we had a saying in the army : "don't sweat the small stuff and...it's all small stuff.
We humans have very little control over what happens around us and all we can control is how we react to those events. There's always beer of course

[lonestar]

I admire your courage Charlie. Sad that intelligent people like yourself have to feel anxious just to speak the truth. Thoroughly enjoy your articulate and common sense content.

[chaplainnormie]

As a black person (apparently traitor lol) this is very true. Even I deal with these emotional immature individuals.

[TheOnlyDuolinguist]

I’m glad to see you’re doing well! After a break in the videos, I got a bit worried some backlash might’ve affected your mental health. I have also found eating less processed foods, working out consistently, and maintaining a steady routine helps with my daily energy levels and brain health. Far too often we forget that brain is an organ that needs to be taken care of too.

If you’re taking advice, I’d recommend going on regular jogs either in the early morning or late afternoon. Being in the sun while listening to music or an audiobook always helps brighten my mood.

[recharge]

I honestly believe the way they distribute information and media is specific to each person and intentionally designed to turn us all against eachother so we don't focus to much on the real enemy.

[the_laxolotl]

With every passing video, I get to see another reason to really admire you Charlie.

[tyty-iyvi]

I believe our anxiety is grown from living in a time of instantaneous gratification.

[jbmpr]

Anxiety 24/7 has become so normal, for so many decades now, that it's really more like second nature. It's engrained in the personality.

[janedoe]

"And if that makes you upset: cry". Now there is some good advice.

[justinkase]

What a great video! This topic is rarely treated fairly, it's usually either too far one direction or the other. Also, your Aunt seems like a very wise and insightful person. Her advice was not PC, but it was great.

[melbbb]

You are one of the few adults in the room - THANK YOU!!!

[Anti-Identity-Entity]

For an anxious guy, you sure have a HUGE pair considering some of the awesome, courageous videos you’ve made!

[tqotbel]

a major epiphany i had a while back is that our focus is a powerful thing. managing what you focus on and what you do with it is key. for example, focusing on physical pain you feel only makes the pain worse and it becomes a self-perpetuating cycle. the same goes for worrying about all kinds of other shit. ultimately, we can't let this anxiety stop us from acting or taking opportunities we're given; you have nothing to gain if you don't try.

at some level, we need to make peace with factors beyond our control.

[jokerpilled]

One thing I learned now in my early 30s is to never compromise your beliefs or apologize for who you were in the past. There’s a reason why you did the things you did, cut off certain people from your life, and became the person you are today. If anyone tells you to feel ashamed for who you were in the past, they most likely didn’t help you through the darkest moments of your life and don’t really respect you as a person even to this day. They want you to admit that you were wrong so they can feel superior, they never had any intention of helping you or understanding you as a person. Every choice you made was for a reason, don’t turn back on yourself now. Just keep moving forward with the goals you’ve always had.

[jessicaa]

God bless you. I've been going through a really huge round of anxiety. I just happened to click on this because it didn't have anxiety or anything in the title. I'm amazed. I needed this tonight. Thanks for being my little Korean lady, no jokes, I am amazed. This video is saved for multiple rewatch.

[emilycatherine]

I really hope people watching this... actually take the time to hear what you're saying, it's invaluable advice. Your mind is so powerful... be careful what you feed it.

[mromanat]

The middle ground... the place where many will see from afar, but so few will explore. It's either "the world should bend to my ineptitudes" or "push it aside and move on." The middle ground is so uncertain to many of us- reasonably so. Oftentimes, I'll think about the struggles of people who endured the holocaust or the gulag or any other atrocity which represents the extremes of suffering when I'm experiencing difficulty. It feels as though the societal expectation is to become instantly immune to negative feelings when things are put in grander perspective. I think there is certainly utility in expanding the scope, but as your wise friend hints at; the pile of sticks is still worthy of striking - though a pile of sticks it may be.
The message that part of society sends is that a pile of sticks is a pathetic target, and to swing at it is to be labeled useless... which may be partially responsible for the attitudes of the other extremity, which advocates building a nest of salt to avoid having to accept that their goliath is saying something that's ever so slightly transgressive towards the "values" of the populace. Transformation is admirable not in the end result, but in the pain that is embraced. When I notice someone striking their pile of sticks, I cannot help but admire them.

[tpowell]

Another great topic, Im a Gen Xer, as an adolescent and young adult I experienced severe anxiety, I can remember heart pounding, fear and racing thoughts. In my generation there was no way I even considered taking a pill, shutting down or not following through with my daily responsibilities, I didnt even share how I was feeling with others. Through time, i developed strategies and the anxiety became less and less, and I felt a sense of strength for not letting it ever get in my way..

[MichaelDavis-zuko]

You make the kinds of videos that I've always wanted to make, but never had the guts. I really admire your logical approach, your bravery, your insight, and your intelligence. And I'm not just saying that to be overly nice. I wish there were more people like you. Thank you, and I hope things keep going well!