In today's world, it is common to hear many people express their fear and desire to return to normal. Uncertainty, rapid and constant changes, the threat of the pandemic and other current challenges have generated anxiety and fear in a large part of the population. What is it that causes us so much fear in today's society and why do we long to recover what we consider normal?
Fear in today's society
Fear is a natural and adaptive emotion that has allowed us to survive as a species throughout history. However, in contemporary society, fear can manifest itself in more complex and overwhelming ways due to constant exposure to negative information through the media and social networks. The feeling of constant threat, uncertainty about the future and lack of control over events can trigger high levels of anxiety and fear in people.
Impact on mental health
Chronic fear and excessive anxiety can have a significant impact on people's mental health. Anxiety disorders, depression and other psychological problems can develop or worsen in an environment in which feelings of insecurity and danger predominate. Constant anxiety can interfere with daily functioning, interpersonal relationships, and overall quality of life.
The search for normality
Faced with the perception of a threatening and chaotic world, It's understandable that many people long for a return to normal. Normality is associated with the stability, predictability, and sense of security provided by routine and familiarity. The idea of restoring a familiar and comforting order can be comforting in the midst of uncertainty and constant fear.
Resistance to change
Resistance to change is a natural tendency in people. human beings, since we feel safer in familiar and predictable environments. The speed at which transformations have occurred in today's society, especially with the pandemic, has challenged our ability to adapt and generated a feeling of insecurity and vulnerability. Nostalgia for times past and the search for normality can be strategies to try to preserve a sense of stability in a world that seems to be constantly evolving.
The role of acceptance and adaptation
While it is natural to experience fear and desire normality in times of crisis and change, it is also important to cultivate acceptance and the ability to adapt to current circumstances. Life is inherently changeable and full of uncertainties, and learning to flow with events, rather than resisting them, can be key to maintaining mental and emotional health in a constantly changing world.
The importance of mental flexibility
Mental flexibility involves the ability to adapt to new and challenging situations without losing resilience or emotional balance. Cultivating mental flexibility includes practicing mindfulness, tolerance for uncertainty, and openness to new ways of thinking and acting. This skill can help us deal with fear and anxiety more constructively, allowing us to navigate the challenges of today's world with greater serenity and clarity.
In short, it is understandable that today's world generates fear and anxiety in many people, and the desire to return to normal is a natural reaction to constant uncertainty and change. However, it is important to remember that life is constantly evolving and that cultivating acceptance, adaptation and mental flexibility can be essential to overcome current challenges and build greater emotional resilience in a changing world.