I’ve worked with teenagers, or adolescents or using the term I prefer young people for most of my career.
I’m often asked the same questions about young people, such as: Why do they take risks? Why can’t they always think about the potential consequences of their actions? Why can’t they see the perspectives of others? Why are they so concerned about what their peers think of them?
This great TED Talk video explains more about young people’s brain and its development:
Although this video is enlightening, it shows that neuroscience is in its infancy. Our understanding of probably the most the most important organ in the body is extremely limited.
I wish the speaker had gone into further details about young people’s behaviour, so that the questions above were more fully answered for those that have them.
Blog soon,
Antony
Support
I recognise that people visiting this page/post might want to know where they can get support. If you require support around your mental health, addiction or physical health, see this Support page here.
The self-acclaimed poster girl for mental health Ruby Wax went to Oxford University and completed a Masters in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy. Wax wanted to understand the neuroscience behind her own mental health and maybe find a better way to manage her mental health.
On completion on Wax’s Masters she wanted to share her own mental health story, along with what she’d learned at Oxford. So she embarked on a tour of mental institutions, before widening the tour to the general public.
Sane New World is a funny, informative and captivating book on the subject of mental health. It’s easily the best book I’ve ever read on the topic. So it is a MUST read for anyone interested in or whom has experienced poor mental health.
The Functions of Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin, Cortisol and Other Chemicals in the brain and body.
How Our Brains Grow and thought/behavioural/emotional patterns can be changed.
The basics of Mindfulness.
Some good, but brief mindfulness exercises.
Alternatives to Mindfulness (if it isn’t your sort of thing or doesn’t work for you).
Throughout the book as I have mentioned Wax tells her story. Sane New World includes some wonderful illustrations that give an insight into how Wax operates and is relatable to all. After all, we are all human beings and all being stretched by life to the point of breaking. If we’re not careful we might actually break. We need to take hold of the reins in our minds and in our life and if necessary make some changes.
Sane New World will improve your understanding of mental health, teach you how to be and remain mentally and emotionally healthy and be an enjoyable read, all at the same time. It will teach you how to be in control of your mind, rather than it being in control of you. Definitely worth the investment in my humble opinion.
I recognise that people visiting this page/post might want to know where they can get support. If you require support around your mental health, addiction or physical health, see this Support page here.
