Interintellect’s Post

"擔心-Worry" by Matt-Q https://lnkd.in/g-m9ykhe Anxiety and mental health issues are significant concerns for youth in Singapore, reflecting broader global trends but also influenced by unique local factors. Studies and surveys have indicated a notable increase in mental health issues, including anxiety, among Singaporean youth. The Singapore Mental Health Study 2016 reported that 1 in 7 people in Singapore has experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives, and youth are particularly vulnerable. Despite increased awareness, mental health stigma remains a barrier to seeking help. Individuals, not only youth, may fear being judged or misunderstood, which can prevent them from accessing the support they need. The high value placed on academic success and career achievement can cause youth to tie their identity and self-worth to their performance. This can create a conflict when they fail to meet these high standards or have different personal aspirations. The key issue, as always, remains as to what constitutes one's true identity and what one's self worth is ultimately based on.  If the spoken and unspoken narrative is that one is valued only if one does well in the system per se, then ultimately, society and the nation pays a high price by already disqualifying those who have unique strengths and abilities whose skills may be very invaluable and groundbreaking, provided we have not 'short circuited' them due to our parochial definition of success. But even if one's talents are not that obvious as yet, is one's true worth tied to the SHORT TERM PERFORMANCE INDICATORS in appearance, or more towards the LONG TERM INTRINSIC ASPECTS OF CHARACTER AND THE HEART? Sadly, our penchant for short term gains often results in choosing those whom we thought were 'right for the job' but ended up leaving a trail of human made carnage relationally and morally. What we believe about identity and worth will inevitably and ultimately show up in terms of the quality of people in schools, work places and other entities, leading to a domino effect that will cascade across generations and affecting the national psyche over time. #mentalhealthmatters #trueidentity #realworth #matthewqueksingapore #kitchan #anxiety #擔心 

Cultivating Compassion in a Competitive World: In today’s society, the drive to win and succeed often overshadows the importance of compassion and empathy. While competition can be healthy and financial stability is necessary, we must ask ourselves: at what cost? Many of us know more about celebrities than we do about our own families. Imagine if we treated everyone with the same respect and kindness we reserve for those we admire. We might be more understanding on the road, or kinder in passing. It's time to reflect on our priorities. Can we balance ambition with empathy? Can we foster a culture where compassion is not seen as a weakness but as a strength? Let’s work towards a world where understanding and kindness are valued as much as success and achievement. After all, a compassionate society benefits everyone. Let me know your thoughts!

This is a succinct narrative explaining the endemic manifestation of white supremacy in the social psychology of America..

"Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster... for when you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich W. Nietzsche. For anyone engaged in justice and equity work, Staci K. Haines' book is a must-read. It explores how power structures concentrate safety, belonging, dignity, and resources among a few elites and select nation-states & guides you through somatic opening: cultivating embodied resilience, regenerating safety, and healing generational trauma. If you're committed to transformative practices and want to deepen your understanding of these intersectional issues, read this book. It’s both a reflective and healing journey that will challenge and inspire you & your communities. #justice #equity #traumahealing #embodiedresilience #socialjustice #intersectionality #generationaltrauma #transformativepractices #somatichealing

Just watched Ava DuVernay's film "Origin" at this week (I know, I'm late to the game). It explores Isabel Wilkerson's book "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents." The book challenges us to face uncomfortable truths about hidden societal hierarchies that fuel inequality. Wilkerson urges us to see beyond surface-level discrimination to understand how caste systems maintain imbalance. Key points from the movie and the book that inspired the movie: - Caste vs. Race: Wilkerson highlights the difference between social hierarchy (caste) and visible markers of identity (race). She stresses that, while race is often in focus, it's the underlying caste system that truly shapes people's place in society. - Global Insights: Drawing parallels between U.S., Indian, and Nazi German caste systems, Wilkerson reveals common threads of dehumanization and bias. - Consequences: The book exposes the profound impact of caste on individuals and society, from mental health issues to economic disparities. - Action Needed: Wilkerson calls on us to acknowledge and dismantle caste, emphasizing the importance of recognizing shared humanity for a fairer future. The film powerfully captures Wilkerson's research depth and analytical approach. It's a must-see for those seeking to understand injustice's roots and strive for a more equitable world. Recommend watching the film and reading the book for insightful conversations on inequality and justice. #Origin #Caste #AvaDuVernay #IsabelWilkerson #Inequality #SocialJustice #MustWatch #MustRead

Do you know what your social health is, how it's doing, and what you could do to improve it? Are you working to improve social connection for your family members, in your community, your workplace, your school? Since reading Kasley Killam, MPH's new book "The Art and Science of Connection," I've been obsessed with the idea of "social health" and why it's the key to a more connected, less fractured society. Take 1/2 hour to watch my interview with Kasley & my guess is you too will become obsessed with social health. If you listen, I'd love to hear your thoughts! ⚡ What do you do to take care of your social health? ⚡ What's your connection/friendship style (scroll down in my posts and take the New York Times quiz Kaley designed!)

"Man/Woman can protect himself from the consequences of their own madness only by creating a sane #society which conforms with the needs of man/woman, needs which are rooted in the very conditions of their existence." #Erichfromm believed that #freedom was an aspect of #humannature that we either embrace or escape. Fromm observed that embracing our freedom of will was healthy, whereas escaping freedom through the use of escape mechanisms was the root of #psychological #conflicts. #basichuman_needs #needs #narcism #community #instintc #mentalhealth #humanity #humanconnection #integrity #personalidenity #erichfromm #purpose #motivation #meaning #inspriation #creativity #transcendence #humanbehaviour #consumption #communication #lifepurpose #desires #humanpsycology #societies

This commitment to a code of authentic discourse explains why organizations like Brownstone Institute – despite being routinely smeared as “far right” – have become a crucial platform for independent scholars, policy experts, and truth-seekers. I witnessed this firsthand at a recent Brownstone event, where, unlike most institutions that enforce ideological conformity, diverse thinkers engaged in genuine exploration of ideas without fear of orthodoxy enforcement. When attendees were asked if they considered themselves political liberals ten years ago, nearly 80% raised their hands. These are individuals who, like my friends and me, still embrace core liberal values – free speech, open inquiry, rational debate – yet find themselves branded as right-wing or conspiracy theorists merely for questioning prevailing narratives. My friends and I may have different political views, but we share a code: a commitment to truth over comfort, to principle over party, to authentic discourse over social approval

Check out this insightful article by Sara Weinberger shedding light on the power of empathy in healing societal divides. Let's continue to foster understanding and compassion across all boundaries. #HealingAcrossTheDivides #EmpathyInAction