Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

I think one of the biggest problems we face today is that the world is set up to pull us away from ourselves. Weâ??re encouraged to stay busy, distracted, and constantly on the go, which leaves many...

I think one of the biggest problems we face today is that the world is set up to pull us away from ourselves. Weâ??re encouraged to stay busy, distracted, and constantly on the go, which leaves many of us in a state of ongoing stress or overwhelm. When we lose touch with ourselves in this way, it becomes harder to feel safe in our bodies, to connect deeply in our relationships, and to know what we really need. This is why I value therapy, especially somatic and body-oriented approaches â?? they offer a space to pause, to listen inwardly, and to gently reconnect with ourselves in a world that so often makes that difficult.

Lack of awareness.

Lack of awareness.

The pressure and expectations we put on ourselves and onto others.

The pressure and expectations we put on ourselves and onto others.

There are so many - where do I start! I know that all I can do is do the best I can on any given day and hope I can be that candle in the darkness for my clients when they need it most...so we can...

There are so many - where do I start! I know that all I can do is do the best I can on any given day and hope I can be that candle in the darkness for my clients when they need it most...so we can walk out of the darkness together and they continue their journey with a new sense of hope and inspiration.

I believe that AI is going to challenge our human systems which have already been under pressure since the digitisation of our world with the proliferation of the internet. What does it mean to be...

I believe that AI is going to challenge our human systems which have already been under pressure since the digitisation of our world with the proliferation of the internet. What does it mean to be human? Our connection to one another is what makes us human. I worry about fragmenting and further weakening our fundamental connection to one another.

One of the biggest challenges we face today is the growing disconnect between modern advancements and our overall well-being. Despite incredible progress in medicine, many people in Western societies...

One of the biggest challenges we face today is the growing disconnect between modern advancements and our overall well-being. Despite incredible progress in medicine, many people in Western societies struggle with metabolic health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. At the same time, we are witnessing pandemic levels of trauma worldwide, with an alarming number of children affected by complex and relational trauma. Beyond physical and psychological health, societal values are also shifting in ways that impact our well-being. Transactional relationships, individualism, and competitiveness often take priority over genuine human connection, leaving many people feeling emotionally deprived and isolated. In a culture that encourages constant distraction and avoidance of discomfortâ??often at the cost of self-awarenessâ??we risk losing touch with ourselves and others. The challenge is addressing these issues individually and creating a world where connection, self-awareness, and emotional well-being are genuinely valued.

The most significant problem I see in the lives of people is the fear of judgement by other people, exacerbated by social media.

The most significant problem I see in the lives of people is the fear of judgement by other people, exacerbated by social media.

I believe social media has had a profound impact on the way we interact with one another. We are slowly losing the ability to truly listen to different perspectives, and our attention spans are...

I believe social media has had a profound impact on the way we interact with one another. We are slowly losing the ability to truly listen to different perspectives, and our attention spans are becoming shorter. For many people, including myself, it has become increasingly difficult to sit fully in the moment. Scrolling and watching reels can be addictive, while activities that require focus, like reading a book, are becoming harder to sustain.

The world is an interwoven web. To focus on a single problem as most significant runs too great a risk of losing perspective of the interconnected nature of life. Like the world, a person is not a...

The world is an interwoven web. To focus on a single problem as most significant runs too great a risk of losing perspective of the interconnected nature of life. Like the world, a person is not a single problem but an ecology that needs to be brought into balance.

The world faces many challenges, but the lack of connection, acceptance, and self-care stands out as particularly significant to me. It's important to prioritise these fundamental needs.

The world faces many challenges, but the lack of connection, acceptance, and self-care stands out as particularly significant to me. It's important to prioritise these fundamental needs.

Systemic inequalities which result in marginalisation for certain groups, the destruction of the environment and the increasingly unequal distribution of wealth.

Systemic inequalities which result in marginalisation for certain groups, the destruction of the environment and the increasingly unequal distribution of wealth.

In my view, one of the most significant challenges we face globally is the widespread experience of disconnection both from ourselves, from each other, and from our environment. This disconnection...

In my view, one of the most significant challenges we face globally is the widespread experience of disconnection both from ourselves, from each other, and from our environment. This disconnection often manifests as social isolation, mental health struggles, misunderstanding across cultures, and a growing divide fuelled by fear and misinformation. At its core, many global issues whether they be climate change, inequality, conflict, or mental health crises are linked to a breakdown in empathy and connection. When people donâ??t feel seen, heard, or valued, itâ??s difficult to build the cooperation and compassion necessary to address complex challenges. However, this problem also holds the seed of hope. Healing and transformation begin when we foster genuine connectionâ??through listening deeply, embracing diversity, and nurturing community. As a counsellor, I witness daily how even small acts of empathy and understanding can ripple outward, creating stronger relationships and more resilient communities. So while disconnection is a significant problem, I believe in the power of human connection as a vital part of the solution.

From the perspective of a mental health practitioner, I see aloneness and disconnection as one of the deepest challenges people face today. As a father, I am mindful of how rapidly evolving...

From the perspective of a mental health practitioner, I see aloneness and disconnection as one of the deepest challenges people face today. As a father, I am mindful of how rapidly evolving technologies â?? including AI â?? will shape the lives of the next generation, and of the unforeseen consequences these changes may have on our global discourse. As a citizen of the world, I see widening inequality as a major challenge that tears at the fabric of our societies. All of these are interconnected, shaping how we relate to ourselves, to one another, and to the communities we build.

The most urgent challenge we face is emotional disconnectionâ??loneliness, fear-driven behaviour, and the erosion of empathy. According to the World Health Organisation, loneliness contributes to...

The most urgent challenge we face is emotional disconnectionâ??loneliness, fear-driven behaviour, and the erosion of empathy. According to the World Health Organisation, loneliness contributes to over 871,000 deaths each yearâ??similar in impact to major risk factors like tobacco or obesity. ? ? Research shows that strong social bonds and community cohesion directly boost mental health, resilience, and well-being. ? ? To create meaningful change, we must start within: do our own healing work, act with greater kindness, take responsibility, and actively strengthen our communities. Raising emotionally resilient young people and nourishing collective care helps cultivate a culture where respect, compassion, and interconnected well-being can flourish.

At this time, a lack of a true connection to self. Many struggle with their identity, so they are over anchored to beliefs, and external opinions. When we have reverence for self, we have reverence...

At this time, a lack of a true connection to self. Many struggle with their identity, so they are over anchored to beliefs, and external opinions. When we have reverence for self, we have reverence for all life.

In the Western world, many people struggle to find meaning and purpose in their daily lives. We are bombarded with messages from the media that make us feel inadequate, and it can be challenging to...

In the Western world, many people struggle to find meaning and purpose in their daily lives. We are bombarded with messages from the media that make us feel inadequate, and it can be challenging to care for ourselves and others while also contributing positively to society and the planet. One of the main reasons for this struggle is that we have lost sight of the fact that every life is unique and valuable and that each of us has the power to shape the world we live in.

Disconnection from ourselves, each other, and what really matters is, in my view, the most significant problem we face today. So many of the challenges we encounter, such as burnout, anxiety,...

Disconnection from ourselves, each other, and what really matters is, in my view, the most significant problem we face today. So many of the challenges we encounter, such as burnout, anxiety, relationship breakdown, and even social division, stem from a profound sense of being cut off. We are often pushed to perform, to keep going, and to meet expectations, and in the process we lose touch with our inner compass. We stop listening to ourselves. When we are disconnected from our needs, values, and sense of self, it becomes difficult to feel grounded and even harder to connect meaningfully with others. I see therapy as one way to gently turn inward, to reconnect, and to begin showing up in the world in a way that feels more real, compassionate, and aligned.

The lack of meaning in the everyday existence, lack of experiencing the depth and beauty of being alive and of the process of living. It seems to me that we forget that life is a continuation and we...

The lack of meaning in the everyday existence, lack of experiencing the depth and beauty of being alive and of the process of living. It seems to me that we forget that life is a continuation and we are on that continuum. We are here because of those who lived before, and our lives will affect those who come after. I think this 'forgetfulness' creates a lot of suffering and a feeling of loneliness in the world.

Big question. For me, we are building a world where consumption volume is aggressively high. In that pursuit, we are struggling to dedicate significant time to what helps humans feel good and think...

Big question. For me, we are building a world where consumption volume is aggressively high. In that pursuit, we are struggling to dedicate significant time to what helps humans feel good and think well. Despite many technological advancements in the last 100 years, we have not earned more time, so we have little time for the things that make us feel whole, full, and settled.

A lack of real connection to both self and others. I believe that if we were more loving and connected to our 'real selves' we would have better relationships with others - more love, empathy,...

A lack of real connection to both self and others. I believe that if we were more loving and connected to our 'real selves' we would have better relationships with others - more love, empathy, compassion and kindness - and there would naturally be more collaboration and less conflict in the world. This is why I believe therapy is so important and why it's such a privilege to do this work.

I think social isolation is one of the most significant problems we face in our Western world today. Feeling alone and isolated can lead to a host of other mental health problems and stressors. I...

I think social isolation is one of the most significant problems we face in our Western world today. Feeling alone and isolated can lead to a host of other mental health problems and stressors. I believe that is one of the most powerful aspects of therapy, to feel that you are not alone in your struggles.

Thinking that the parts of us which are anxious, angry, addicted, etc are the problem. They aren't the problem, the problem is the burdens they carry. If we fight against the parts of people we fight...

Thinking that the parts of us which are anxious, angry, addicted, etc are the problem. They aren't the problem, the problem is the burdens they carry. If we fight against the parts of people we fight against people. We need to collectively release the burdens from our internal and external communities, not the people.

Disconnectionâ??both from ourselves and each other. Weâ??re more digitally connected than ever, but often less emotionally connected and present in real life. Social media plays a big part in that....

Disconnectionâ??both from ourselves and each other. Weâ??re more digitally connected than ever, but often less emotionally connected and present in real life. Social media plays a big part in that. It fuels constant comparison, perfectionism, and the feeling that weâ??re never doing or being enough. Itâ??s especially hard for young people, who are growing up in a world that rarely lets them switch off, slow down, or just be. The pressure to always be â??onâ??, always polished, always perfect, itâ??s exhausting. I think we need to come back to whatâ??s real, human, and good enough. That starts with deeper connection, more compassion, and spaces where people can show up as they are.

Avoidance behaviours that perpetuate problems.

Avoidance behaviours that perpetuate problems.

The world's most significant challenge today is the need for more empathy and understanding. Global problems like climate change and inequality require teamwork that crosses borders. It's important to...

The world's most significant challenge today is the need for more empathy and understanding. Global problems like climate change and inequality require teamwork that crosses borders. It's important to remember that we all share a responsibility for a better, more harmonious, and sustainable future. This journey starts with empathy, open conversation, and a collective commitment to positive change.

The loss of the relational standpoint; our inability to accept difference. When we lose the relational, we lose empathy for others and for the environment. When we lose the sense that we...

The loss of the relational standpoint; our inability to accept difference. When we lose the relational, we lose empathy for others and for the environment. When we lose the sense that we are all connected then we act from me rather than I-Thou; what follows is exploitation of others and of the earth. When we think that a useful model for the mind is a computer then we have limited our lives significantly. When we think monotheistically rather than polytheistically we have also limited ourselves.

From my professional perspective, it is emotional disconnection... we live in the Dark Age of emotional Illiteracy and suppression that causes humans' inability to connect with themselves and so...

From my professional perspective, it is emotional disconnection... we live in the Dark Age of emotional Illiteracy and suppression that causes humans' inability to connect with themselves and so others. Therefore, people struggle enormously with a lack of belonging, loneliness, depression or a general lack of sense of Self.

Trauma. Its everywhere in so many peoples histories and current lives.

Trauma. Its everywhere in so many peoples histories and current lives.

A complex interplay of post-colonial and neo-liberal values and behaviours, that were always going to lead us here. We have now entered the age of what I call (and elsewhere has been called) 'human...

A complex interplay of post-colonial and neo-liberal values and behaviours, that were always going to lead us here. We have now entered the age of what I call (and elsewhere has been called) 'human fracking' - the humans as the last resource for capitalist extraction practices. Our attention is being mined, our natural survival instinct for connection is being monetised for an alienating future, and our home decimated in the name of profit. The revolution is partly an inner one, in disconnecting from the 'mirror world' and finding each other in person, here, and now.

The most significant problem we face is probably climate change, however, I think we are thwarted from facing the challenge largely due to the disconnected individualism of the West. I think we need...

The most significant problem we face is probably climate change, however, I think we are thwarted from facing the challenge largely due to the disconnected individualism of the West. I think we need to find ways to relate to others from all walks of life and all political agendas. I think when we really understand another with cultivated empathy and care we can share their plight, and others can share ours.

I'm reluctant to propose something as the 'most significant' problem we face because 1. our lives are multi-storied and 2. people are diverse and face a diversity of challenges depending on where they...

I'm reluctant to propose something as the 'most significant' problem we face because 1. our lives are multi-storied and 2. people are diverse and face a diversity of challenges depending on where they live and their economic circumstances. However I'd say recognising and responding to violence and expressing love for others is quite a significant challenge but probably not a new one for humanity. I think the question of 'belonging' is quite important, particularly as people tend to be living more individualistically these days, cut off from families or communities. And for many people, making sense of life is a big question and continues to be, in a more complex world.

Lack of empathy.

Lack of empathy.

Conflict and loss of empathy. How do we stay in relationship, personally and globally, whilst negotiating all the issues that affect us and keep us in fear and isolated from each other - climate...

Conflict and loss of empathy. How do we stay in relationship, personally and globally, whilst negotiating all the issues that affect us and keep us in fear and isolated from each other - climate change, religious differences, land rights, narcissistic entitlement and mindlessness, bigotry and racism, greed, vertical living, food and water sustainability, rampant consumerism, pollution, the threat of terrorism, crime, etc. ... and all the while the world population grows and grows and both personal and global anxiety grows and grows ... ... and it seems as if no one is in charge.

Being vulnerable with one another.

Being vulnerable with one another.

Misusing our power.

Misusing our power.

The war in Ukraine. It is the biggest geopolitical event and challenge since WW2.

The war in Ukraine. It is the biggest geopolitical event and challenge since WW2.

One of the most significant problems we face today is disconnection - from ourselves, from each other, and from our communities. In a fast-paced world, many people feel isolated, overwhelmed, or...

One of the most significant problems we face today is disconnection - from ourselves, from each other, and from our communities. In a fast-paced world, many people feel isolated, overwhelmed, or unheard. I believe healing starts with genuine connection, empathy, and understanding - qualities that can help us build a kinder, more resilient world together.

We are too quick to speak. Be quick to listen and slow to speak.

We are too quick to speak. Be quick to listen and slow to speak.

Gender inequalities, poverty, abuse of power, media polluting the minds of young and vulnerable young people are just a few of the world problems today.

Gender inequalities, poverty, abuse of power, media polluting the minds of young and vulnerable young people are just a few of the world problems today.

It is hard to isolate the most significant problem. In the western world, I think the frenetic pace of life, increased materialism, climate change, and the erosion of a deep spiritual dimension...

It is hard to isolate the most significant problem. In the western world, I think the frenetic pace of life, increased materialism, climate change, and the erosion of a deep spiritual dimension certainly drives people to seek therapy, or to search for greater meaning in life.

Accelerating climate change is an unbearably upsetting problem, especially since our politicians have wasted so many opportunities for mitigation and prevention. Loss of biodiversity due to...

Accelerating climate change is an unbearably upsetting problem, especially since our politicians have wasted so many opportunities for mitigation and prevention. Loss of biodiversity due to extinction, deforestation and pollution needs addressing much more effectively and with greater immediacy. The suffering of helpless animals during increasingly common and more intense natural disasters -- in addition to massive human suffering and displacement -- is heartbreaking.

We need connection more than ever, with ourselves, with our loved ones, our communities and the beautiful natural world around us. Connection with nature is an easy natural way for us all to feel more...

We need connection more than ever, with ourselves, with our loved ones, our communities and the beautiful natural world around us. Connection with nature is an easy natural way for us all to feel more nourished. How do we manage to hold onto hope when it all feels hopeless and out of our control? We all play an important part in our own local eco-systems and can be part of the change that the world so desperately needs. We can't control others but we can take self-responsibility to change the things we can. The AA saying says it all: (God) Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference

On a world scale, many of the basic requirements for living a dignified life are missing. Millions of people do not have sufficient food, land or security to raise healthy families. The causes are...

On a world scale, many of the basic requirements for living a dignified life are missing. Millions of people do not have sufficient food, land or security to raise healthy families. The causes are complex, but I think we need to take responsibility for the way we live and make a priority of looking after each other and the Earth. A more compassionate world can only come about if we undertake the work to become more compassionate, and self-compassionate, individuals.

Climate change.

Climate change.

Finding our true self and living from a place of authenticity so that we can love the imperfections of who we are.

Finding our true self and living from a place of authenticity so that we can love the imperfections of who we are.

Goodness, I wasn't expecting this question. There are so many that no response I could give in this teeny text box could possibly do these issues justice.

Goodness, I wasn't expecting this question. There are so many that no response I could give in this teeny text box could possibly do these issues justice.

Hmmm. Difficult to find the â??mostâ?. Giving it some thought, a lot of the big issues (social media, political division, distribution of wealth, etc) could find their way back to â??powerâ? -...

Hmmm. Difficult to find the â??mostâ?. Giving it some thought, a lot of the big issues (social media, political division, distribution of wealth, etc) could find their way back to â??powerâ? - the allocation of power to people ill-equipped to use it, and most of whom donâ??t seem to understand that our species relies on positive connections to survive.

We are living in a world of existential anxiety and existential threats. Many nations fear themselves to be under an existential threat, a threat to their way of life. Many cultures feel under...

We are living in a world of existential anxiety and existential threats. Many nations fear themselves to be under an existential threat, a threat to their way of life. Many cultures feel under existential threat. Identities also feel under existential threats: what does it mean to be a woman or a man today? What does it mean to be a father or mother? What does it mean to be successful? Climate change places our whole way of life under existential threat. Anxiety and depression on an individual level are forms of an existential threat. Instead of taking fight or flight in the experience of being existential threats we need to see them as opportunities for building new ways of life. We need to ask and respond to the most ancient of Socratic questions: how we ought to live? In our hyper busy world, we have sight of the importance of the Socratic question for putting our lives as individuals and communities into perspective. We tend to run around, busy, busy, busy. We have little perspective on the point of our busyness. Psychotherapy has a big role to play in addressing the range of existential threats.

I think the lack of understanding that human beings are much closer to animals in terms of the evolution of our brain development and nervous system than we realise. This fact speaks to our short term...

I think the lack of understanding that human beings are much closer to animals in terms of the evolution of our brain development and nervous system than we realise. This fact speaks to our short term versus long term vision. It speaks to how we still have wars to resolve issues and our inability to calmly speak through and accept our differences. It speaks to how much human behaviour is still guided by emotional processes and reactivity, fight, flight or freeze responses versus processes which are thoughtful, and guided by the more evolved parts of our brain, the cerebral cortex, which can use reason. We see this in wars, in domestic violence in acts of murder and abuse, in conflict and cut-off. Global warming and finite environmental resources . Uneven distribution of wealth in society and the world at large.

Loss of connection and community. Although we are part of the global village, I think there are so many of us out there feeling isolated behind a screen. We are social creatures and long for the...

Loss of connection and community. Although we are part of the global village, I think there are so many of us out there feeling isolated behind a screen. We are social creatures and long for the interactions of others in close porximity. Don't get me wrong I love the internet, but there is nothing better than a hug from your lover, a soft work of kindness from a friend or a look of appreciation and a smile from another.

The increasing loss of soul, sense of the sacred, and reverence in our world. I believe that visible manifestations of this loss are multiple massive crises occurring at the same time (environmental,...

The increasing loss of soul, sense of the sacred, and reverence in our world. I believe that visible manifestations of this loss are multiple massive crises occurring at the same time (environmental, financial, food, energy, health). There appear to be two main responses to this dire situation: One of hopelessness and resignation where many of us are getting on with our lives as if nothing were happening, fuelled by a flight into rampant consumerism which covers up a sense of helplessness and apathy. On the other hand, there is an increasing activism, often supported by the internet that provides direct access to individuals and specific communities, which acknowledges the seriousness of the situation we are in, and tries to gather collective forces to address these important issues. The jury is still out on which way will go with these conflicting trends.

Disconnection from each other brought about by fear and difficulty communicating how we really feel and listening and understanding where others are coming from.

Disconnection from each other brought about by fear and difficulty communicating how we really feel and listening and understanding where others are coming from.

Unfortunately inequality, racism, discrimination and abuse still exist and the physical threat of war and terrorism. Third world problems of experiences of isolation and loneliness, perfection and...

Unfortunately inequality, racism, discrimination and abuse still exist and the physical threat of war and terrorism. Third world problems of experiences of isolation and loneliness, perfection and entitlement are also massive challenges.

We live in a community that does not talk alot about emotions. People are often feeling isolated with how they feel and at times others do not know how to support them and be open and honest about...

We live in a community that does not talk alot about emotions. People are often feeling isolated with how they feel and at times others do not know how to support them and be open and honest about their own struggles. The more we talk about emotions the more we learn about them and the more support everyone can access. It also normalises that everyone struggles at times.

Big question! The first thing that comes to mind is the sense of disconnect from ourselves, one another and Nature. I probably think this is the biggest problem we face in the world, because I feel it...

Big question! The first thing that comes to mind is the sense of disconnect from ourselves, one another and Nature. I probably think this is the biggest problem we face in the world, because I feel it is the biggest problem I face. I feel most well and free and loving when I feel connected to myself, others and Nature and often wonder how things would change if I (and others) felt this more of the time.

Keeping within the field...mental unwellness. I am seeing it from early ages, and we need to not just look at coping skills, but look at what it is in our environment that is feeding it so well.

Keeping within the field...mental unwellness. I am seeing it from early ages, and we need to not just look at coping skills, but look at what it is in our environment that is feeding it so well.

The impact our species is having on the planet through climate change and how to engage in ways of reducing that impact and being adaptable to making changes.

The impact our species is having on the planet through climate change and how to engage in ways of reducing that impact and being adaptable to making changes.

There are some big structural issues that are affecting people at the moment: the cost of housing; access to steady work with a liveable wage; racism, gender issues and homophobia. Relationship issues...

There are some big structural issues that are affecting people at the moment: the cost of housing; access to steady work with a liveable wage; racism, gender issues and homophobia. Relationship issues and experiences of trauma and violence are very common.

One of the significant problems we face today is that we have accepted as normal, the lifestyle we have willingly ascribed to and this lifestyle is responsible for the burgeoning rates of ill mental...

One of the significant problems we face today is that we have accepted as normal, the lifestyle we have willingly ascribed to and this lifestyle is responsible for the burgeoning rates of ill mental and physical health. We have lost touch with the innate sense of guiding love that abides in our inner heart and instead we are impulsed by the world outside of ourselves. We live in the tension that this disconnection causes and then we, as society, collude in the medications we use to ease this tension. These medications include behaviours like addiction, fighting, pornography, alcohol, drugs, excessive consumerism, overeating and choosing the quick thrill or numbing activity over the carefully thought out responsible self-loving choice.

There is just too much of everything, to the extent that we can easily become overwhelmed, overstimulated and under satisfied, and I think people struggle to slow down, take a moment to breathe and be...

There is just too much of everything, to the extent that we can easily become overwhelmed, overstimulated and under satisfied, and I think people struggle to slow down, take a moment to breathe and be in the present.

A sense of separateness and disconnection.

A sense of separateness and disconnection.

Loneliness, disconnection, Covid and global instability seem to be factors most impacting today.

Loneliness, disconnection, Covid and global instability seem to be factors most impacting today.

I believe that being too individualised, and fixated on outcomes, rather than living in the here and now, is the root cause for the negative impacts on the planet and our society. In short the I, me,...

I believe that being too individualised, and fixated on outcomes, rather than living in the here and now, is the root cause for the negative impacts on the planet and our society. In short the I, me, mine and always wanting to move on to more, better, bigger etc.

The problems we face are located in the wider, dominant narratives (or stories) around us. Dominant narratives (mainstream stories / ideas) are often reproduced by the media, in education,...

The problems we face are located in the wider, dominant narratives (or stories) around us. Dominant narratives (mainstream stories / ideas) are often reproduced by the media, in education, government, by health professionals, through family and friends (etc.) dominated by privileged accounts that can discount, marginalise and subjugate peoples' lives (if they do not reflect popular views of that local social-cultural context). Heteronormativity, homonormativity, ableism, success and failure, sexism, mental health, racism, and ageism are some examples of dominant stories that privilege certain ways of life as more valued and important than others. Often, this is where the source of our problems are located, in privileged dominant narratives.

There are many and I don't believe one to be the most significant. Perhaps due to my experience I do believe the abuse of drugs and alcohol to be up there though. However, the question then becomes...

There are many and I don't believe one to be the most significant. Perhaps due to my experience I do believe the abuse of drugs and alcohol to be up there though. However, the question then becomes why do so many people need drugs and alcohol to mask the pain they feel every day. Another issue is our lack of identity or ability to live a life according to our values. Add in the increasing cost of living and there are just so many everyday stressors we have to face. Therefore, maybe due to the fact there are so many potential problems of significance that surrounds us this is why we have so much internal and external chaos?

Where to start? Intolerance, prejudice, injustice in its many many forms. Blindness to privilege. Also, I think a huge problem is being caught in a narrow sense of who we are - we are so much more...

Where to start? Intolerance, prejudice, injustice in its many many forms. Blindness to privilege. Also, I think a huge problem is being caught in a narrow sense of who we are - we are so much more than what the dominant voices in our culture say we are, we are distanced from our inner selves and the bigger sense of self that comes with altered states and direct connection with the larger consciousness (however we may conceive that). Being deprived of that makes us feel chronically depressed and dissatisfied, and vulnerable to addictions.