There is an google article called "Millions of Britons unable to cope with modern life" which in part says-
"Millions of people are unhappy, lonely and unable to cope with profound changes in the workplace, relationships and family life, according to a major study. It portrays Britain as a psychologically fragile society in which increased wealth has been accompanied by soaring levels of individual isolation and stress. Although welfare services have made big strides in addressing material poverty, they have failed to get a grip on the growing problems of mental illness and distress caused by the rise of individualism and family breakdown, it says. The UK [is a] largely happy country, but one with many unhappy people ..."
Some years ago, well before my diagnosis of bipolar 2, dysthymia and depression I knew my need to move from the city. So now many years later I feel I have the mix about as perfect as I can get it. My first challenge was to get work in the country- no mean feat. But once I got that I could begin to plan a more relaxing future.
A move to the country might not suit everyone but I believe the move had such a profound positiveness that it deserves to be spread to you.
There is a disease called "Twentieth century disease" which is not what I'm referring to here. That is a serious illness. What I'm suggesting here is, that our great grandparents around 120 years ago, hadnt seen a plane fly, a car being driven, a washing machine, a computer, a mobile phone, a skyscraper and so on. So in a short 3 generations humans have had to adapt and accept these modern creations...and some of us cant do it.
Back to basics could include- a vegie garden (even in a unit in the city!), a move to a country town no more than 400 people, limiting your social media, direct debit for bills so there are few accounts to pay physically, walks to sight wild animals and any other actions that allow you to withdraw.
My wife and I (as we call it) "Swan in" to large towns or Melbourne to go shopping. We are there for less than 2 hours. We tend to stay away from areas with parking meters because a ticket could cause us anger and upset. Parking meters indicate to us that the city is too big for us and has added pressures like peak hour traffic.
I was planning to reject society altogether. I soon found that my plan was flawed. Balance is needed. Many things in life is a balance including finding peace, working, socialising and back to basics.
Tony WK
