#48: Joshua Zitser - Losing & Rediscovering the Will to Live
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In this episode, The Earthly Delights’ duo speak with political journalist, Joshua Zitser. Joshua speaks very honestly about his struggles with his mental health which led him to lose the will to live, but thankfully instead of taking matters into his own hands he reached out on Twitter, which was his salvation. Joshua also explains how he believes some of his struggles can be attributed to intergenerational trauma which was a fascinating point to make.
Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
1. What can lead you to become severely depressed to the point of contemplating suicide
2. Understand what toll intergenerational toll can take on your mental health.
3. Reaching out and seeking help both professionally but also within your own circle is vitally important.
5 Powerful Quotes from This Episode
“There’s this fear of interrupting other people’s lives when you are going through hell.”
“Once I was able to open up and that elephant in the room was no longer there and we were able to talk about it created stronger bonds, and those bonds are important.”
“I think it’s important for men to talk about it [mental health] because we share the same insecurities about opening up. Be it burdening others, be it looking weak or emotional.”
“I think the way anti-semitism has affected my mental health is through intergenerational trauma and that is the idea that trauma is passed down through the generations.”
“I remember feeling like there was no end to the pain I was going through and I am sitting now on the other end, and of course I have rough days here or there but they don’t last, it’s not the norm and you’ll have great days fill with joy and you’ll have meaning and purpose.”
Episode Highlights
What can lead you to contemplate suicide?
● Joshua details what lead him to lose the will to live.
● That sense of drifting through life and pain is momentary and will eventually pass no matter how bad it gets.
● Isolation is a key contributor to depression and ultimately suicide. It is vital that you remember you are loved and people care deeply about you.
Reaching out is key
● We talk about the fear of reaching out, often suffered by men. The thought that you are burdening someone else with your problems and that you alone are responsible for solving your problems. In actual fact, by reaching out you can create a real bond that will help all involved. By reaching out you are combating isolation which is so important.
● It is also really important to seek professional help so that you can acquire the tools needed to overcome this problem now and in the future, should it happen again.
Intergenerational Trauma
● Transgenerational trauma or intergenerational trauma is a psychological term that asserts that trauma can be transferred in between generations.
● Joshua explains how anti-semitism affects his mental health mostly through intergenerational trauma passed down from his ancestors. Understanding this has been key to changing certain behaviour patterns and ensuring that Joshua doesn’t pass down traumas to his children should he have any.
Enjoy this Podcast?
We are very grateful to Jessica for giving us her time and speaking so eloquently about this emerging area of therapy. Jessica was such a fantastic guest and her work is incredibly inspiring. We hope this conversation can help (ever so slightly) spread awareness of this crucial channel of healing and offer hope to people who may be feeling that more conventional forms of therapy are not for them. As ever, thanks a million for listening! We would love to hear your feedback!
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