REDEFINING SADENESS, MY STORY, MY STRENGH | EMISSA KAKHI | TEDxPARC Intl School

Key Concepts:

• Sadness as a learning tool
• Suicide rates and their correlation with sadness
• Lifestyle changes as a coping mechanism
• Acceptance of mortality

Sadness as a Societal Issue and Personal Experience:

The speaker highlights the prevalent negative perception of sadness in society, suggesting it's often viewed as something to be ashamed of. They propose a shift in perspective, advocating for the use of sadness as a tool for personal growth and learning from past mistakes. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about the loss of their cat, Lucy, and how their sadness led to the realization that "not everyone lasts forever," illustrating the potential for sadness to impart valuable life lessons.

The Alarming Statistics of Suicide and Sadness:

The speaker presents data indicating a strong link between sadness and suicide, citing studies that suggest up to 35% of suicides are caused by sadness. They describe sadness as feeling "trapped in a maze which you can't really escape," emphasizing its overwhelming and inexplicable nature. A chart is referenced, showing suicide rates over the years, with 1990 at 28% and 2022 having the highest suicide rate. The speaker expresses frustration over the high suicide rates among teenagers in Gen Z, questioning how they can be "the future" if they are "un-aliving" themselves due to fixable emotions.

Lifestyle Changes as a Solution:

The speaker suggests that sadness can be addressed through lifestyle changes. They share their personal experience of waking up sad for no reason and finding a solution by modifying their diet and sleep schedule. They recommend maintaining a daily sleep schedule of 8+ hours.

Acceptance of Mortality as a Coping Mechanism:

The speaker recounts the loss of their grandfather in 2020-2023 and the realization that they, too, will die one day. This thought, while initially saddening, led to the understanding that it's better to learn how to cope with sadness rather than remain in a state of perpetual sorrow.

Conclusion:

The speaker encourages the audience to learn how to cope with sadness, framing it not as a weakness but as an opportunity for growth and resilience. The key takeaways are the importance of acknowledging and processing sadness, addressing it through lifestyle adjustments, and accepting mortality as a means of finding perspective and moving forward.