Phycologist Peter Gray talks about the decline in how young people view the world – that there is a shift in their sense of personal control over their fate.

A recently released study from San Diego University talks about the increase of anxiety and depression in young people since the 1950s, citing that this is due to a shift from intrinsic to extrinsic goals. Intrinsic goals are to do with one’s own development. Extrinsic goals are to do with material rewards and other people’s judgments – and within such goals are where anxiety and depression grow.

So whilst some depression is caused by chemical imbalances, much of it is due to the way that society is encouraging us to think and feel. The “ideal” values sold to us through the media which encourage our values as humans to be distorted.

When we grow old, we won’t be reflecting on all the designer shoes we once longed to own. We’ll be recalling happy memories about the time we spent with the people we love and care about. We might feel a sense of peace about all the ways we grew as individuals, or helped others.

With this in mind, how can you help influence yourselves and other people to “look within”? To take one small step at a time towards growing our own development? Try focusing on your intrinsic goals instead of your extrinsic goals. It could start with addressing small changes in our diets and lifestyles; or it could be that you find the courage to embark on a passion or career which is close to your heart…