I began to write this as preparations were being made in Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral. His impact and benevolent expression of power came from his openness to all people, no matter their vastly different values and viewpoints, and from his solidarity with the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized. I am struck by the stark contrast between Francis’s approach to leadership and those ruling authoritarian regimes around the world and, indeed, those closer to home. It begs the question: What is the impact and the consequence of different kinds of power on society in general and on individuals in particular? Our current culture seems to alarmingly sanction behaviors such as bullying, threatening, and seeking revenge. As a psychologist, physician, and meditation teacher, with more than 35 years of experience working with people across all demographics, I've witnessed the profound psychological and spiritual impact of living through difficult and troubled environments. And so today, I ask myself, how can we live with kindness as the operative strategy rather than under the rubric of threats, intimidation, and aggressive behavior?
When bullying and intimidation become normalized, they erode the fundamental trust that binds society together. Speaking out appears riskier, and people instinctively withdraw to protect themselves, creating a cycle of isolation that breeds hopelessness, apathy, and fear. As our support networks crumble, we become increasingly alienated from one another. The social fabric that once connected us is then unraveled. Such an atmosphere can disrupt our capacity to form meaningful friendships while threatening social cohesion. The message is becoming more and more clear: trust and mutual respect are less and less valued. While Intimidation and control become a prized behavior, it does not take long before suspicion and guardedness become our default stance, leading to deeply felt anxiety and unease.
The mental health consequences of this spiral are significant. In my practice, I've seen a dramatic increase in depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Those who experienced bullying in their personal lives often develop post-traumatic stress symptoms that include fear, hypervigilance, and even flashbacks. Physical manifestations of chronic stress become commonplace, including headaches, chronic muscle tension, stomach pain, and increased susceptibility to illness. Most alarmingly, suicidal thoughts and actions are significantly on the rise, especially among young people trapped in a world that feels increasingly hostile.
