How does time heal and how does it cripple our psyche?

There is a natural mechanism for stabilizing the psyche, but there are also natural mechanisms that reduce its adaptive properties.

WHY DOES TIME HEAL?

Everyone knows that time heals. But WHY?

Stressful situations can destabilize a person's psyche, introducing him into depressive states. Such mental disorders are dangerous for the body, so we have natural recovery mechanisms. A sort of "mental immunity". Over time, we forget the pain that we have experienced and are ready to go to meet the world again. Our psyche has by nature this mechanism for restoring stability, which, like biological immunity, does not always work, but as a rule ...

HOW DOES THIS MECHANISM WORK?

You've probably noticed a similar pattern in people's behavior: first we do stupid things, and then we try to justify our reckless behavior. In other words, at first we do some idiotic act without bothering to think about the consequences, and then we begin to invent rational reasons for our irrational behavior.

We need these reasons in order to justify our insane behavior and convince ourselves that it was justified. This is how we find comfort, which is the cure for mental trauma. In fact, this is self-deception. But we need this self-deception in order to maintain vitality and not break under the burden of realizing our mistakes.

However, in contrast to the recovery mechanism, there are also natural mechanisms for the destruction of the psyche. Therefore, it would be fair to say that time not only heals, it can also cripple us psychologically.

... AND CRIPPLES!

As we age, our brain loses its plasticity - the ability to create new connections between neurons. This reduces learning and receptivity to new things. Hence the notorious conservatism of older people, who see a threat in everything new. But the sadder thing is that the old one becomes like a child: the simplest actions are difficult for him if they require a restructuring of behavior.

Loss of brain plasticity leads to loss of plasticity in thinking and behavior. The elderly person becomes rigid in their habits and manner of responding to external stimuli. This rigidity aggravates the worst character traits, as if emphasizing them. Look at your elderly parents: you will become the same if you do not work on yourself.

What does it mean TO WORK ON YOURSELF?

The brain retains a certain amount of plasticity even in extreme old age. Another thing is that any quality of the brain will be supported by it only if it is relevant. We have the means to maintain the plasticity of the brain, we just need to use them. And one of these most powerful tools is creativity.

Creativity is a constant exit into the space of the new. Unfortunately, with age, we are less and less drawn to the new, seeing in it another kick in our ass. And only a culture of thinking is able to optimize mental processes and smooth out the negative impact of time. I'm not talking about complex psychological concepts, but about simple principles that everyone can understand and follow. But more on that in subsequent articles.