The Greatest Fears of Americans: A Personal Account
As an American who has experienced the unrelenting pain following a traumatic brain injury (TBI), I can attest that the greatest fear of many Americans is not the obvious day-to-day concerns, but the deeper, more elusive anxieties that permeate our lives. One of my greatest fears is the continuous, unsubsiding pain that I cannot hope to fathom. This pain, and the desperate search for relief, often leads people to rely on painkillers and even drugs, which can become addicting.
Post-Traumatic Stress and Recurring Pain
Since my TBI in 2015, I have turned to marijuana as a temporary respite from the world and my own anxieties. It allows my mind to temporarily detach from the overwhelming reality of my condition. However, I have also faced challenges in obtaining disability benefits, despite multiple appeals and hospitalizations due to mood stabilizer Valproic Acid (Depakote).
Valproic Acid, which was prescribed for stabilizing moods, had unintended side effects that eventually led to suicidal thoughts years later. This experience has only reinforced the fear of more severe impacts and the constant concern about health and well-being. The fear of not being able to sustain a normal life, of not being able to provide for a family, and of losing basic rights or the ability to own a home, looms large in the hearts and minds of many.
Generational Fears and Future Doubts
The fear of our children and grandchildren facing a world vastly different from the one we knew is a profound and growing concern.Each new generation brings its own set of challenges and experiences, but the reality of our times adds a layer of complexity and uncertainty. There are fears about economic stability, job security, and access to basic necessities such as housing, transportation, education, and healthcare.
These fears are further compounded by societal changes that challenge traditional values and norms. From discussions about gender identity and family structures to the potential denial of basic human rights, the collective anxiety about the future of our children is palpable. There is a worry that children will be taught that body changes are reversible and trivial, and that abortion and changes in sexual identity are matters of choice and acceptance.
The possibility that they may have to work until they are unable to continue, sacrificing normal family life for the sake of survival, adds to the list of concerns. Additionally, the looming threat of rising energy costs and the end of readily available gas fuels further exacerbate these fears. The thought of a world without reliable energy sources is a source of crippling anxiety for many.
Conclusion and Reflection
Amidst all of this, there is still a fleeting moment of contentment. It is the rare occasion when I can temporarily forget about the pain and the fears and enjoy a moment of peace. Just as in the above lyric, ldquo;Do Bop-She Bop,rdquo; I find solace in a post-dinner cocktail and upbeat music on a vintage hi-fi system. However, these moments are fleeting, and the reality of our shared fears and anxieties looms large over our lives.
As an American who has experienced post-Traumatic Stress, I hope that future generations will not endure the same struggles and pain. We must work towards creating a world where our children and grandchildren can have the security and peace of mind that we once had.