On Our Minds Only? Episode 003: RELEVANCY with David Zaritsky

“At the core of a lot of depression is feeling like you don't have any meaning.” - David Zaritsky
David Zaritsky and David Lowbridge-Ellis candidly explore the dark side and light side of relevancy within the Bond community. (Yes, there are also Star Wars references.)
When we feel relevant, we get a natural hit of dopamine. But this can become dangerously addictive; creating content with the sole goal of gaining followers and likes can wreak havoc on our mental health.
David Z gets personal about how he has lost friends because they could not stop comparing their own relevance with other people’s. David L-E reveals how he strives to find meaning in himself, rather than by seeking affirmation from others.
This is a very personal conversation in which both Davids discuss how to navigate this tricky territory. The hope is that by sharing it publicly they will help others.
As David Z says here, when it comes to mental health, “There’s a real need to understand the why of what is happening.”
It’s tribal. Although some talk about the Bond Community as if it’s a place where everyone agrees with each other, in reality it consists of many subgroups. And while most Bond fans are positive voices, bringing diverse points of view and supporting others with positive affirmation, a few sadly pursue relevancy by propagating negativity, attempting to tear down those who they are jealous of.
The Davids hone in on their shared why: if it’s not followers and likes, what does motivate them to continue doing what they do?
Finally, David Z has some very practical advice for people who might be struggling with the issues raised in this video.
About the ‘On Our Minds Only?’ series:
Mental health is not discussed enough, despite it being an important element of the 007 stories. In this series, David talks very openly about mental health with members of the Bond community. He has a theory: these are the sorts of things on many of our minds but we often struggle to put them into words. Maybe we can change that?

[@danielscott8180]

We need more of the two Davids in discussion.

[@fletchersykes1660]

Great discussion, guys. Salient and searing points made.

[@yestoadventure007]

Brilliant conversation and a very interesting topic that I never thought about but definitely can see where it comes into my life. It makes me reflect about when I feel relevant or more important, irrelevant, especially among my family and close friends. Some great work to done! Keep these coming DL-E!- Thanks to both Davids!

[@tomburroughes9834]

Great discussion. So glad that the Bond community is getting into this. Another angle: we need heroes, and adventure, and there is a big aspect around mental health here. I think it is so easily to become listless and bored. Reading a wonderful novel, seeing a film, or understanding more about fascinating people, adds to the colour of life. And that's a big payoff for feeling better.

[@CreativewithGoals]

Loved listening to the eloquent way the two of you were able to talk about this, I also think, very important subject.
One of my cats does want to suggest your cat to switch from plastic to cardboard and make beautiful artworks from that :-).

[@tomburroughes9834]

Ian Fleming had his struggles in his early 20s: he was overshadowed by his elder brother; his mother, Eve, was very controlling, and there were all the expectations that came with being born into a rich family. He found his feet, so to speak, when he connected with a family in the Austrian Alps, and began to develop and flourish as a writer, and understand himself more.