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Writer Javier Castillo: 'The Main Enemy of Mental Health Is Creating a Thought-Out Life, Not a Lived Life'
🇦🇷 Argentina /Health & Science

Writer Javier Castillo: 'The Main Enemy of Mental Health Is Creating a Thought-Out Life, Not a Lived Life'

From Clarín · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Writer Javier Castillo argues that the primary threat to mental health is creating a "thought-out life" rather than a "lived life."
  • He emphasizes the importance of silence and introspection to reduce mental noise and reconnect with one's inner self.
  • Castillo identifies societal expectations and the gap between ideals and reality as major sources of anxiety and frustration.

In today's hyper-connected world, maintaining emotional balance is a significant challenge, according to writer Javier Castillo. He asserts that the constant pressures of work, family, and the relentless need to perform negatively impact mental well-being. Castillo, author of "The Art of Recognizing Your Value," believes that emotional wellness starts with self-honesty and inner connection, urging individuals to "recognize your value and trust who you are."

The main enemy is to create an expectation for ourselves, a thought-out life and not a lived life.

— Javier CastilloDescribing the primary threat to mental health.

Castillo proposes silence as a powerful tool for reconnecting with oneself. "Meditation is very interesting. Silence connects us with that inner part that helps us feel better and stay focused," he explains. Taking a few minutes daily for introspection can reduce mental clutter, organize thoughts, and clarify what truly matters. He counters the notion that pausing is a waste of time, framing it instead as a way to gain internal space and alleviate the mental saturation caused by social media, news, and daily demands. "We live with such a high level of demand that we act out of survival," he warns, stressing the need to pause and assess one's true feelings.

Meditation is very interesting. Silence connects us with that inner part that helps us feel better and stay focused.

— Javier CastilloProposing silence as a tool for mental well-being.

The writer identifies societal expectations as the "main enemy" of mental health, stating, "The main enemy is to create an expectation for ourselves, a thought-out life and not a lived life." He observes that society pushes individuals toward unattainable ideals of perfection, creating a persistent gap between who we think we should be and who we are. This disparity fuels frustration, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy.

We live with such a high level of demand that we act out of survival.

— Javier CastilloExplaining the pressure of modern life.

In contrast, Castillo champions "blessed normality", the ability to find joy in the everyday, appreciate small achievements, and value what one already possesses. "Finding satisfaction in what you do every day is a privilege that we often don't give ourselves," he reflects. He also highlights the significance of mental habits and internal dialogue, noting, "How you relate to yourself is key. The internal discourse you maintain with yourself defines how you see and feel yourself."

Finding satisfaction in what you do every day is a privilege that we often don't give ourselves.

— Javier CastilloAdvocating for appreciating daily life.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Clarín in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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