Levi's Research

Lately, I’ve found myself immersed in a strange corner of YouTube. My playlist was filled with true crime cases, murder mysteries, stories of disturbing mental illnesses, and other haunting content. It wasn’t long before I realized that most of these stories had something in common: they were deeply tragic, often tearing families apart. This realization struck a nerve, making me think about my own life and the safety of my loved ones.

I couldn’t imagine the devastation if something like this happened to me or my family. What stood out even more was that many of the people involved in these dark tales were introverts, much like myself. They struggled to accept reality, retreating further inward until something broke. This got me thinking about the danger of losing control of oneself, of letting external factors like drugs, alcohol, or unchecked emotions take over.

As someone who identifies as an introvert, I’ve embraced the quieter, more introspective side of myself. During the pandemic, I didn’t struggle much with isolation. Being home with my family gave me a sense of comfort. While others craved social interaction, I was content, as long as my loved ones were close. But now, after diving into these disturbing stories, I’ve begun reflecting on how easily things can change when you’re not in control of your emotions or mental state.

The Importance of Control

It became clear that many of the tragedies I watched and read about stemmed from individuals who had lost control—of themselves, their emotions, or their reality. Whether through substance abuse, addiction, or mental instability, they allowed something else to steer their actions, often with devastating consequences. What struck me the most was how these destructive behaviors weren’t limited to one type of person. Even ordinary people, introverts like me, could find themselves in a spiral if they weren’t careful.

I realized that control—both emotional and mental—wasn’t just about keeping myself stable, but about protecting my family from harm. As a father and husband, my primary responsibility is to safeguard the people I love. Part of that protection involves ensuring that I am mentally strong and emotionally balanced. I can’t afford to let anger, frustration, or any external pressure push me to a place where I might lose control.

A Commitment to Mental Health

This reflection led me to an important question: What could I do more of? The answer, I realized, lay in mental health. I need to do more to ensure that I’m equipped to handle whatever life throws at me, so I can keep myself and my family safe. That means actively working on my mental resilience, avoiding situations that might escalate into conflict, and being mindful of my emotions.

For example, road rage or impatience with strangers are things we’ve all experienced. But how often do we stop to think about how easily these situations could escalate if we let them? A moment of anger, unchecked, could lead to disastrous consequences. I’ve committed myself to doing more to stay calm, grounded, and patient, even in stressful situations. It’s not just about avoiding harm to myself—it’s about protecting my family from the ripple effects of my actions.

Avoiding Harmful Influences

Another major aspect of this journey is staying clear of harmful influences like drugs, alcohol, and unhealthy habits. It’s easy to dismiss these things as minor vices, but when you look at the stories of people who’ve lost everything due to addiction or recklessness, it becomes clear how dangerous they can be. One wrong choice, one moment of weakness, and everything you’ve built can come crashing down.

For me, avoiding these substances isn’t just about staying healthy; it’s about staying present and aware for my family. I need to be there for them, both physically and mentally. If I’m not in control of myself, how can I protect the people I love? It’s a question I keep coming back to, especially when I see how fragile life can be in the stories I’ve been watching.

The Role of Awareness and Self-Reflection

As I continue this journey of self-awareness, I’ve realized that one of the most important things I can do is simply be open-minded and honest with myself. No one is perfect, and we all have flaws. The key is to recognize those flaws and work on them before they become a problem. For me, that means being patient, not just with others, but with myself. It means accepting that I don’t have all the answers, but that I can keep learning and improving.

By staying mindful of my emotional state, I can ensure that I remain a source of stability for my family. I’ve learned that patience is one of the most powerful tools for maintaining peace—not just within myself, but within my household. When I’m calm, they’re calm. When I’m in control, they feel safe.

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on everything I’ve learned from these stories, I realize that the best way to protect my family is to protect myself—mentally, emotionally, and physically. By doing more to cultivate mental resilience, avoid harmful influences, and practice patience, I can ensure that I’m in the best possible position to keep my loved ones safe.

So, what could you do more of? For me, the answer lies in self-awareness, mental health, and a commitment to staying in control. It’s not an easy path, but it’s one that I’m willing to walk for the sake of the people I love. After all, being a father and a husband isn’t just about providing for your family—it’s about protecting them in every way you can. And that starts with you.

---

For the record, I am not mentally ill or having struggles with my emotions, but being exposed to someone experiencing it gives me knowledge of why it has happened. Fighting anxiety is difficult, but if you are aware that you have it, you can determine whether it is just a temporary emotion or not. That’s when you can clap back at your enemy.