Meaninglessness could kill you | Harvard University Sayaka Wakita

Hello everyone! Here is a virtual speech I recently made at Harvard University about research findings on how meaninglessness can be a strong indicator of depression and suicidal tendencies.

DISCLAIMER: Some viewers may find elements of this talk to be distressing. This video is for educational purposes only. It is not an alternative to professional mental health treatment. If you are experiencing suicidal ideations, reach out to a local mental health professional immediately.

00:00 Intro
00:43 My story
02:40 Frankl and Nietzsche on meaning
03:30 Finding meaning requires introspection
04:48 Research findings
05:32 What you can do about it
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References:

Frankl, V. E. (2021). Man's search for meaning: The classic tribute to hope from the Holocaust. Rider.

Nietzsche, F., & Large, D. (1998). Twilight of the Idols or how to Philosophize with a Hammer. Oxford Univ. Press.

May, R. (2009). Man's search for himself. Norton.

authors, A., & Shona Joyce Herron & Fabio Sani. (n.d.). Understanding the typical presentation of emptiness: A study of lived-experience. Taylor & Francis. Retrieved May 2, 2022, from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/...

Twenge, J. M., Catanese, K. R., & Baumeister, R. F. (n.d.). Social Exclusion and the Deconstructed State: Time Perception, Meaninglessness, Lethargy, Lack of Emotion, and Self-Awareness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Shibboleth authentication request. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezp-prod1...

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Depression. World Health Organization. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sh...

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Suicide. World Health Organization. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sh...

Halberstam, M. (1998, August). Totalitarianism as a problem for the Modern Conception of Politics- JSTOR. journal article. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://www.jstor.org/stable/192200