Author
Dr. Erwin Fabian Lasso, Psychiatrist, Fundación Valle del Lili
What do we do when everything seems chaotic? In historical moments like the present, marked by dizzying technological advances, social crises, and constant transformations, it's normal to feel like we're moving faster than we can comprehend. Our scientific development grows exponentially, but our moral and emotional reflection doesn't always keep pace. Human values emerge as that necessary compass to guide us when external circumstances overwhelm us.
Why are values key to facing adversity?
All living beings orient themselves by seeking favorable environments and avoiding hostile ones. In human beings, this mechanism is much more sophisticated: we not only seek to survive, but also to transcend, to love, to be free, to assume responsibilities, and to build meaningful projects.
Values arise from our ability to evaluate what we consider valuable. They are a combination of thought and emotion that motivates us toward certain goals. They function like lighthouses in the fog: they help us make sound decisions and stay the course even when circumstances change.
When our actions are aligned with our values, we feel inner coherence. That is, we perceive that our life has a meaningful narrative, where experiences—even difficult ones—fit into a larger story.
What does it truly mean to have a sense of purpose in life?
The meaning of life is not an abstract or exclusively philosophical idea. It has to do with how we interpret what happens to us and with the ability to integrate those experiences into a coherent vision of our existence.
Returning to the concept of "sense of coherence", this is composed of three fundamental elements:
- Understanding: to perceive that what is happening has a certain order or can be understood.
- Manageability: to feel that we have personal and social resources to cope with situations.
- Fullness of meaning: embrace challenges as worthwhile endeavors.
When these three elements are present, difficulties cease to be mere threats and can become opportunities for growth.
Is it possible to find meaning even in suffering?
Yes. The neurologist and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl demonstrated this under extreme conditions. He observed that those who managed to find a "why" could endure almost any "how."
Frankl discovered that human beings can find meaning even in pain. His teaching remains relevant: we cannot always choose what happens to us, but we can choose the attitude with which we respond.
How do you build a meaningful life?
Building a meaningful life requires pausing. In a fast-paced world, pausing is almost a revolutionary act. Meditation, self-knowledge, and mindful reflection allow us to reduce automatic thinking and regain our ability to focus.
They help us to ask ourselves:
- What is truly important to me?
- What values do I want to guide my decisions?
- Am I living in accordance with them?
Getting to know each other with kindness —without excessive judgment— is the first step towards making more conscious and responsible decisions.
What practices can strengthen our coping tools?
There are multiple paths that facilitate this process of connecting with values and the meaning of life:
- Spiritual or reflective practices.
- Frequent contact with nature with an intention of care.
- Deep conversations with significant people.
- Participation in social projects or altruistic activities.
- Physical exercise and a balanced diet.
- Mindfulness practices.
- Creative and artistic spaces.
All these activities strengthen the perception of internal coherence and increase our capacity for resilience.
Is seeking professional help also a coping tool?
Absolutely. Consulting a mental health professional isn't just about treating an illness. Psychologists and psychiatrists also support personal growth, emotional strengthening, and the development of stress management skills.
Specialized guidance can help us identify our core values, develop emotional regulation strategies, and reinterpret difficult experiences.
So, what do you do when everything seems like chaos?
Returning to the essentials. Stopping, asking ourselves what we truly value, identifying our resources, and consciously deciding how to respond.
External chaos doesn't always disappear, but when we have inner clarity, uncertainty loses some of its power. Recognizing our values and living in accordance with them transforms how we face difficulties, allowing us to respond with greater coherence, resilience, and hope.
Because in the end, more than controlling the world, what truly strengthens our mental health is building a meaningful life.
