Writing has a way of grounding us when the future feels uncertain. For me, it’s not just an outlet — it’s how I stay connected to purpose while searching for what’s next.
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Lately, I’ve been doing far more writing than promoting, interviewing, or podcasting — and there are a few reasons for that. The most obvious one is my mental health. The constant rush that comes with being a public figure, a mental health author, and an advocate can take a heavy toll. But there’s more to it than that.
It’s not just about my mental health, though it’s certainly connected. It’s also about a loss of ambition — or maybe a redirection of it. Writing has become my way of sorting things out, of keeping depression at bay while I search for a new sense of purpose and passion.
When I wrote my first book, The Road to Mental Wellness, I finally had direction — a place to put my angst and a meaningful outlet to tell my story. It was immeasurably helpful for my healing. Without that work, I honestly don’t know where I’d be today.
Since then, I’ve written another book — Wired to Be Human. It explores how our ancient threat detection system, designed for early human survival, is constantly being triggered in the modern world by division, noise, endless notifications, and everything in between. It’s not a political book — it’s a human one. It’s about finding ways to cope and care for your mental well-being in a world seemingly bent on undermining it.
I consider it my masterpiece — the book that says everything I’ve wanted to say. If I ever write another, I doubt it will be as real, relevant, or impactful as what I shared in those pages.
Learn More About Mental Health and the Brain
WIRED TO BE HUMAN
Jonathan Arenburg: Author, Speaker, Trained Counsellor explores Why the Modern World Feels Wrong—and What Evolution Says About Making It Right in his latest book. WIRED TO BE HUMAN.
And that’s part of the problem. My creative well feels dry — like an abandoned well in the desert. After spending the best part of a decade devoted to writing, I’m not sure what comes next. Honestly, that uncertainty worries me.
Sure, I still have my blog, The Road to Mental Wellness, but even that’s running low on fuel. When something has anchored you for so long, it’s hard to imagine what life looks like without it.
Is this the end of the blog? Probably not.
Am I standing at the edge of something new? It certainly feels that way.
Writing for the Right Reasons
One thing I’ve always refused to do is play the algorithm game — the one that demands we tailor our work to satisfy search engines or social media platforms. That game is rigged to keep people scrolling endlessly, liking, sharing, and consuming more.
If I focused on “engagement” for the sake of reach, I’d be contributing to the very problem I’m trying to solve — the deterioration of people’s mental health. What kind of mental health advocate would I be if I intentionally pulled you deeper into the screen?
The research is clear: excessive screen time is linked to higher anxiety and depression rates. So, I can’t, in good conscience, become part of that machine. Trying to help people through the addictive mechanics of social media is like promoting vaping as a way to quit smoking. Harm is harm.
So my work reaches who it reaches — and that’s okay. My hope has always been that whoever stumbles across my words finds something in them that helps light their own path down the road to mental wellness.
Moving Forward, One Step at a Time
Where does this leave me? Honestly, in a bit of limbo. But I know this much: I can’t stop moving forward. My focus now is on staying grounded — eating better (still a challenge), exercising, and keeping social connections alive. These small things matter.
Maybe I’ll find a new passion, something that reignites that spark and carries me into the next chapter. Until then, writing — and movement — are my lifelines. They keep me from being pulled away from life by trauma’s power and from being overtaken by depression’s speak.
For now, blog posts and exercise are my saviour. My wish for you is that you find your way too. Whatever you do, never give up. Remember when things look bleak, there are always better times ahead — even when we’re convinced there’s not.
I am rooting for you,
Jonathan
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