Erfan’s Journey To Becoming
Unsinkable Storytelling Author: Erfan Nouraee
Erfan Nouraee is Toronto City Youth Councillor, Mental health advocate and Quantum physics inventor. This is a great opportunity to share his story, discuss mental health's importance and strategies to help you by providing practical tips and advice on how to support your mental health well-being during the pandemic.
Erfan’s story began when he was working at a physics lab, he has been under severe mental and emotional pressure to work on an invention called “Quantum Analyzer sensor based on the photoelectron’s radiation detection”. Many investors had invested in this invention and expected from him to be successful in the outcome. Due to the high level of pressure and expectations of investors from him, he was burnt out, stressed and nervous. It becomes more painful when I tell you that he just was 17 years old, and he couldn't even talk about it with anyone. He feared from investors and was scared what if he couldn’t handle their money which had been given to him to work on the invention, and the worst-case what he should do in case the project was rejected in giving back. All these thoughts were adding to his anxiety and stress. At that time, he should take care of himself mentally which he was not aware of “mental health” and “self-priority”and the importance of speaking up.
Erfan mentioned some tips he learned:
You can set small goals and celebrate them with your family and always talk with your parents, friends and your social network.
You also can exercise mindfulness, take deep breaths and make sure you’re thinking about those who need your help and support.
Let’s follow these simple steps, always Look to signs of stress in yourself, Listen to yourself and Link and reach out to your social network, your loved ones, parents, family, friends and so forth. These strategies all helped me tackle my anxiety and stress during the time I was overwhelmed while working in the quantum physics laboratory.
Erfan has heard from his peers who wanted to know more about common mental illnesses affecting them in his mental health awareness summits. During the time Erfan was engaged in quantum physics research, he experienced severe anxiety and stress which was a strong driving force for him to decide to do more research on protecting his mental health. After doing much research and participating in Canadian Red Cross's numerous psychological first aid advanced courses, he learned many important techniques that all have been playing an important role in helping him overcome his stress.
It’s Okay To Not Be Okay!
Erfan said: “As we are all unsinkable youth, I wanted to serve more youth to help them with their anxiety and stress problems in the community and talk with different politicians from all levels of government in charge to help youth speak up and take actions on this important matter to take care of their mental health.”
He has brought hundreds of youth and their experiences to the table with contemporary leaders to address them in their Youth Mental Health Awareness Virtual Summit series featuring the most prominent politicians, psychologists and caregivers.