Medical Expert Identifies Widespread 'Chronic Control Deficit' Across UK Population
Prominent television doctor Dr Rangan Chatterjee has issued a stark warning about a psychological phenomenon he describes as a 'chronic deficit of control' that he believes is affecting every person in the United Kingdom. The medical professional, who boasts a following of 1.6 million on Instagram, shared his concerning analysis in a detailed social media post on Thursday, January 22.
From Evolutionary Roots to Modern Anxiety
Dr Chatterjee, well-known for his appearances on BBC's Doctor in the House and as a regular contributor to ITV's This Morning, explained the origins of this modern crisis. He pointed out that humans 'evolved in tight-knit tribes' where concerns were immediate and localised.
'We had no knowledge of what was happening on the other side of the savannah, let alone the planet,' he stated, highlighting how our ancestors focused primarily on securing shelter, food, and safety for the coming days. When problems arose within their community, there was typically something practical they could do to help solve it.
The Overwhelming Torrent of Global Crises
The doctor contrasted this historical context with contemporary life, where people 'continually absorb a torrent of global crises'. He emphasised that most of these widespread issues, from political instability to environmental emergencies, are situations over which individuals feel they have no influence whatsoever.
This constant exposure, according to Dr Chatterjee, creates a profound psychological impact, leaving people feeling chronically panicked and powerless. The disconnect between the scale of global problems and an individual's capacity to affect change fuels this pervasive sense of helplessness.
Regaining Control Through Internal Focus
However, the medical expert offered a crucial pathway forward. While acknowledging that we may not control external realities, he stressed that we can develop greater internal control.
'When we learn to do this we become much less dependent on the external world going a certain way,' Dr Chatterjee advised. He argued that the feeling of control itself is paramount, even if it represents a partial illusion. 'Does it matter? Not at all,' he concluded, underscoring the therapeutic value of perceived agency.
Happiness as a Learnable Skill
In his post, Dr Chatterjee, who is also a bestselling author and podcast host, framed happiness as a skill that can be cultivated. He referenced his book, Happy Mind, Happy Life, in which he breaks down wellbeing into simple, practical steps accessible to everyone, regardless of their starting point.
'My hope is that this helps you feel calmer, more content, and experience more joy in your everyday life,' he wrote, promoting an approach that doesn't require excessive time, money, or willpower. His message serves as both a diagnosis of a collective psychological challenge and a prescription for building personal resilience in an overwhelming world.
