In this heartfelt video, Bret, a community member of the Kumbhastan Games and a social activist, delivers a dual love‑letter to two audiences: high‑school students in Afghanistan and young people confined in psychiatric wards. He praises the Afghan students’ courage, activism, and enthusiasm, urging them to stay safe yet continue speaking out and assuring them of global support. He then shares a personal testimony of having been locked in a psychiatric ward seven times in his twenties, expressing empathy and solidarity with current patients. He encourages them to stay strong, follow their passions, and view their mental‑health challenges as a unique experience rather than a flaw, promising that they can recover and lead fulfilling lives. Throughout, Bret emphasizes that the broader activist network stands behind both groups, pledging ongoing support for a better world.
Chapters
Hi everybody, my name is Bret and I'm one of the community members and participants of the Kumbhastan Games and the larger network of people who are social activists. And I just wanted to send a love letter video to all of you high school students out in Afghanistan. I was really, really moved by all of the work you're doing and the courage you're displaying and the inspiration and enthusiasm you have as young people. And I just wanted to say from my heart, Yes, please be safe, but please keep doing what you're doing. It's so important for the young people around the world to stand up. You're never really too young to make, to make your point and to have your voice heard and to be courageous. So I'm really, really behind you. My project, all of our projects, we're all working for you guys and for all the kids around the world. So we love you and we're behind you and we will be supporting you. Thank you. And I also wanted to share a love letter to the young people who are in that locked-in psychiatric institute. This is a special, very special— I'm gonna get emotional— very special thing for me. I'm 43 now, and I was locked in the psychiatric ward 7 times in my 20s. And I know how you guys feel, and you're not alone. And you might be different, but you're not that different. There's a lot of us out here. So stay strong in there. Get well. Follow your passion. Be your unique self. You're special. There's nothing wrong with you. You're just having a unique experience that some people call mental illness. And that's okay. You will get out and you will have a great life. And you've already displayed your own courage and your ability to connect. Thank you. by supporting your brothers and sisters in Afghanistan. I'm so proud of all of you. We love you all, and thank you. This is not the last you're going to hear from many of us in support of you, in support of a much better world. Okay, peace. Peace.
