#everylifehasvalue

We have just ended May, Mental Health Awareness month, and I believe we need to continue the awareness for the rest of 2020.

Let’s face it, this has been a very unique year so far. Pandemic, job loss, business closures, shut down of the country, economic disaster, and just when we thought life might start getting back to normal, a terrible police killing in Minneapolis and protests and riots across the globe.

To people already suffering with anxiety or depression, 2020 has been a kick in the gut. This is a time, more than any other, that we need to reach out to one another with kindness and be available to listen with compassion. It seems that, just when we need to be together with friends and loved ones, we are told to stay at home. Grandparents who are longing for a hug from a grandchild are told not to get closer than 6 feet to them.  Thank goodness for technology that enables us to share face time through apps like Skype and Zoom so we can share a smile and words of love and encouragement. It’s not the same as being physically present but it helps.

Across the globe people are feeling isolated and alone.  In many cases local governments have restricted their residents’ ‘outside’ time. For many people, a walk at a park or a swim in a lake or ocean provides a sense of calm and connection to nature. With this access restricted, people with anxiety or depression issues are even more limited in ways to find relief.  We all need to be aware of the pressures on ‘at risk’ friends and neighbors during this time of pandemic and strife and stay open to listening and just being there for them.

Stay strong and be aware and compassionate. Be the safety net for fragile individuals. It’s up to all of us to keep every month Mental Health Awareness month.