Understanding the importance of mental health is the first step towards bettering ourselves and our ways of living. Many of us have been struggling with social anxiety and isolation following the switch from in-person to a virtual work environment. To many, this transition has been beneficial in the long term, especially those who are introverted and prefer to be at home. However, to others, this switch has caused them many issues including depression, anxiety, isolation, and lack of human contact due to the fact that they live alone, or live with an abusive partner.

Being in lockdown and quarantine is a reality we cannot change. But what we can change is our knowledge and awareness of mental health and take the appropriate step into educating ourselves on this topic. The least we can do is to have a conversation. Talking about depression and anxiety can feel shameful to a lot of people, or it could be a hard conversation that is easier to avoid. But there are small steps we can take in order to spread awareness and be more comfortable with this topic. The first step is to find those you trust and open up to them. Once you do, have a conversation about how you are feeling and why you think you are feeling that way. It’s okay not to have all the right answers. The second step is to educate yourself on the topic. Even if you aren’t suffering from any mental health issues, there might be someone in your life who is, and might need your help. Speak with kind words, and listen rather than talk over them while they are trying to tell you about their pain. The third step is to look for signs that your friends and family members are looking for help. Don’t push them hard to talk, but allow them the safe space to open up, and show them that they can come to you and trust you with whatever they are going through.

Another thing you can do to improve your mental health awareness is volunteer. It is difficult to volunteer physically nowadays because of the pandemic. However, in many nursing homes and orphanages, the tenants lack visitors, and the only contact they have is with the nurses and other tenants. This lack of communication and the constant triggering of the feeling of loneliness and consideration that they have no purpose in life could lead to mental health issues. Find a place where you can be in touch with people who are often abandoned. It doesn’t have to be in-person.  It could be a letter you send to an inmate in prison, an old person at a nursing home, or a child at an orphanage.  

Finally, always remember that there is no shame in asking for help when needed. Being strong is great, but being vulnerable and weak requires strength as well. Reach out to a friend or family member when you need it. If you think it is more serious, reach out to a counselor or therapist at your school, your work, your neighborhood. Seek help, be great, and be well.