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Today is mental health awareness month and I’ve decided to make a blog post about it. 

When I feel sad or angry about something, I just vent it out and I feel fine. But this isn’t about me. This is about the people of the world who are facing their own challenges.

Some may have lost their businesses, work, family members, friends, patients at the hospitals who have been affected by covid-19.

They don’t know how to handle it or what to do. Some are at the point of thinking the unthinkable. Some feel bad to talk about it because they don’t want others to pity them. Some feel ashamed because they think feeling down and sad is a sign of weakness.

I know these days we are all over-sensitive and our defenses are up. We tend to lash out on the people we love rather than being there for one another and supporting one another. Try not to take it personally when they raise their voices at us because sometimes, they don’t realize it or maybe it’s their way of expressing their emotions. Give them space instead of lashing out at them, too.

We just don’t know what others are going through. People are different and we have our own ways of dealing with anxieties. Here are some:

• Go for a walk with your family member and catch up (you won’t even realize that you’ve walked far!)
• If you have a pet dog, walk them to the park. Not only your dog will get some exercise, you will too!
• Write a journal (for me, it’s starting my blog)
• Watch a feel-good movie
• Self-care (facials, skincare, listen to music, read a book if you’re a book reader, whatever that will relax your mind)
• If you can and able, support local restaurants and businesses (it will also help them with their livelihood)

I’m sure you can think of a lot more ideas to help ourselves heal and cleanse.

Let’s always be present in their lives and treat them with respect. Listen to them when they want to express what they are feeling. Be there for them as much as you can – ask if they need anything. Check in on them to see how they are doing. Ask them how their day is going. Call or video call them. Most of all, never judge them and let us all pray.