March 13, 2020 was the last of the pre-pandemic days; March 14, 2020 literally changed everything. Everyone was obligated to adjust. Some did, some found it hard. And many were not given a chance to even adapt at all. Many hearts were broken; millions got depressed. So many people lost their jobs – it was suffering like no other–and the world felt lost. Fast forward to 2022, the world is still suffering from the effects of the pandemic. Lower productivity, slow growth, and lack of financial stability for many, to name a few, are all causing mental health problems one way or another.

While the pandemic’s effects still linger in our lives today, on this Mental Health Day, let us be mindful of the people around us who are finding it harder to survive each passing day. These persons include but are not limited to those who were previously productive but stopped being so, those whose smiles faded through the years; those who have become sad and those who are easily irritable.

There are also those whose focus and edge disappeared or whose performance just declined. Some used to laugh hard now weep silently while a few lost their will to live. Mental health issues are real. They affect one’s mind, and it manifests through their actions and physical looks. This is a call to always be kind and be present, to be sensitive and help, and to admit when there is a problem.

We already have so many people in this world suffering from mental health issues. If you know one, talk to them, and find out how you can help or how you can help them seek help. If you are one, do not be afraid to talk and seek help.

This 2022, let us align ourselves with the Mental Health Day’s theme, to make mental health and well-being a priority.