Shining a light on the darkness of mental health
Mental health has been a prominent subject this week with the one year anniversary of the COVID-19 shutdowns in addition to Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The strain of separation from family and friends in order to prevent the spread of the virus has led to many people feeling the emotional turmoil of isolation. Meanwhile, Markle discussed how she endured the indifference to her own mental health problems she faced during her time with the royal family.
In the case of Markle, you would think that the royal family would have learned from the emotional and mental torment Princess Diana experienced when she was under their rule. Diana was bent and twisted to the point she developed an eating disorder and reportedly attempted suicide several times. Markle was also expected to twist and turn to fit into the profile of a perfect royal despite the cruelty of the British press (which also attacked Diana) and the racism of the royal family, to the point where she contemplated suicide.
Suicide has become a prominent concern throughout the difficulties of COVID-19. Grandparents have only been able to see their grandchildren through a window as well as children not being able to socialize with their peers as they attend school online. People working from home face similar circumstances as they are only able to connect with their colleagues through Zoom calls. Life has become lonely since March of last year.
Who wouldn’t feel overwhelmed by the mounting deaths from COVID-19 or the increasing hospitalizations with limited access to proper treatment? Who wouldn’t be frustrated not being able to go grab a drink with colleagues after work or going to a movie with friends? Who wouldn’t feel lost and dejected following a job loss
You can’t help but feel there is no one you can turn to share these feelings of hopelessness and isolation. It can physically hurt not being able to have basic social interaction. As cheesy as it sounds, a hug goes a long way for many people and not being able to hug a loved one on the other side of a window can be gut wrenching.
Amidst all this are people who don’t take these mental and emotional difficulties seriously. Piers Morgan decried Markle’s claims of being suicidal and finding no help when she went to the royal family for help. It is through individuals who demean people facing mental health issues afraid to reach out because they’re afraid of no one will take their pain seriously. Then there is also the stigma of instability that many people associate with mental illness.
Hopefully, the implementation of vaccines will continue to allow people to reconnect with their family and friends. It is hope that has helped so many through these dark days. It will still take a long time for our lives to get back to some semblance of what will be a new normal. Until then it is with patience, kindness and compassion that will help us all through this pandemic.
Yet, for those who need help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-2738255.