Addressing Mental Health Amidst Pandemic

Adelyn C. Lising

The past years have been difficult and frightening. The pandemic has profoundly affected the lives of most people in many ways. Lockdowns after lockdowns and neverending problems, this pandemic didn’t only challenge our physical health but also our mental health.

It all starts in our minds. Our mind is like a weapon. It can make our lives better or destroy them. That’s why our mental health is vital, as it includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. This pandemic had forced us to isolate ourselves and do social distancing, which led to us suffering and experiencing feelings of helplessness, isolation, sorrow, anxiety, and depression.

When mental health is unstable, how we think, feel, and act is affected. Another problem with this is that it is hidden, it can be I, your friend, or everybody else, we don’t know who is struggling.

It’s not only in the mind, it’s not because somebody is lacking in faith or prayer, it’s not only an imagination. It’s real, and many are suffering from it. That’s one of the reasons why others are afraid to tell someone that they are struggling because of the social stigma. For us to end it, aside from helping and supporting one another, the social stigma must be stopped. Governments, local communities, and associations must enhance the resources involved in managing psychological suffering to solve these issues and expand the capability and availability of help.

It’s fine not to be okay. It’s okay to ask for help, your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone! Together we can survive these obstacles without anyone left behind.

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The author is Teacher III at San Vicente Pilot School for Philippine Craftsmen, Bulaon Resettlement Site, Bulaon, City of San Fernando, Pampanga