Mental Health Awareness: It's Okay Not to Be Okay

Are you good? No, you're not. "It's Okay Not to Be Okay" Often heard those familiar words? It could be a
movie or drama title, a random quote, or a group of words, and most especially, it could be you. Tired of
hiding what you really feel, afraid to be judged and misunderstand, you're not okay, and it's okay. It's a
normal thing to feel uncertain, bothered, alarmed, and more. You want to know why? Now I command
you to take a deep breath and read.

Mental health awareness is an issue that needed more attention, especially in times of global crisis. For
the reason that the pandemic left many people with mental health issues. Besides, the COVID-19
pandemic has likely brought many changes to how you live your life. With uncertainty, altered daily
routines, financial pressures, and social isolation. Deprived of going outside, family problems, school
pressure, and more. With this, you may worry about getting sick, how long the pandemic will last, and
what the future will bring. Therefore, don't neglect your mental health during this pandemic because it
might worsen your situation, leading to depression, anxiety, or even death. Remember: It's okay not to
be okay, but don't do it all the time.

Mental health should be a priority, especially for kids and younger adults with no idea but are covered
with fear and discomfort. As a teenager and elder sibling, you also have a duty to your family to ensure
the safety of each family member, especially the younger ones. If you have a younger sibling, let him
know what are the things that happened surround us. Keeping them happy will really help in preventing
and also addressing their mental health issue. Do fun and exciting things with them that will benefit
both of you and help them forget their problems. Always ask what they want and monitor what they
feel every day because kids are very emotional, and we don't know what they are trying to say.
Therefore, teach them in a jolly way so they would focus on it and learn from it.

Monitor not only your siblings but also your parents because most of the jobs have been closed due to
the pandemic. Don't be shy and talk to your parents if you noticed something wrong with them. Help
them decide on the things they are unsure about and entertain them by simply telling knock-knock jokes
or doing back-flip because that is what children do to their parents. Also, don't let them overthink about
the things in life. Instead, do more household chores and don't do activities that will make them more
stressed from work. Let them know that they are not alone and you're there to help. Be mature enough
to think of ways how to let your family don't suffer from mental health because we will not know what
will happen to them if we neglected them.

It is also essential to look and care for yourself; that is why it is necessary to learn self-care strategies
and get the care you needed. These are good for your physical and mental health and can help you take
charge of your life. Take care of your body in a way that you get enough sleep, eat healthily, do some
physical activity, limit alcohol, limit screen time and relax, and recharge. Also, learn to forget some of
your problems in life by finding ways to distract yourself, such as trying a new hobby, listening to
soothing music, and the like. Instead of ending your life, take your time to heal and learn how to survive
because nothing is more important than the life that God gave us. Remember, self-care is a must,
especially in this pandemic, because the only person that can help us is ourselves.

One day everything will come to an end, this contagious virus will be gone, and all the worries we feel
will pass away. The important thing that we must do is to face reality. Me, you, and everyone living on
this earth who suffer from this pandemic will be relieved in the following years. As I have said earlier,
distract yourself. Chat with your friends; this will benefit your mental health as well as your friend. Do
some indoor workout, not only for your mental health, for your physical health also. Try to look for
something that will make you lessen the fear on your mind.

Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. It's okay to need support, and it's okay to take your
time. There are lots of mental health support services available in the Philippines. Always remember
that suicide is not a solution; depression is not a joke. Lend your hand, not your accusations and
judgments, and reach out and hold the helping hand. You are unique, your happiness is essential, self-
care is necessary, and your mental health is a priority.