This month marks Mental Health Awareness Month. During this pandemic and everything else that’s been unfolding in front of our eyes, our mental health is important now more than ever. Since COVID-19 has swept through this country, everyone’s “regular routines” were drastically altered. Many mental health programs have offered services for those in need. Those who have suffered anxiety because of these unprecedented times have resources that they can utilize, based on their location. But mental health has been an issue that has and will continue to be addressed.

Mental Health Awareness has been declared in the United States since 1949. I feel like it’s not talked about enough, because there are a lot of people who are either stressed, depressed, have anxiety and we’re ignoring it. This also includes the suicide among the youth and adults. One minutes someone is smiling and happy-go-lucky, and the next thing you heard that they’ve ended their life. You never even realized that they were hiding so much pain. That’s a lot of us. We tend to veil what’s really going on with us, while bearing a smile, showing the world that we’re okay, when we’re not. There will be times that we’re not okay, and that’s okay. That’s the first step.

Especially during these times where we been having to stay-at-home. Now that some several states have been partially reopening, anxiety levels are at an all-time high. The reason being that this virus spreads like wildfire, and it depends on the person’s health condition on how they receive the symptoms. That’s truly a lot to think about, and it’s scary. Let’s just be honest about it. Also, families who have been used to a daily routine now staying at home, and are now working from home if you’re not considered an essential employee. It can be stressful when you’re trying to make important video call meetings, and your small children are playing loudly in the background. They don’t know what’s going on. Speaking of work, there’s thousands filing for unemployment, wondering each day how they’re going to keep up with mortgage, rent, bills, etc. Not to mention the stimulus check fiasco. Everything is off balance, and right now, we’re all trying to get by, but deep down, we’re not okay.

But there are plenty of things to do to cope with this stress that has been carried from household to household. According to the CDC, they have made suggestions in ways to cope with this very stressful time. Such activities include exercising, meditation, and taking deep breaths to name a few. One suggestion I would say is not even turning on the television, as all they’re talking about really is COVID-19 topics. Unless you’re streaming Netflix, Hulu or Disney Plus, leave the tv off. Check on your loved ones. Talk it out. You listen to them, and then let them listen to you. Talking things out with friends or loved ones always help. There are also therapists that are standing by ready to assist you to maintain mental health.

We’re all in this together. Even though things won’t get back to normal for quite a while, we will get through this, and will come out of this stronger than ever with a stronger mindset. More information is provided by the CDC to help cope with stress. Let’s all continue to speak up and speak out about mental health and how important it is in our every day lives!