Battling Pandemic Blues: It’s We, Not Me
- mominprogress
- May 28, 2020
- 4 min read
How far will this pandemic take us? Is it enough for us to stay home? Eating our home cooked meals? Enjoying some bonding moments with our friends, family, or our so-called ‘lockdown buddies’? Abiding by the rules set by our national and local government regarding the ECQ, MECQ, GQC guidelines that are being implemented in our respected municipalities?
If you are one of those - who’s at home, eating well, with or without WFH, then you're in luck. In fact, you are so damn lucky… compared to million others.
"Look for something positive in each day, even if some days you have to look a little harder. Let the challenges make you strong." - unknown
For the past months, not only are the increasing numbers of positive cases and deaths due to Covid 19 are saddening and frightening. Each of us is affected; it's like a chain, a connected and continuous one, that's affecting the entire humanity. The sad reality is that there are others - who are the most affected by the pandemic.
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NLT)
A few days ago, I saw an IG post about some Jeepney drivers who are now begging on the streets for a few bucks, so they can buy food for their families. They seem to be really ashamed begging for alms, but were left with no other choice; else, their families will starve to death.
See full article here: https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer-1109/20200520/281672552137485
Last month, I’ve read heartbreaking news regarding an ER Doctor from Manhattan who had been treating COVID19 patients and has also contracted the virus, but eventually recovered and gone back to work . She recently committed suicide.
“She tried to do her job, and it killed her,” according to the late doctor’s father.
The extraordinarily difficult times like this, indeed is taking a heavy toll not only on the physical, but really on the mental health of our front liners who are directly dealing and battling with the coronavirus and the devastating situation it’s caused the patients.
Read full story here: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/27/nyregion/new-york-city-doctor-suicide-coronavirus.html
And just today, yet another disturbing news I saw on TV, was a mom caught of pimping her seven children, including a four month old baby, accepting 80 to 100 dollars in exchange for online sex show. The 28 year old mom will be filed several cases including the violation of RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act) , RA 9775 (a.k.a. the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009), and Cybercrime Prevention Act among others. The mom claimed it is because of economic reasons why she’s done such crime.
According to the news, based on the DOJ’s data, similar cases of abuse had seriously increased especially since the lockdown period started, most of the perpetrators are the parents themselves. From the 76,651 cases from March to May of 2019, it is now reported to be 279,000 cases for the months of March to May 2020.
You can watch in full details here: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/video/24oras/533268/replay-24-oras-livestream-may-27-2020/video/
So why am I bringing up all these upsetting, distressing news/facts?
Certainly, it is not to make us all feel bad (or worse) -- but to open our eyes, minds, and heart, to others -- who might not be at a ‘safe place’ or ‘comfortable situation’ as we are in today.
We don’t need to have lots of extra money or food to donate. Simple gestures, such as checking out on someone you know and care about - asking if they are okay - would mean a lot. A simple ‘thank you’ to the one who delivered your goods may brighten up someone’s day (or a few bucks for a tip as a sign of gratitude can also go a long way).
Let us not just think of our own well being and safety. And it doesn’t need to cost us anything to care for others too.
If you feel the need to call a friend, a colleague, a neighbor, or anyone you thought might need someone to speak to, do not hesitate. Who knows if you are being used as an instrument of God? Maybe, through your little act of kindness, you may help keep someone's sanity intact, help retain someone's dignity, or even save someone else's life.
And to anyone who is currently dealing with loneliness, anxiety, depression, and other negative thoughts, but are undecided or hesitant to reach out or to call someone they knew, you can call or contact these hotline numbers/organizations.
National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline (NCMH-USAP)
0917-899-USAP(8727) | 7-7-989-USAP (827)
Image grabbed from: https://www.doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline
Philippine Mental Health Association Online Support
https://www.facebook.com/PMHAofficial
pmhacds@gmailcom
0917-565-2036
Anxiety and Depression Support Philippines
https://www.facebook.com/ADSPpage/
adspfb@gmail.com
See other hotline/contact lists from these sources:
Lastly, despite of everything that is happening in and around us, good or bad, let us not forget to pray - not only for ourselves, but also for others. For together, we can beat this odd… only with the grace of our God.
Comments