“You must try to push yourself everyday…
Keep a positive mind…
Pursue a hobby…
You need to meet new people…
Oh come on! Snap out of it…
You’re such a capable person and you’re letting this one small thing pull you down?!!
Let bygones be bygones…”

These words of wisdom (w.o.w) sound only too familiar from our loved ones, friends and wellwishers during a moment of difficulty, but in reality, none of these seem to make any sense for an individual living through it.

This is not because the above statements are not meant well, but it’s because of the state of mind and the emotion that consumes the individual, that makes it a challenge to see beyond. They can’t seem to resonate with the w.o.w. It sounds clichéd.

On a bright day, everything seems right; it all make perfect sense and we diligently put w.o.w. into practise, but when the night falls…the lonely heart calls.

Sad but true, that Stress, Anxiety and Depression, I’m going to name it S.A.D. is all that a significant number of us seem to be addressing, hearing and experiencing, way more in the last couple of years.

In Jane Wagner’s words, “Reality is the leading cause of stress for those in touch with it.”

There’s much to say and do for individuals dealing with S.A.D., but today is not the day for that conversation.

Family and friends, reach out to them, be there for them, get them professional help and please avoid the w.o.w. It matters more than you’ll ever know.
For some others who have their own fair share of challenges, the difference between a tough day and an easy one can be a matter of perspective – a fresh look and a good laugh can do wonders.
Please consider that it’s OK to take help from someone, it’s KEY to draw boundaries, more so within the family, PRIORITISE activities and people that fill your cup, it’s also OK to take a step back and delegate.

None of these are a sign of weakness or handicap. If you believe they are, it’s then the same mind that holds the handicap.
If there’s anything (besides several others) that the pandemic has left a deep impact on, is that LIFE matters and if you consider it important enough, you must do what it takes to make it different… for no one else but YOU.

“I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean. Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens, Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance, And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance. I hope you dance”

– Lee Ann Womack.
– Tasneem Nakhoda is a Psychotherapist – Behavioural Therapy, Tattva. Reach out to Tasneem on tasnakhoda@gmail.com