The Struggles of Mental Health During a Time of Social Panic

‘To do what is just, to show constant love and to live in humble fellowship with our God’ 

Micah 6:8

I think most of us will agree that with the current times, our mental health has become extremely vulnerable. For those who do not yet resonate with this, I can almost assure you that you will over the coming months. 

The latter statement was not to evoke a response of fear; only awareness. It is possible many of you may have a pleasant experience reconnecting with your mind and finding comfort within yourself - but for many, times like this can be a great struggle. 

We all study in the city, so it is not uncommon for us to get so used to ‘the hustle’ and the constant on-the-go lifestyle, especially if you work full time, part time, or even casual - and attempt to balance a social life or perhaps caring for a sick loved one. It can feel like an equation with infinite possibilities, but no real answer.

And all of a sudden it comes to a stop.

I think the reason this halt in society causes such a disrupt in our minds is simply because we never really learned how to slow down. We’re very rarely still.

So perhaps during this pandemic (one that no one could have prepared for), we can take it as a sign of the times. We live in a world so beautifully connected - so FaceTime that friend, Skype your grandma, attempt to do a virtual study group with some of your classmates, and try to contact that quiet classmate and ask them to join. Check up on that friend who seems to ‘have it all together’. And if you’re not feeling ok, tell someone. You’re not alone. We have seen how selfish society can be lately, so let us try to use this time we’ve been handed to change that.

At the same time, it is time to put your phone away. Take out a pen and paper, write down your thoughts - or draw them. Yes, do your uni readings, but take that dusty book out of your bedside table and read that too. Create your study space, but also your little safe haven... a place you can escape to - within your homes - for 15 minutes of peace, for time to reflect, maybe pray or perhaps meditate.

This is my safe haven. What’s yours?

If you’d like to share - you can email your picture to us at ndsocialjusticesociety@gmail.com and we’ll post them up on our website under the #SafeHaven tab.

#physicaldistancing #sociallyconnected #safehaven