WE ARE LOSING THE BATTLE. WE NEED TO ACT NOW!

This week, while watching the news about a famous person's suicide, it got me thinking about the fight against the darkness we have inside ourselves and how important it is to reach out and seek help whenever we feel that we're losing the battle.

We all have struggles, and we all have baggage that sometimes makes us feel defeated. Unfortunately, society has perpetuated the mistaken concept that letting everyone know you're not okay is a synonym for weakness. And that is a dangerous belief that places everyone at risk. Because instead of being transparent, people are constantly assuming a false identity. We see people who seem completely happy and fulfilled when, in reality, they feel empty, sad, and defeated. This falsehood makes things worse because the burdens become heavier and heavier. Trying to fulfill society's expectations can be detrimental for someone battling depression or anxiety, especially when constantly exposed to the public eye.

It's a battle that we all have encountered at least once in our lives. Depression, Anxiety, and Sadness are debilitating when they overpower you. If you don't seek help, they can drag you into complete darkness, making you feel that there's no escape and the only thing that can release you is to end it all. It is vital to seek help when you sense that you're being overwhelmed by them. We have to break the silence and start talking more about our feelings. You'll not be bothering those around you if you reach out. You will be surprised by the support you'll find. You'll not be a burden if you speak out. You're not weak for seeking help; on the contrary, that is what makes you brave.

We must break all the stigmas surrounding mental health and start meaningful and transformative conversations that bring light to this matter. Instead of promoting an unhealthy falsehood, let's make transparency a trend. Let's celebrate all the courageous people who speak up and seek help instead of condemning and judging them. As a society, we need to unlearn to learn what is correct about mental health. It is the only way we will be on top of this problem.

Leaders need to be proactive toward mental health because, right now, we are losing the battle. Instead of wasting time and money on trivial things, we should start investing in our well-being. Nothing is more valuable than health. You can have everything, but if you don't have good health, all other things are in vain. And having good health is not just a physical thing. To be completely healthy, you must have good mental health, also. We should normalize mental checkups the same way we do with regular checkups. And money should not be an obstacle to seeking help.

It's heartbreaking to see the pace at which we are losing this battle against mental health. Every day, we see how many lives get lost because they didn't feel they could reach out, because they felt hopeless. All that is happening is a wake-up call for everyone, especially the Church. We are not doing our work. While we fight against each other on who has more followers, while we spend time constructing the biggest temples, and while we are dormant and distracted, some beautiful souls are being lost in the darkness because we are not doing our job of bringing them into the light. Because instead of filling their emptiness with Jesus and the Truth, we are filling it with entertainment and falsehood. It may sound harsh, but it is the truth.

It is crucial to be there for those we love and be willing to ask the right questions, even if they are uncomfortable. When the ones we love are struggling or hurting, we should reach out and let them know we're there and they can count on us no matter what. Sometimes we fail to be there when it matters the most. We need to be there for each other. Please, if you're struggling, don't be afraid to ask for help. Talk to someone you love and reach out. You'll be amazed by how many people love you and are by your side. There's always someone willing to help.

Please, what I want you to take from this reflection is the importance of taking your mental health and other people's into account. Also, asking for help does not make you weak; it takes courage to admit that you are not okay and need help.

I pray for all people suffering from depression and anxiety. I pray you'll find the help you need, peace, and strength to overcome it. Remember, you're not alone. You matter to someone, and your life is valuable. You also deserve to be happy and thrive.