Staying Alive and Happy

More than a month ago, I read from the newspaper that the number of callers asking for counselling from the National Mental Crisis Center hotline tripled or quadrupled. It is understandable that more people would be anxious or depressed as they were on quarantine, and could not go to work, and have to avoid contact with friends and family and social activities.

For a while, I thought I was not affected as I have a little income and my niece and family live nearby. But as the months dragged by and we’re still on quarantine although more relaxed now, and the COVID cases keep on increasing daily, I am starting to feel a certain anxiety and loneliness that manifests itself with dreams of being with my loved ones, especially with my sisters.

Although compared with others, I am still in a better situation. I traced the reasons for my heavy heart: my health situation as a breast cancer survivor in these Pandemic times when you are hesitant in going to the hospital ; losing more and more of our freedom as the government critics are being removed from their posts or convicted with trumped-up charges, media entities are in danger of being shuttered; the economy being badly hit, I do not know what future we will face and not being able to plan or look ahead. I also miss my friends and our church activities, although the Churches are allowed now starting last July 10 but only with 10 per cent of capacity, no choir and with all the attending safety protocols.

Somebody said that you are as happy as you make up your mind to be. I’d probably dwell on all the good things I still have like my niece’s two toddlers who come daily to my house to bring joy instead of what I have lost to keep my sanity in this unbelievably unfortunate situation.