During this Covid era we should check in with our family members. Once, we start with our own families, we can start with those outside of our immediate family. Some recent events throughout our nation and one in Allen, Texas should draw our attention to this often neglected taboo or sensitive issue of mental health. It’s an invisible disease but a disease that can hurt others too including that individual.
May God bless the departed souls, forgive them and ease the pain of extended family, friends and community. Aameen
I’m not an expert on this but I do know that if we have emotional intelligence, we should be able to discuss this in a family and communicate together with love and empathy with such individuals within our families. Once, people and communities do not feel public shame in discussing such matters and recognize that there’s a problem, only then outside professional counsel and appropriate help will work. If a patient and loved ones around that person are not taking it seriously either, then this can lead to dangerous situations which can be avoided if there’s acceptance in a family and society as well. I’m not suggesting that families don’t take it seriously and we must never blame the victims because it’s wrong but we should be open to discuss it outside the family if your family’s plan is not working. Don’t assume you are on your own and the individual will just get better with time. Yes, miracles do happen but seek proper treatment for your loved ones. It’s your responsibility. Just like medical treatment for medical condition, mental health issues require medical help too.
For example, if a sick person with any medical condition does not want to go to a doctor or seek professional advice, how can the community or friends can help that person? This can be substance abuse, drugs, domestic abuse, child abuse, women abuse (physical or emotional), elderly abuse, alcohol consumption and so many other social ills and problems where we are unable to solve such problems when confronted with as a society. Therefore, family need to take the lead here and play their leading role. They should be able to go out and seek proper advice from professionals who can help and steer the family in the right direction to help that individual in the family. I thought I should draw our attention to this issue so we take meaningful action before it’s too late and another family suffers a tragedy God forbid.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all families and friends who have lost someone because of mental health issues or know someone who may be going through this.
There are many national and local resources available, ask your doctors, health care providers, free clinics etc. because they will find the right person so don’t feel you or your family are all alone out there. It’s so important that people do not feel shame and we should have acceptance as a society that mental health is a real issue. Seek help with licensed professionals who are experts in this area. We should also invest in programs where people are treated with best care and metrics should be based on how many successful individuals have been treated. I hope no family should go through with such a tragedy.
Please share and tell this to your circle of friends and family because don’t underestimate your own influence on those around you. Start the conversation in a respectful manner and good luck.Stay positive and strong. 
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