When there is so much happening around us, we barely have time to check up on ourselves. Mental health continues to be a serious issue to look at. We came across a lot of shocking and devastating news on how people  commit suicide due to depression and anxiety. We, as humans have responsibilities, and it is very significant. It is in us to protect one another from making  a regrettable decision. We hardly appreciate people when they are still alive, so why not start doing it before it is too late?

“Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.” ― H. Jackson Brown Jr.
So, if you know someone who keeps texting you everyday and suddenly you stop receiving from them for a day, or someone who constantly updates their Snapchat/Instagram Stories and goes missing for a day or two, or even someone who probably writes an email to you every week and you never heard from them for almost a month, I guess it is time for you to consider some of the below to check on them….

1. Call up!

A simple “How are you?” does matter a lot! A lot of people need their friends to check up on them as they might feel somewhat lonely or lost, and that is where this bad vibe comes in. Take some time in your busy schedule to call them and check on them just to know they are at least safe. It wouldn’t cost you much. A video call would be good too!! At the end of the day, they will feel happy for having a heart to heart talk because even when they are surrounded by people, it’s easy to feel lonely so a good “hello” call can definitely make them feel better.

2. Be a good listener.

I think it’s time for us to be good rabbits!! Oh, c’mon! Do not literally stop with a “How are you?" If they have something to share, be a good attentive ear. Pay close attention to what they have to say as sometimes the attention is what they crave for. Being a good listener fosters meaningful relationships with your friends. This is a sign that you are showing them that you are interested in what they are saying and that you want to understand it more to help validate their feelings and encourage them to share their concerns.

3. Celebrate their little success!

During this lockdown period, I guess it is much much much easier to fall into depression. I think those who always feel happy would feel that too. And this is when they try their best to keep themselves busy. I’m sure many of us have come across friends starting up “Lockdown Businesses This is time for us to start celebrating their smallest wins in life for them to feel happy about their start-up whether it is a success or a failure. Take some time to share their businesses and support them in and out. Do the most you can to make them feel rejoiced!

4. Appreciate them…

Well, we rarely do this. Appreciating the existence of someone but yes, we do this when they are gone! Sounds familiar? A relationship (any form of it) requires work. It is a bond after all. And to keep them alive, we need to keep appreciating their presence. Appreciation can be shown in any form as long as it makes them feel welcomed in your life. The easiest thing you could do during this time would be delivering gifts or a small bouquet of flowers that would definitely make their day! You can even try delivering Starbucks to their place. A gift like that is  simple, inexpensive, and easy to purchase, but most importantly, it’s thoughtful, and that’s what counts! At the end of the day, you are able to carve a smile on their face…

“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.” ― Laurell K. Hamilton, Mistral's Kiss. There are many people out there who never expressed their sorrows or deepest problems. However, your closest people around you deserve your time, presence, and companionship, and you are perfectly suited to be the shoulder they may need to lean on in times of distress and despair. So, try your very best to keep them by your side before it is too late. I hope you are now more committed to maintaining stronger bonds with your loved ones. Do not leave their hand during these times.

Sharafunnisa Ebramsha is from Malaysia, and currently holds a full time position as a Financial Analyst at IBM, graduated from the Asia Pacific University in 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Finance, and specialised in Forex & Investment. While in school, Sharafunnisa earned the Distinction for Thesis writing. She has quite a high passion towards writing and blogging since the age of 12, varying from interviewing higher officials and inspiring women globally, researching and writing for local national newspapers, owning a blog, and being featured as a professional speaker for multiple stage shows on national television.