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Mental Health Matters

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quiet and withdrawn personality changes ... suicidal thoughts can’t cope with covid depression – silent killer you are not alone “how are you today” engage in conversation you could save a life Been reading about the dramatic rise in suicides and attempted suicides during lockdown 01/10/21

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M. L. Kiser

Date: 1/19/2021 12:39:00 AM

There's so many, I used to find people online that could bring me up; now I find that I spend more time bringing other's up. It's a good thing I remembered a few pointers. Well penned for our times.

Gordon Mcconnell

Date: 1/14/2021 4:19:00 AM

Fine piece Jan, you bring up such an important subject that needs addressed. Indeed covid is having such bad effect on so many. Hope all is well with you, we're well here. Take care, Gordon

Mark Koplin

Date: 1/12/2021 11:56:00 AM

So sad, I'm glad you are raising awareness.

Jan Allison
Date: 1/12/2021 12:24:00 PM

Folk think of me as a humourist but i do surprise with the occasional serious poem and this is such a serious topic especially with people being so isolated during the pandemic:-( hugs jan xx

Sara Kendrick

Date: 1/11/2021 1:35:00 PM

They are saying that one of the symptoms of COVID19 is that some people are left with mental problems and have never had any problems before. We are somewhat stick at home but then the virus hits and we are sick for some sicker than they have ever been in their life. All this is bound to play on a person's emotions. Thanks for dropping by my page with congrats. Sara

Jan Allison
Date: 1/12/2021 9:14:00 AM

I just hope we don't get covid I hear the side effects can be with you for life, over time I think more people will die as a result of covid but not directly from it :-( hugs jan xx

John Watt

Date: 1/11/2021 10:18:00 AM

Not seeing friends and loved one face to face can keep us from detecting the signs of the downward spiral. Such wise counsel to keep reaching out and checking in. Thank you! Hugs ~ John

Jan Allison
Date: 1/12/2021 9:12:00 AM

I have tried to mail or ring friends, shame we cant see people face to face any more but we have the virus in the community and are back in lockdown:-( hugs Jan xx

Jenna Logan

Date: 1/11/2021 3:48:00 AM

How awful that people have enough burdens to bear in what we once called 'life.' But now, such morbid thoughts are even more prevalent. Sadness.

Jan Allison
Date: 1/12/2021 9:11:00 AM

so true Jenna and sadly last year we went to more funerals than ever before, sadly one young lady took her own life it was tragic indeed:-( hugs jan xx

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 1/10/2021 10:21:00 PM

In Malta we do not report suicides not to encourage others to go for them. Great insight. ~~

Jan Allison
Date: 1/12/2021 9:08:00 AM

That only leads to speculation on how someone has died especially if it is a sudden death:-( hugs jan xx

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 1/10/2021 8:58:00 PM

Your fine poem has shed light on a troubling issue. People who were struggling with issues such as depression and loneliness, struggle even moreso now. Best wishes, Evelyn

Jan Allison
Date: 1/12/2021 9:07:00 AM

so true Judy:-( hugs jan xx

Janice Canerdy

Date: 1/10/2021 7:36:00 PM

Very timely and, sadly, true, Jan. The pandemic still has a stranglehold on so many! Janice

Jan Allison
Date: 1/12/2021 9:07:00 AM

thanks Janice our Island is back on lockdown after 6 months of being virus free, we can only follow safety guidelines . I ensure my husband doesn't go shopping as he is vulnerable with this health issues. take care, hugs jan xx

Judy Ball

Date: 1/10/2021 3:49:00 PM

It is a time of great danger for many. I hear a lot of young people are having problems with domestic abuse and anger issues. We need God now more than ever. God Bless, JB

Jan Allison
Date: 1/12/2021 9:04:00 AM

thanks Judy it is a big problem in society now:-( hugs jan xx

Gershon Wolf

Date: 1/10/2021 3:37:00 PM

Great point, Jan. I think that because you so often write in a humorous vein -- that I take you all the more seriously when you don't! Take care, Gershon

Jan Allison
Date: 1/11/2021 11:05:00 AM

thanks GW I do surprise with the occasional serious poem:-) hugs jan xx

Tom Cunningham

Date: 1/10/2021 3:37:00 PM

You've highlighted a very important topic Jan, I've heard of people taking their own lives because of lock down. These restrictions are pushing people to the edge of their sanity, I just hope this vaccine works for everyone and a bit of normality returns to our lives. I know many are really struggling financially and see suicide as the only way out. Tom

Jan Allison
Date: 1/11/2021 11:03:00 AM

the lockdown has created so many issues as you say financial worries can tip people over the edge. hugs jan xx

Ilene Bauer

Date: 1/10/2021 2:57:00 PM

jan - i hope people take your poem to heart and do reach out to others. i agree with you that it really can help in many cases. we're all suffering now so connecting with others is vital. excellent poem!

Jan Allison
Date: 1/11/2021 11:02:00 AM

It is so difficult to see behind the masks but just by saying hello to someone at a distance and making conversation can lift someone's spirits:-) hugs jan xx

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 1/10/2021 2:09:00 PM

It's frightening that so many people are suffering from depression now and it's contributing to the suicide rate. How long can doctors and nurses keep working long hours? Surely a fave for me, Jan! Very important message here. Love, carolyn

Jan Allison
Date: 1/11/2021 10:59:00 AM

Thanks Carolyn depression and mental health issues are spiraling out of control it is so sad that lockdown is causing as many problems as the virus itself:-( hugs jan xx

FJ Thomas

Date: 1/10/2021 1:33:00 PM

A very important topic and very good advice Jan!

FJ Thomas
Date: 1/10/2021 2:16:00 PM

I can see the necessity of that one word.

Jan Allison
Date: 1/10/2021 1:40:00 PM

Thanks Flo I was looking at a site to see the best way to talk to someone who is suffering... if you ask how are you; they will probably answer fine... but adding 'today' seems to make a difference:-) hugs jan xx

Alexis Y.

Date: 1/10/2021 12:40:00 PM

Hi Jan, These trying times have many folks sad and depressed. I know it's more challenging for those who suffer from depression. Good string of Senyru's shedding light on depression and suicide- Have a great day, my friend - Alexis

Jan Allison
Date: 1/10/2021 1:03:00 PM

Thanks for your insightful comment Alexis:-) hugs jan xx

Rico Leffanta

Date: 1/10/2021 11:25:00 AM

One huge difference is attitude, e.g., Americans spend their time thinking I could do this if only I had that, whereas Native Americans think, "What can I do with what I have now?" Fortunately, Manx poets quickly respond, "I shall write a prize-winning poem!" Aloha! Rico

Jan Allison
Date: 1/10/2021 1:01:00 PM

great comment Rico and we know attitude and a positive outlook can help. Prize winning i doubt it but its a step up from perceived porn i guess lol:-) hugs jan xx

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 1/10/2021 11:08:00 AM

- Yes, many people have a hard time ... - Unfortunately I think this situation will ruin a lot ... we must be better at contacting each other by phone or internet ... send a card ... bring flowers ...lockdown is serious and necessary right now, Jan :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Jan Allison
Date: 1/10/2021 1:00:00 PM

I think more people are relying on technology like zoom to keep in touch and sending e cards etc. butit doesnt make up for lack of actual contact. I've told hubby and son not to bother for cards for me this year as the shops are shut and we used to have to buy one for mum to 'give' me . I suspect our 21 day lockdown will last quite a few months but we have been so lucky having 6 months clear and know to keep an eye on vulnerable people in our friendship group especially as many are without their life partners now:-( hugs Jan xx

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 1/10/2021 11:02:00 AM

Hello Jan, this lockdown is hard on everyone. I sense we will still be in lockdown next month. I hope i am wrong. enjoy your day my friend. Hugs.

Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 1/12/2021 12:12:00 PM

Hello Rico Leffanta, I hope things goes well. Aloha! Rico.

Jan Allison
Date: 1/10/2021 12:56:00 PM

Thanks Darlene we have just gone into lockdown again for the first time since June BUT we know last time we eradicated the virus and can do it again, the community is working together but I know the 21 day period will be extended. I feel for those who are alone and isolated, the use of zoom etc is brilliant but not everyone has access to it. Loneliness and depression seem to be coming to the fore during these difficult times:-) hugs jan xx

Rico Leffanta
Date: 1/10/2021 11:23:00 AM

The news reports that, at their current rate, it will take FOUR YEARS to inoculate all the people in NYC, so let us hope Biden has a better plan of distribution and Solitaire regains popularity! Aloha! Rico