Someone should say what everyone knew

A dear friend is now working for an organization that is hoping to make mental health a topic that people are comfortable talking about in India. Acknowledging mental illness as a reality, and a possibility in every person's life. 

For once we are on a level playing field, ironically. The line between the "Okay" and the "Not Okay" people is blurring. And some have not realized that they have crossed the line, moved to the territory that so many find themselves in most of their lives. 

At the start of it all is paying attention. Keeping an eye on oneself. On others. And actually having the courage to ask, "Are you okay?". The greatest sadness is sometimes no one asking that question. Maybe this lockdown situation will make us no longer avoid what is staring us in the face, "while there is still time". This beautiful poem says it so well. 

On the Death of a Colleague
Stephen Dunn

http://whilethereisstilltime.blogspot.com/2013/06/avoidance.html