Family Support is Important-A Pandemic Reflection from Mellissa

2020 was hard not just for me but for the whole population of the world. People have lost loved ones and struggled managing with their loss. Tons of people lost their jobs and had to navigate living and fight against all the stress, and the overwhelming things that had come to them. Many people found themselves stuck in foreign countries far from their families for a long time.

For me it was about being adjusting to a new country and not having the opportunity to thrive and socialize with people, it was about hating virtual school because of the lack of interactions between students and teachers, it was about living in the same house and not being able to see my dad because of his exposure to the virus. I struggled with Zoom and my grades slipped, so I had a lot of anxiety. I was afraid that my family would get the virus and I would lose them. When I had to buy cleaning supplies, it was so overwhelming.  

But luckily none of those struggles had led to massive issues and for that I’d always thank god for everything. Family for me has been my tremendous support getting over things affecting my mental health. Having them by my side was my remedy, sometimes crying, other times laughing, but it was all about being together, having everybody’s back and fighting against the struggles we were facing.  My sister and I would draw, dance, and find anything to distract us from the stress. 

Remedies are not always hard to find; you just have to look for them in the simplest things. For me, that remedy is my family. They can boost you for success, calm you down, help you get over whatever is bothering you, and encourage you to be the best version of yourself. Rely on those around you during the difficult time-you’ll get through it. 

Written by Mellissa, Learn & Earn intern