Over the past few weeks, it seems we've been living in a parallel universe. Lives have changed, and our economy is crumbling before our very eyes. It's a unprecedented time for many. While it's important to be cautious and take what is going on the world seriously, there is another crisis happening beneath the surface that is either being overshadowed or ignored by many: mental health.

The narrative nowadays includes the words: "stay home," "Isolate yourselves from those around you", and "social distance". Now, to be clear, social distancing is a good thing right now due to what is going on in the world. It's important to do your part. While, it is important to do your part and social distance, it's fearful that this narrative has gone too far and has pressured people into a panic. There are misunderstands and a lot of misinformation floating around, and one of them is the narrative that you will BE OKAY as long as you stay home, stay away from people, and don't you dare have a friend over. Of course, there is an understanding where people are coming from, but it is not a healthy narrative to put out into the world. Why? Avoiding contact with everybody, plus isolating yourself in your home is not mentally healthy, especially for those who mentally struggle.

Did you know that last year alone, nearly 800,000 die in the world every year due to suicide? Approximately 123 Americans die of suicide every day, and it takes the lives of over 44,000 Americans each year. But that's not all. Did you know National prevalence data indicate that nearly 40 million people in the United States (18%) experience an anxiety disorder in any given year? In addition, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 13 globally suffers from anxiety. The WHO reports that anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders worldwide with specific phobia, major depressive disorder and social phobia being the most common anxiety disorders. That's a big chunk of the population and we shouldn't be taking these facts lightly.

We are living in crazy times, but these times should not overshadow the importance of the lives of those who have hidden struggles. There has been many tweets and posts and articles fear mongering and telling the viewer that is not okay socialize with a friend or even have a friend over. In fact, many posts state that isolating yourself from everyone is what's best and what is healthy. This is not a healthy situation no matter the crisis. When someone has hidden struggles such as anxiety or depression, being alone in your home and having a limited amount of contact with the outside world can be very straining on the mind and difficult to maintain. This kind of behavior leads to thinking and then overthinking and then sulking and so on. These kinds of posts, the way we see it, are fearful and makes those who are struggling believe that they can't cope in a way of speaking to at least one person but have to completely isolate themselves from the rest of the world.

There is a difference between the language 'social distancing' and 'isolation'. Social distancing is a set of infection control actions intended to stop or slow down the spread of a contagious disease. 'Isolation' is seclusion, the state of one being completely alone. Do you see the difference between the two? Did you know isolation has profound effects on the human's body and brain? One of the many reasons why isolation is so difficult is because God created humans to be social beings (1 Cor.12:14; Gen 2:18). Isolation and loneliness can be damaging to human health. Isolated people are less likely to deal with stressful situations, which can lead to depression and a struggle with processing information. Researchers have found that an isolated persons immune system responds differently to fighting viruses, making them more likely to develop an illness.

Social distancing is a good practice but encouraging people to self-isolate is not. Reconnecting with humans can help reduce loneliness and help restore us to good physical and mental health. When one decides to be with one person during these crazy times, don't shame them. Let them connect with another human because if they don't, the aftermath of it could be deadlier than what is taking place in the outside world. Don't get mad at someone because they went for a drive. Don't angrily tweet about someone who went to the store because, little do we know, that person does need to get out of the house, they do need essentials for their home, or maybe going to the store is the only thing that is keeping them sane. Rather than get upset, annoyed, or frustrated, put yourself in that person's shoes. Take a step back and try to understand why they could be outside walking around or having that one friend over. Let's not be the people to encourage isolation but encourage a sense of community that is safe during these unprecedented times. If we don't do that, then how many more people will we lose to suicide than we would with COVID-19? Will the aftermath be deadlier than the pandemic itself? We don't know but invisible struggles are just as important as the invisible virus that has made headlines day and night, and we shouldn't take it lightly.

Times like this aren't easy for anyone but let's encourage rather than argue. Let's share hope instead fear. Most importantly, lets be the Church. Jesus doesn't want us to fear and he hasn't called us to fear but he has called us to a future and a hope. He has called us to be his hands and his feet. He has called us to be set apart from the world. He has called us to share the gospel. We are the bride of Christ, so, Church, let's start acting like it. Let's speak the truth in love and let's encourage those who are feeling discouraged. Let's pray for those who are feeling lonely. Let's pray that lives wouldn't be lost but lives will be saved. Let's not find our hope in the world and fear the things around us, but let's find our hope in Jesus.

Social distancing is essential right now, but if we end up distanced from one another, we will be worse off, not better. Relational distancing and isolation is not necessary. As stated above, it leads to several complications and consequences. Th prayer is that throughout all this, we are the hands and feet of Jesus. We love because He first loved us. Social media has made a huge impact during this pandemic, and it has been used for fear instead of hope. As Christians, lets use it for good. How we are able to love one another and encourage one another is a true reflection of how well we know Christ and what He has done for us. At its most basic level, this means caring for one another and lifting up one another, not tearing down or speaking in fear. Who are we Church? Are we going to encourage isolation to those who are hurting the most or are we going to bridge the gap between isolation and relationships? Don't be driven by fear. Don't fearfully post things and make others feel like they can't be in contact with another person, especially if they live alone. Take your mask off and love harder than ever before to those who have hidden struggles. Take your mask off and be the hands and feet of Jesus.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ²⁵ not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.- Hebrews 10:24-25

So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. - Romans 12:5

Struggling with anxiety? Depression? The CDC offers up some good tips:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Coronavirus and Christ:https://www.desiringgod.org/coronavirus

RESOURCES:

https://save.org/about-suicide/suicide-facts/

https://sciencealert.com