Just a few days before Oyen and I traveled to the US, I received two Viber posts about two young adults who took their own lives.   While watching tv last night, there were mentions again of a top-ranking official who died of the same cause.   An acquaintance also talked about her feeling empty and wanting to give-up.

I am sure thousands more are feeling this way.  Empty inside.   I am no stranger to this kind of vague feeling.   No matter what we are or who we are or where we are,  humans, because of the complexity of our emotions, may experience moments of emptiness.  Despite having a generally good life, no person is immune to the power of emptiness.

It’s normal to feel empty once in a while.  The important thing is it passes.  It’s fleeting, as long as we don’t dwell on it.   People with normal psychological and mental well-being have the natural capability to combat moments of depression.  But there are those who are more susceptible to a prolonged state of depression, and with this comes the very intense feelings of aloneness, loneliness, melancholy.  This, if not addressed, can lead to more serious thoughts.

Remember, the occasional feeling of sadness and emptiness comes to everyone.  You are not the only one.  But you alone can wiggle this off by deviating your attention.  When I am in bed at night and couldn’t sleep,  I just think of what my mom used to tell me when I was a child and feeling sick— think of happy thoughts.

Two nights ago I couldn’t sleep.  I was awake ’till 6 am.  I tried everything to doze off but my mind was still active.  I just tried to deviate my thoughts into something beautiful.  I was  a magical character riding on a white horse with pink wings,  flying over the city and sprinkling kindness confetti,  making all mankind good, healthy, and happy.

And when my heart is beating my chest and my gut is giving me signals that there’s a problem coming my way,  I pray.  “Have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us”.  I just keep on repeating this hoping that whatever negative thing coming my way will switch direction and stay away from me, my family, my loved ones.

Keep holding on because  life is still beautiful.   Please don’t give up.  I know it’s hard.  If you are sad today, you will be happy soon.  Be patient.  Happiness, peace, good things will surely come your way.  Just keep your faith.

-OMB/Annie C. Tan-Yee

 

 

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