@BearBear Please stay strong and know that we are all here to support you. It really helps to talk to one or two trusted friends, or just be with social company so you don’t have to feel so alone. Even if it’s a personal situation where it’s hard for others to help you, knowing others care really make a big difference. Try to get a good night’s sleep. Physical exhaustion can make it so much harder to face the next day and compounds your emotional stress. As @Hohliu @littlefish and @lilseemonster said, every day brings new change. Don’t lose hope and faith. Know that many people care about you. Although it’s really tough right now, I hope your situation improves soon.

The pandemic has been especially tough on many people’s mental health, and only exacerbated existing problems that we’re all dealing with. I personally also struggled with the stress of my parents’ declining health and had insomnia for three years. I started overeating to take off everyday stress but that led to more guilt than pleasure after gaining 20 pounds. Whenever I couldn’t sleep more than six hours at night, a vicious cycle would start again the next day. I realize the importance of self care, but didn’t take real action until six months ago, when I started exercising 4+ times per week. Whether I’m swimming or riding the stationary bike, I was just focusing on catching my next breath so my mind didn’t have to dwell on the same problems. Exercise definitely gave me a happy boost. I also found friends to be gym buddies so we could chat and motivate each other to keep going. I also selectively confided in sympathetic friends who were going through the same situation in taking care of older parents so we could encourage each other. Even though I’m not Christian, I found going to church helpful due to the warm atmosphere. Finding small moments of happiness also helps, such as being in the company of a pet, children, or more cheerful friends. For me, the physical and emotional self-care had to go hand-in-hand.

It’s been a tough two weeks for my family too, thus the lack of website updates recently. I’m still going through many mixed emotions, but I really wanted to leave you an encouraging note and hope you’re having a better day today.