[THREAD] feeling guilty is on the rise. We feel we need to step up and do so much for everyone. Guilt is something that we are familiar with in our culture. It is a tool that is used a lot when we are growing up in order to control or influence behaviours as kids.

However, there are some bad sides to guilt in this situation. It can make us neglect ourselves completely. We may feel responsible for what is happening and that if we don’t do anything, that we are bad people. That guilt can trigger a lot of anxiety and intrusive thoughts.

It is important to challenge that guilt and intrusive thoughts through exercises I have talked about before. Writing Evidence for and evidence against these thoughts, separating our thoughts into facts vs. Interpretation to see logically whether something is our fault or not.

A whole health system has collapsed in many countries. It is not our fault nor our responsibility. The reason why so many people are helping one another is because of kindness and empathy, not because they have to/must. Being on the sidelines can make us feel like bad people.

However, for those whose mental health is already not doing well, exposure to everything happening can only make it worse. It is okay to stand aside and work on your mental health. When you feel better and start to recover, you would be able to help more.

There will always be a need of empathy and help. This is a truth that has been persistent across history and all communities. Recognizing what we can and cannot do when setting that guilt aside is important. Finding oxygen cylinders is important but there are other ways to help.

People are more separated than ever. Helping with virtual company for people who feel lonely, preparing a meal, retweeting information, anything can help. Knowing what we can do and what energy/time is going to be important in maintaining a balance in our mental health.

Please take care of yourselves and look after your mental health. You deserve it. Everything you choose to do to help, no matter how small is wonderful but no one is a bad person because they can’t or don’t have the capacity at the moment. Hugs to you all