Today’s blog has nothing to do with fashion, celebs, new & exciting venues or incredible events…Today’s blog serves as a reminder to me, to my readers & to everyone around us all, that we should always be kind, as we never truly know the battles people around us are fighting!
You may find this post a bit morbid or not in line with my usual happy posts, however I think this is probably more relevant than what I wore, where I went, which celeb I met etc. however keeps in line with my theme of Lifestyle & the aspiration to have a balanced life & to help those around me.
A while back I read an article in Cosmo talking about a generation of youngsters being anxious, nervous, depressed, facing pressures that’s are unimaginable, trying to fit in, trying to survive, peer pressure, bullying, societal pressure, to name but a few & this morning when I got the news of a friend having ended his life at 24 years of age it made me realize that we are all fighting battles of our own every single day & it could take a smile or an insult to push one either way…
In 2014 it was reported that SA had the 8th highest suicide rate in the world – shocking & incredibly sad that almost 8 000 people are taking their lives yearly. 2015 saw an article in the Mail & Guardian stating stress & suicides in SA are on the increase & the 8 000 number from the previous year could increase! Whilst we are living in a society where health, wellbeing & fitness is promoted daily all around us, the same promotion has also led to a pressure being created in terms of poor self esteem & bad body image, having an adverse effect on us. Many argue the positive vs negative impact platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & SnapChat have on us with some saying we have a platform to shine & to help others, whilst others throw words around such as narcissism & pressure…What are you views on this?
Watch for tell tale signs in your network & offer to listen & not judge. If you suspect depression or life threatening behavior get help by calling organizations such as Life Line or the SA Depression & Anxiety Group where trained professionals can assist. If you are being bullied or know of someone who is, talk to someone you trust – there are organisations such as Morne Marais’ FABA or the JAG Foundation who are doing remarkable work by highlighting the issue & can assist! If you yourself are feeling this way remember, you are special, you are the rainbow in someone’s cloudy day, you are loved & valued as a person & you have a great life ahead of you to LIVE!
So until next time throw kindness around like confetti … The impact it may have could literally be lifechanging…Take care of yourself & those around you!
Nadia xo xo
Nadia Singh 