Ever since the lockdown, things have been really tough on everyone. Some have suffered financially, some emotionally and some mentally.  

The days went on a loop with no change and little less to do. But everyone found their niche and that helped them keep sane. 

The real deal started when we accepted the situation as the new normal and returned to our lifestyle with the tag of “.... from home”. It seemed easy at first but personally  for me things took a toss when my architectural course resumed. My mental peace was gone and I was tied in a vicious cycle of submissions, deadlines, juries, redo's and what not. 

I started having breakdowns and just wanted to end things and leave everything behind. But all this made me think that will anyone ever know what I was actually suffering from?

So I began writing this letter which is addressed to all the professionals associated with the educational fraternity.

Dearest Sir/ Ma’am,

Are you not even 1% bothered to know what's going on inside the brain of your young students? Do you really believe that the low attendance is just a part of our laziness? Have you ever had the slightest thought that the reason would be depression, anxiety, dementia or at the least a serious family related issue. 

It's not always the excuse a person makes. It's not always a lie. Sometimes commenting, “Really your grandmother died? Come on!” , not only reflects the lack of empathy that you have but you are also projecting the same to the future generation in addition to insulting someone on their demise. 

Words do hurt. They do create a lifelong impression. So choose them correctly. 

This sure is a rant from a student. But this rant is coming from someone who has tried hard to live up to the expectations, tried to be good at everything and have battled the thought of suicide. 

Mental health is important, it's real. 

Stop pressurizing and start motivating.

Stop threatening and start sympathizing 

Because I might have had this medium to express and vent but somewhere there might be someone bottling up their feelings and frustrations.

Step up. Stop neglecting and start acknowledging.

P.S.- I know teachers are struggling too but at this time everyone needs a helping hand in the form of a friend and a smiling face by their side rather than a strict Professor.