the irony of painkillers and mental health care

one of my attending nurses had a quick chat with me while she's giving me doses of medication through IV. 

i usually do casual talks and sometimes, crack a joke just to deviate from the pain (ironically, pain killers had this burning sensation through your veins) until it subsides.

We are somewhat at the same age and she quips that she have a son who's already a teenager.

"teenager?!"

ding! ding! ding!

flashbacks of memories and scenarios flooded my mind. as much as have so many happy memories i also associate it with teenage angst, vulnerability and depression---even way before the pandemic.

so imagine with all the complex and herculean tasks at school plus all the restrictions during the lock down, how can these present-time teenagers can manage?

once she left, i was pondering if i already have a child how can i make sure they are mentally and psychologicaly  prepared specially during these challenging times?

I guess everyone is not exempted of having bouts of stress and depression. I am just lucky that the sea is my playground 😅, find comfort with my (private and primitive) art 😅, plus i am surrounded with people who have indepth understanding and compassion.  as they say, misery loves company 😅.

read:

Teen depression linked to how the brain process rewards

This article somehow validates this and remember these pillars toward caring for yourself or your loved ones' mental health:

“Be exposed to a good environment, healthy experiences, (and) enrichment.”