There is never a person whose day couldn't be made better by someone reaching out to them in kindness. It may seem odd to speak up to strangers who seem like they are having a hard time, but it will no doubt make their day just a little more bearable.
Depression and anxiety affect almost every person at some point in their lives. Whether it is just for a short time or spans over their entire lifetime, it is something that will change them forever and leave a mark on who they are. I speak from experience in saying, it can do nothing but good to reach out to someone that you feel may be suffering in ways you could never imagine.
Violence and abuse are things that happen in the dark behind closed doors, and are sometimes never seen. Although victims may never say a word, the pain in their eyes is almost always apparent, and is often times unnoticed. Even the hint of abuse is a reason to speak up, and it is never a bad idea to sit down with someone and see how you can help.
Homelessness is something that more people suffer from than you may think. According to The National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness, over 3.5 million people will experience homelessness in the United States each year. What may surprise you even more is that it isn't always the sad souls you'll see on the street that make up these numbers. It may just be that young woman in your class that always seems to be having a tough time. It may just be that young man you saw crying in the hallway. Homelessness does not have a face, and you may be missing an opportunity everyday to lend a hand to someone who could really use it.
These examples are such an incredible minority. Seeing someone in pain does not mean that they have any specific troubles; perhaps they are just going through a difficult time at the moment. We could all stand to recognize our fellow humans a little more, and make an effort to be the small light in their day.
We live in a fascinating age, where every day brings new technology, new opportunities and new hope for generations to come. However, in our desperate desire for success, we often forget who we are passing by. Those of us who are lucky enough to be living our best lives at the moment and seem to have it all together too easily forget that there was a time, or may come a time, when the road will be a little less clear. We forget the people that have stopped to give us a hug or pay for that extra grocery that we just couldn't afford that week, and we forget to do them the honor of returning the favor.
We can never forget that no matter what level of success we reach in our lives, we certainly did not make it there alone. Family, friends, partners and even just kind strangers are the essential tools we need to tackle life's daily battles -- no matter how small they may seem. Slow down, take a breath and a look around you. Are you missing something? Is there someone that could use your help that you almost ignored in your rush? I can guarantee you that you will gain as much as they will by that short conversation that you stopped to have. The small acts of kindness that you choose to do are never unnoticed even when you may think they are, and the world repays kindness in amazing ways.
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” -- Ian Maclaren
If you are suffering from depression and anxiety and are looking for help, call The Samaritans for free, 24/7, confidential emotional assistance at (212) 673-3000.
If you are a victim of domestic violence and are looking for help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for free, 24/7, confidential assistance at 1-800-799-7233.
If you are homeless and searching for a place to find shelter, contact the Coalition for the Homeless at (212) 776-2058 or visit their website for additional hotlines that have more specific purposes.
