I came across an article titled The Age of Distracti-pression in the New York Times. The Age of Distracti-pression - The New York Times (nytimes.com). The article talks about the pandemic and how prescription drugs for depression and anxiety are up dramatically. Anti-depression drugs are up nearly ten percent.

I believe there is a place for therapy and medication to combat the effects resulting from our fears, anxieties, and worries when we have reached mental crisis levels. I believe the universe has given us the tools to address our problems when they are not as severe as an actual mental health crisis.

I turned to faith leaders like the Dalai Lama for words to validate my feelings. Countering Stress and Depression - Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. As I read the Dalai Lama's words, a sentence in the middle of the article stands out. The Dala Lama says that his stress or worry vanishes if he can find a remedy. His job then is to find a solution. That resonated with me deeply. I must add that the Dalai Lama's thoughts imply your solution must create positive karma for your worries to lessen; that is important to know.

The Dalia Lama gives an interesting counterargument to his initial thought. If one cannot find a solution to your problem, then there is no point in worrying. There is no remedy. Nothing can be done about it; the outcome is out of your control.

I advocate that all of us do the work – meditation, prayer, scripture reading – regularly to monitor your mental state and stay clear of mind enough to find a solution. I want to go further with this thread to add the importance of seclusion, not just alone time, but seclusion in nature. There are so many distractions in the world that it will be difficult to hear the universe at the beginning. Finding a secluded place is something to aspire to in your journey to clarity.