These days, many influencers, content creators and artists openly discuss mental health and well-being on their platforms. But the big question is: Can these online spaces actually help prevent something as serious as suicide? Suicide is a significant global health issue, with over 700.000 lives lost every year, according to the World Health Organization. Each of these tragedies has a ripple effect, impacting families, friends, and entire communities.

When I look back at how society viewed mental health in the 1900s, I realize just how much things have changed. Back then, psychology and therapy were seen as something to be ashamed of, with many people regarding psychological struggles as a sign of weakness. But even when therapy was considered, it was often in secret. There was little understanding of the importance of addressing mental health issues openly, and this affected generations of families—including mine.

How do you process grief? "By running from it until it finds me in the middle of a sunny street on a beautiful day." With all the beautiful things life has in the store with us, come the painful bits. One day, in one way or another, the absoluteness of death is something we must face.

September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, offering support, and paying closer attention to our own mental well-being and that of those around us. This month is about shifting public perception, spreading hope, and sharing vital information with those affected by suicide. It’s important to remember that suicidal thoughts, like mental health conditions, can affect anyone – regardless of age, gender, or background.

Video games didn’t just mean a fun hobby to kill time, now they meant connection. Rather than having experiences in real life, I was having virtual experiences to keep my friendships alive. The hours we spent playing Among Us didn’t value less than the hours we spent sitting around at the campus.

As far back as Aristotle’s time, people understood the importance of community. He famously said that “humans are social animals”, meaning that people naturally wired to form relationships and live in groups. It’s not just about survival –strong social bonds help us thrive, find happiness, and reach our full potential. Even today, in our modern world, social connections are just as essential. In fact, our brains are built to expect interactions with others.