Are you alive or just existing? 

One of the most monotonous and everyday question is "How are you?" 

But, somehow, everyone asks this question with no concern and zero emotions. 

Somehow, all of us end up sidelining this question every single time. 

Maybe it's not intentional because everyone is preoccupied. With this pandemic sitting on our chests, it has to be difficult to ask people around you about the day they have had when you are trying to keep your own anxiety at bay. 

All I am saying is, TALK. 

We have obviously heard that actions speak louder than words but words are important too. 

Talk to the person you think will listen to you because telling someone that you are not doing good only to find that they are not invested in the conversation can do more damage. 

It is one of the worst case scenarios, the one you do not want to be a part of. 

You go around mentioning people in comments and sending them memes, but just this once, send a text to that friend and ask them, "How are you?", but with emotions and out of genuine concern. 

We, humans, have this recurring habit of wanting to run away from things and people and conversations. 

But, it is hard to run away from something that tends to follow you. 

Mental illness has a way of making a person feel that they are the punchline of a lame joke nobody wants to hear. 

So, stop and listen before jumping to "it's not that bad" or "it's just probably a phase." 

It is said that if a conversation is difficult to have, it's probably the one worth having, and I am beginning to understand its gravity now. 

Kindness is the most beautiful thing you can ever wear. 

And when push comes to shove, a tragic suicide should not be the only reason to spur you into talking and listening to people. 

Make the most out of this time, not when it's too late.