Dear Kay:

Like a song says, we truly are “people who need people”. It is most important for you to be around supportive people every day, and if not possible, then a few times a week. You need people with whom you are safe expressing yourself honestly and openly.

You wrote, “I just put on a mask and have just started to open up more”.

On one hand, when wearing a mask you don’t benefit from social interactions, not as far as your mental health is concerned. On the other hand, when a person you are with is critical of you, disapproving, it is unwise to open up. And so, best for your mental health is to seek situations and evaluate those situations to see if the person or people respond to you empathetically and respectfully, and then open up and share honestly and openly.

I hope you post again anytime you’d like to share. I will respond to you empathetically and respectfully.

anita