This is a friendly reminder that how you are feeling right now is valid.

The effects of the lockdown on mental health have become one of the biggest concerns.

It is so hard to sit in the comfort of our homes and see what is happening in places overseas and feel like we have it worse then them, because we don't.

We are beyond blessed to live in Australia and it is disturbing to see what is happening elsewhere. Myself and everyone else feel helpless sitting in the comfort of our homes seeing what is happening in places such as Afghanistan.

But as a result of this I have seen and spoken to so many people that are really starting to feel the effects of lockdown and feel 'guilty' to say so or speak about it because they feel to 'privileged' to have problems in comparison to others.

These are people who have lost their income, haven't seen their family and friends in months, my grandma who lives alone and is high risk, my friends who live in LGAS and can't go for a swim at the beach, people with ill family members who they can't see, people who have lost all motivation and can not see the light at the end of the tunnel or how things could possibly go back to normal. It's dull and it is sad.

I want to remind you IT IS OK TO NOT BE OK even if you are 'privileged'.

Whether you are only just starting to feel the effects of lockdown now or you have been for a while, I am so sorry that you feel that way.

I don't know when we will be back to normal and I am not going to pretend I have the answers and advice that will magically make you feel better. What I will say is if you can find it within you to not just wait for the day they say lockdown is over to be happy again that is enough, take joy in the little things that you can.

This is a friendly reminder that how you are feeling right now is valid, we are in this together, we will come out of this together and when we do, it will be absolute bliss.

So calm the f**k down and stop blaming yourself for being human.

With so much love, Jelani