Every day, we respond to calls and chats from people all over Japan asking for help. As we near the second full year of the pandemic, many of us have gotten used to the ongoing changes and challenges COVID-19 has wrought. We’ve adjusted our work lives, changed travel plans, and reworked daily routines. But we have yet to grapple with other changes whose echoes may reverberate for years to come: grief and loss from losing loved ones, opportunities, and experiences; circumstances that pushed our physical and mental health to the brink; financial blows that stressed our lives to the limit.
Right now around the world, we have also witnessed great divides in our communities and amongst family members as we grapple with how to manage the pandemic, climate change, diversity, and human rights issues. This has left many feeling abandoned, misunderstood, isolated and angry. Sadly, for some, those limits were exceeded and an increasing number of people, tragically, lost their lives in 2021 due to mental illness.
As we move into the final weeks of the year and many of us gather to celebrate and give thanks with friends and colleagues it is also important to remember that December and January will be difficult months for many. For the second year in a row returning home for end-of-year holidays is not an option for many foreigners, as new strains emerge creating further uncertainty and unease about travel. Many will again miss an important opportunity to be with their loved ones, offer support and feel those much-needed connections. For others, strained family relationships will place further stressors and pressures on many who are already vulnerable and struggling to cope.
It is TELL’s mission to be there, NOW, for those who need someone to listen, and someone to care. We place no judgment or pressure on anyone who reaches out, but offer a connection, someone to hear your worries, and if available connect you with resources and services.
Our Lifeline is there every day either via chat or phone from 09:00- 23:00 Monday to Thursday, and Friday to Sunday from 09:00 – 02:00.
Help us this season by giving to TELL. When you give to the Lifeline services, you give a gift of hope and help us be there for someone who needs it. This holiday season it is important to remember that together, we are stronger. Together, we have hope. Together we make a difference and change lives.
We have a variety of options you can support this holiday season. To give a gift to TELL, please visit https://telljp.wpengine.com/help/donate/ or our Global Giving projects for women and youth. All direct donations are tax-deductible in Japan. For more information about TELL’s services please visit our website www.telljp.com. To access our Lifeline please call 03 5774-0992 or access our chat service via our website.