Covid-19 Virus Positive: The Emotional And Mental Health Torture Of Being Alone

Ever since the covid pandemic started, many people experienced all sorts of problems.

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The common one is the financial strain because of limited resources. They complain about losing their jobs and struggling with their health symptoms during the Covid pandemic. The situation hinders them from providing for their needs as well as their families. Then there is the boredom and inactivity. Since the health protocol requires a lockdown to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 virus, everyone automatically stayed at home due to mandatory health concerns.

Those are the usual things about the COVID-19 pandemic that everybody knows. And despite those unfortunate circumstances, a lot of people are still thankful for their lives. Many of them even choose to stay optimistic about the COVID-19 situation because they still have their family alive and healthy. But have you tried to wonder what happened to those people who contracted the COVID-19 virus? Have you ever thought about what their lives are like? Have you asked them how they felt once they found out they tested positive for COVID-19 or the disease? Let me walk you through the things about it that perhaps you didn’t know.

The End Isolation

You are way too familiar with COVID-19 social distancing and all that. It is a necessary action that helps in slowing down the number of infected people. You know for sure that once an individual gets positive for the COVID-19 virus, immediate isolation is needed. It is required to stay home all the time. There is nothing that a person can do. But have you imagined how emotionally and mentally painful it is for a person to accept isolation only to save hundreds of different lives through COVID-19 issues? You probably admire that individual’s courage because there is indeed a weighing sacrifice that the person has to make. That includes living far away from his family, staying in a four-cornered room without another individual in sight, and sleeping in bed alone at night. But frankly, that person does not care about other people’s lives. He thinks of the misery and sorrow of his COVID-19 situation, being unable to be with the people he needed the most.

Dealing with covid-19 pandemic issues - understanding the problems
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With that in mind, perhaps now you understand why some other people who are COVID-19 positive choose not to tell everyone about their current condition. That is because they do not want to be isolated despite the positive test result. They are afraid to be alone because they know even a limited amount of time can make them feel empty, lonely, and devastated. There is nothing there in an enclosed facility. And even if they get tested and get to stay quarantined in their own homes, their family and friends would not still be there with them. It is entirely a painful battle that no one will understand, not until they are in the same spot, enduring the same physical, mental, and emotional struggle. Everything is farther than what anyone says they can handle.

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Meanwhile, there are those people who are always showing support despite the high risk of antigen tests and positive test results from being exposed to covid. Those are individuals who somehow understand the situation. But would it trouble you to know that their supposed concerns are useless? Whatever good and encouraging words they may tell a person with Covid-19 will not work. Apparently, everything is different for the person with the disease. There are too many things going on in his head that are often unbearable. The agony of wanting to go outside and waiting for better results is too overwhelming. There are restrictions and rules that will demand you to wear a mask all the time. There is only the thought of wanting to be with his family again. Unfortunately, that is not an option and surely, you wouldn’t want to wear a mask constantly.

The mental torture of isolation plus the information about COVID-19 is terrifying and can lead to severe illness and complications such as trouble breathing or difficulty breathing. In some instances, COVID-19 can cause an individual to break down and cry for no reason due to being tested positive. Having no one around and not seeing a single soul can entirely make a massive alteration in looking at things about life. At some point, it can pull all sorts of negative thoughts and feelings. These thoughts and feelings can lead to an extreme level of emptiness, which turns into hopelessness, which will eventually encourage self-harm and suicide. You may think that it is an overreaction. But tell that to those people locked in a space and only have themselves for comfort.

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Insight

Perhaps you believe there are some things that you or other people can do to save a COVID-19 infected person’s mental health, especially if they test positive. But honestly, to tell you frankly, there is nothing you can do. Your words, no matter how encouraging and amazing they are to hear, it is not going to make a difference one a person finds out that he’s positive for covid. The only person that can help that individual is himself. That person needs to understand that for him to get through the mental and emotional stage of isolation, he must acknowledge life as it is. There should be an understanding that unfairness exists. That no matter how thoughtful and well-informed a person is, there is still no assurance of everything. Things happen for a reason. His emotions and thoughts should come together to enable him to get the optimism he needs, even if there is no guarantee of getting better.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How To Help Family Members With Their Mental Health Issues

One of the reasons why most family members do not try and open up their feelings is due to the fear of getting an unwanted response. It is where they build a negative idea of people’s unexpected reactions. Yes, family members understand the frustration of having a mental illness. But unfortunately, there is nothing much they can do about it. And on our part, it is also devastating to see our loved one suffer in pain. We do not want them to feel they are alone in the battle. Thus, we need to acknowledge the importance of assisting them with their mental and emotional needs. Here are some tips we can do to ensure that our loved ones can feel comfortable enough to open up to us.

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Tip #1: We Have To Show Them That We Care

This one is pretty much obvious. Often, our loved ones with mental health issues break down and feel devastated when they think we are not there for them. Their thoughts are a bit exaggerated that they somehow misinterpret our actions as those that do not show any concern for them. Sometimes, though we know it is their mental state that causes that mentality, we feel hurt. To avoid that misunderstanding, we should tell ourselves that our loved ones need us more than ever. It is vital that we care about them significantly, even without the assurance of getting it back. Because at their most devastating moments in life, we need to show them that they matter more than anyone else.

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Tip #2: Do Not Show Visible Signs Of Negative Emotions

Dealing with family members who have mental illness can be frustrating than anyone can think of. That is because sometimes, even if how much we show and explain to them that all we want is to help, they will continuously shut us off. At that point, we might feel a little angry or annoyed. Understandably, our intentions are pure but some family members will have a hard time dealing with other people because things are too overwhelming for them. That is why, when trying to help, we must not show negative emotions. We must never sigh, frown, smirk, or show any gestures and facial expressions that might represent a negative meaning. We should never make them feel that we are not interested in listening to their emotional crisis. We should never talk to them as if they are stupid.

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Tip #3: Never Remind Them That Their Situation Could Get Worse

It is incredibly unhelpful if we constantly tell or remind our loved ones that their mental health issues could worsen. No, it is not true that pushing people to their emotional and mental limits can help them adjust. In fact, it only leads to worsening their cases. All they can think about is how sad, hopeless, and exhausted they are. It is all about their negative emotions. So when we continuously bring up new matters that can trigger their mental and emotional response, they tend to collapse. It will not give them positive thinking and will eventually feel guilty about their situation. Reminding them that they are in a bad health condition will only make them not want to talk about the illness.

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Tip #4: Never Relate Their Emotions To Our Experience

Sometimes, when trying to help family members with their emotional problems, we tend to share our experiences. Perhaps that is because we believe their feelings are relatable. We think that whatever it is they are going through, we already managed to experience something like it. But telling our loved ones that they should not feel the way they are supposed to feel just because we already experienced it is bullshit. We have no right to compare their struggles to ours – unless we share the same mental health issues. Mental illness can manifest extreme symptoms compared to other behavioral problems. Aside from that, we need to realize that the whole situation is about our loved ones’ inability to handle their mental and emotional issues. We must never use the situation to validate the relatable experience to turn the attention to us. It is our loved ones who need support so we don’t have to include any of our issues into the matter.

Insight

All this time that we are trying to help our loved ones with their mental and emotional struggle, most of us are doing it wrong. From start to the end of this article, we know we are guilty of doing the opposite of these helpful tips. Understandably, the reason for that is because we are not used to looking at mental health from a more in-depth perspective, so we believe less of it. But realizing that our method is reversible can give us a chance to correct the mistakes we usually do in terms of helping the people we love.

 

Working With Adults With Developmental Disabilities

During these difficult times, people with physical and intellectual disabilities are among the most heavily affected groups. Even before the pandemic, they already experience several forms of barriers that disallow them to participate in society fully.

As citizens, how can we make sure that we don’t further exclude them in a post-COVID19 world?

According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), persons with disabilities make up an estimated 1 billion (15%) of the world’s population, of which about 80 percent are working.

Experts say that work is good for our mental health, but a negative working environment can exacerbate situations and lead to other physical and mental health problems.

“Today, many persons with even the most serious mental illnesses are capable of working in mainstream, competitive jobs,” says, Marjorie L. Baldwin Ph.D., who is a health economist and an economics professor at Arizona State University.

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A psychiatric illness like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder has debilitating effects on the person and those around them.

Still, multiple employment support programs have started to address the gaps.  Psychiatrists argue that sustained employment is a crucial factor for recovery.

Creating Flexible And Accessible Working Conditions 

Inclusion in the workplace starts with a good management strategy supported by office policies. Organization leaders must know the benefits of having a diverse workforce and adopt equal opportunity practices that don’t subscribe to the stigma against people with mental illnesses.

Projects that remove physical barriers, improve the delivery of information, and offer specialist counseling and support should be part of the priority.

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  • Focus On Health And Well-Being

Reduce work-related risk factors on staff such as inflexible working hours and high, unrelenting workload. A good program that focuses on staff well-being introduces wholesome games, physical activities, and other recreational options. Of course, suitable healthcare policies are ideal and help enhance employee retention.

 

  • Invest In Raising Awareness And Training

Even though a company creates an accessible workplace, the culture and interpersonal relationships between staff play a massive role in ensuring a safe working environment. Sensitivity workshops and communication training will help non-disabled employees to gain more insight into physical and mental disabilities.

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  • Demonstrate Accountability

Leadership commitment is essential before expecting the employees to follow. Increasing transparency and clarifying reporting roles can significantly impact the way mental health is discussed, especially in addressing other types of developmental disabilities like ADHD and ADD. Conversely, disabled persons should also understand and be familiar with workplace policies.

 

  • Remove Attitudinal Barriers

A 2017 study commissioned by the UK Prime Minister revealed that from those surveyed, only 11% of staff discussed a recent mental health problem with their manager, while half of the employees say they would opt not to discuss their mental health at all.

Promoting mental health should involve removing the stigma towards persons with disabilities and should rather be seen as capable people that can actively contribute to the company and society.

Why don’t people talk about mental health? Even though there is an increase in awareness about mental health, many people who experience distress try to keep their feelings hidden. Lack of knowledge about protective laws also hinders communities from discussing it.

Workplace cultures designed in a way that people can be themselves will make it easier for employees to speak about health concerns without fear.

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Skills Matching And Job Coaching 

Growing up with a mental illness can be very challenging. Coping with a society that isn’t for inclusive access takes time and government intervention to thrive.

Persons with mild conditions or high-functioning disabilities may need minimal support when it comes to job hunting, while others will require a more extended period of guidance. As individuals, how can we help support them?

  • Look for a qualified job coach.
  • Read about the law against discrimination.
  • Find an industry or skills-based job to match.
  • Build an attractive resume.
  • Create a list of disabled-friendly workplaces.
  • Practice the one-on-one interview if possible.

The COVID-19 crisis poses an added threat to people suffering from psychiatric illnesses. The risk in the way most governments respond to the pandemic is that persons with disabilities are getting left behind further, not just medically but also socio-economically.

It’s worth noting that decent and accessible work can make a difference in building resilience among those affected in any crisis.

How To Get Back With An Ex Who Has ASD

Getting back with an ex is a major life decision. Because of this, it is essential to think twice before you move back in with a former lover. Take note that there was a reason why the breakup took place in the relationship. Here are some of the issues or matters that you must take into consideration in deciding whether reconnecting with your ex-husband is a good idea:

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Continue reading How To Get Back With An Ex Who Has ASD

Your Husband Has ADD: What Happens Next? 

Living with someone who has attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a complete struggle, especially if you have no idea or clue on how to handle this kind of mental condition. Take note that the symptoms of ADD can hurt your marriage and cause it to go down the drain. This is why you need to act fast if you want to stay in the relationship with your husband. It is essential for you to be aware of what ADHD means. Once you have a full understanding of this disorder, the next thing to do is to work hard in encouraging your partner to change. 

 

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  Continue reading Your Husband Has ADD: What Happens Next? 

Considering Child Therapy For Your Children?

Do you need child therapy? Discovering that a kid needs child therapy can be terrifying. For sure, you will have lots of questions and worries, including the cost of child therapy services for the kid.

 Two kids in long sleeves painting on a white canvas during sessions
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Embarking on the journey of pediatric psychotherapy can be both daunting and filled with uncertainties. As a caring parent or guardian, you’ll naturally find yourself overwhelmed with questions and concerns, especially when it comes to the financial aspect of child therapy in supporting your child’s emotional well-being. Fear not! By addressing these topics head-on, you’re already taking significant strides toward ensuring a brighter future for your child. So prepare to embark on this transformative adventure with full knowledge, confidence, and an unwavering dedication to your child’s mental health through child therapy!

At the same time, you will hesitate about entrusting your child to another person during parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT). What you are thinking and feeling right now is only typical of a parent whose child needs therapy. To ease your concerns, here are the things you need to prepare and keep in mind about child therapy.

Unlock Potential: Importance Of Mental Health For Effective Communication Skills

Child therapy is crucial, particularly if your child is going through a mental health disorder. Your child must undergo child therapy to have good coping communication skills and improve their mental welfare. But what’s the best therapy for many children? How can child therapy work for your child? Will your child really benefit from child therapy?

Parental involvement as well as family involvement is important, and below are some of the essential things families need to remember when it comes to this treatment:

An illustration
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The Right Child Therapy And Therapist For Your Kid

Parents know that behavioral therapy, evidence-based therapy for their child, is crucial, so when they discover that their child needs evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavior therapy, family therapy, art therapy, online therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or other mental health services, they act on it right away.

Pediatric therapy is a vital component in the field of adolescent psychiatry, specifically for addressing disruptive behavior disorders. This type of therapy emphasizes behavior management techniques supported by scientific evidence to teach new skills for disease control. The ultimate goal is to help children build mental and emotional resilience to cope with their struggles, leading to improved overall well-being.

The most common method of healing for children is cognitive behavior therapy (an evidence-based therapy) which helps improve a child’s disruptive behaviors, feelings, and moods. It is also widely used for depression, anxiety, stress management, and other behavioral problems of adolescents and adults.

Unfortunately, most parents are unaware of some differences between a child’s therapist and a psychiatrist.

  • A psychiatrist is a medical practitioner or doctor who has completed a specialization in diagnosing and treating prolonged grief disorder, borderline personality disorder, behavioral disorders, and other mental health problems.
  • A therapist is someone who studies and deals with a child’s behavior, child’s life, or attitude of a person to help children deal with a mental health condition.

Before deciding to get therapy for children and adolescents, visit your healthcare provider to know about other health problems so you would know the right therapy to go to. Therapy, either for a child and adolescent, older children, or an adult, must be understood.

Get A Proper Diagnosis First

The standard practice is for a mental health professional or child therapist to get a proper diagnosis of your child’s mental illness. It’s vital to that your therapist be licensed by the American Psychological Association to ensure that their methods are up to date. He will also determine whether a referral for child-centered play therapy or clinical child therapy services is necessary. So, you must get your child to meet a mental health professional first for a consultation. There are also various treatment techniques for children and teens to choose from, so it is important that this is discussed with a clinical child and adolescent psychologist.

A child having fun together with their helper or teacher. Discovering that your kid needs therapy can be quite terrifying.
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Let The Child Participate In Child Therapy Sessions

The therapy is effective only if the child is actively participating in the sessions with the therapist.

  • Their parents must encourage him to attend all his mental health therapy sessions with the therapist.
  • Parents must remind him of the significance of his participation in all his therapy sessions for a fast recovery.

The treatment is more effective if your child cooperates and participates, regardless of age. Also, do not insist on accompanying your child in their sessions with the therapist unless you are utilizing family therapy for your children. You can bring your child to the therapist but do not try to interfere during the encounter, especially if the child’s mental health provider is looking for the child’s behavior patterns. Children and adolescents will have different behavior around their parents which will interfere with the session. You could wait outside until the therapy sessions are over. Feel free to ask questions to your child after their therapy session.

Fostering Emotional Well-Being In Youth: The Impact Of Conversational Interventions On Developing Strong Mental Health

Pediatric therapy is an effective way to treat emotional problems in children, with talk therapy being a common approach. However, cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy are also viable treatment methods. Child therapists licensed by the American Psychological Association use talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral or play therapy, to help children learn how to manage their emotions and improve their emotional well-being. Research has shown that emotional learning is a critical component of pediatric therapy and can have long-lasting effects on a child’s mental health. With the help of a skilled child therapist, children can learn how to understand better and regulate their emotions, leading to improved overall emotional health.

Therapy Is Beneficial And Effective For A Child

Therapy for your child, or anyone, is beneficial and effective. As a parent, know that the best types of therapy for your child will vary depending on their behavioral needs. Some children might benefit more from behavioral therapy, while others might need a different type. Spend time with your child and let him/her feel that you and all the family members are there for him or her – whether it be in therapy sessions or at home.

“Therapy can remind you how to take care of yourself and plan a healthy development so you know your sources of support,” says Carmen Gehrke, LMHC. Searching for the right psychiatrist or therapist for your child is not an easy thing to do. You need to be patient in researching the best professional in town.

However, it’s all worth it in the end, as it’s for your child’s health and well-being. Children learn self-control through behavior therapy which helps your child improve their skills, school behaviors, and communication abilities. It also reduces symptoms of kids’ anxiety, stress, and depression in a healthy way.

Giving The Best Treatment Options For Child Support

Your child is precious – you and the whole family should strive to give him the best remedy and support. Choose a type of therapy for your children that encourages them to be better – a treatment that helps improve their feelings, behaviors, and mental health. Make sure that the therapist you choose is licensed by the American Psychological Association so that your child receives the best care they can.

Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

What Questions Should I Ask My Child?

As a parent, engaging with your child in meaningful conversations can promote emotional and intellectual growth while strengthening your bond. Here are some thought-provoking questions to ask your child:

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
If you could travel back in time, which era would you visit and why?
How do you show kindness to others around you?

Remember that communicating well with children entails active listening and allowing them to express their thoughts independently.

What therapy is best for my child?

Why do therapists focus on childhood?

Is therapy effective for children?

How long does therapy take for childhood trauma?

What are the main goals of pediatric therapy?

What type of therapy is best for children?

How do you therapy a child?

How do I know if my child needs therapy?

At what age should kids go to therapy?

ADHD And Psychiatry

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There are several kinds of mental disorders or illnesses that affect children all over the world, one of which is ADHD or attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder. While this may be common in young individuals, there have been reported cases of adults having the same mental condition. In this write-up, we are going to discuss the different symptoms and diagnoses of ADHD. At the same time, we will also look into the importance of psychiatry concerning handling this disorder.

Continue reading ADHD And Psychiatry

Somatization Disorder: Causes And Management

 

In the previous article, Somatization Disorders: Understanding Psychosomatic Illness, we examined the four types of somatization illnesses. In this article, the etiologic factors and overview of the management will be tackled.

 

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Etiologic Factors

“Somatization disorder, characterized by a history of at least eight unexplained symptoms in four or more bodily systems, represents the extreme end of a continuum of somatoform severity.” –Richard J. Brown, Ph.D., Clin.Psy.D

Genetics and heredity play a crucial role in most mental illnesses. Research presented that ten to 20% of somatization disorders are common in families with a first-degree family member exhibiting the same condition. Also, children who are having complaints of functional abdominal discomfort, and changes in mood such as anxiety and depression, their mothers may have a history of chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome and somatoform disorder in their lifetime.

The role of neurotransmitters was also attributed to the causation process stating that its sustained release in conjunction with the neuroendocrine hormones, when faced with extremely stressful situations, can deplete some areas in the brain that enable adaptations and coping behaviors.

“Your environment, both your social and natural surroundings, can greatly impact how you feel.” Marjie L. Roddick, MA, NCC, LMHC said. Therefore, A violent family environment resulting in abusive behaviors, be it physical, verbal, or sexual, can lead to somatization symptoms in children. Traumatic experiences can shatter the mind’s capacity to cope effectively, and the only thing that it can do is to transfer the mental anguish into physical complaints.

 

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Management

This can be very frustrating as the condition tends to be more psychological rather than medical. Sometimes, the caregiver resounds annoyance and weariness on the constant complaints of bodily pain, concern for well-being, and even verbalizing imminent death.

In the beginning, the medical doctor will explore and investigate the source of the physical complaints. Remember that these symptoms are real to the persons no matter what explanations you give them that “it’s all in mind.” For a person with pain disorder, a referral to a specialty pain clinic is the best alternative. Introduction to non-pharmacologic and alternative treatments may contribute to the alleviation of pain symptoms.

Insight-oriented psychotherapy is recommended for persons with illness anxiety disorder. The aim of this therapy to help the person understand the cause and relationship of their feelings to the physical symptoms that they have every time they encounter stress. The person is encouraged not to undergo several medical tests that will only result in more tests if they are not satisfied with a reasonable result. They will also be instructed with positive coping mechanisms to divert attention away from their body functioning to some more constructive activities. Anxiolytic medications like Xanax and Valium are prescribed to control and manage the severe effects of stress, but should not be taken in the long run because of its addictive tendencies.

“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act.” says Catherine Cleveland M.S., LMHC-P. These persons need emotional support but never say that their symptoms are unreal and controllable. This is a futile attempt to take knowing that for them their symptoms are real as a result of their emotional distress. Acknowledge the manifestation only to the point that you are aware of their difficulties. If the person continues to present a new complaint, this should be corrected instantly. Encourage to keep a journal of situations, events of stresses and the occurrence of symptoms and utilize this information to identify the relationship between anxiety and physical complaints. Introduce the person to several activities that will divert his/her attention from the stressful situation.

 

Gambling Addiction: Slowly Rotting Your Life Away

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As intelligent human beings, we are in control of our lives. Having the capacity and ability to decide for ourselves, we have our way of catharsis in dealing with the demands of life. When we feel like life is already consuming us, diversion activities become our go-to hideaway. Giving oneself a break is not bad at all. It helps in maintaining a balanced life. In modern times, this can be achieved by taking a vacation, buying new clothes, a car or an expensive phone, and going out with your friends occasionally can give you a pleasurable feeling and these can even inspire you more to go on with life.

“Addiction is a non-medical term that refers to a wide range of mental disorders called Substance Use Disorders. There are a variety of different types of Substance Use Disorders, including Alcohol Use Disorder, Stimulant Use Disorder, and Cannabis Use Disorder, just to name a few.” –Hailey Shafir, LPCS, LCAS, CCS-I

Continue reading Gambling Addiction: Slowly Rotting Your Life Away