I was literally just thinking about this! Case numbers aren't too high here in Saudi Arabia, but I'm still surprised by the ease with which people go out to eat. Popular restaurants have seen massive lines and spaces so crowded that it is impossible to maintain physical distancing. It's interesting because Saudis love going out to eat. It's a very cherished tradition, and I think it's been one of the things that many people have missed during the pandemic. Another point is that entertainment options in my region of the country are scarce, so going to a restaurant is honestly one of the only things you can do for fun on a weekend night.

This is definitely one of the biggest problems with online education. I've been thinking about possible solutions for people who lack access to the internet, electronics, etc. One idea is to implement something similar to what the Philippines had proposed a month or so ago, in which the country will be broadcasting school lessons on TV. This might be more accessible for Kenyans and others around the world, but it's far from a perfect solution. Another idea that I've been thinking about (and this might be a little unfeasible, but it's been on my mind) is somehow getting NGOs or other volunteer organizations to partner with local governments and manually distribute schoolbooks. Resources like textbooks, novels, and worksheets, for instance, could be really helpful for kids struggling to obtain an education!

Some safety measures that come to mind immediately are masks, one-way traffic in hallways, physical distancing, desks placed apart in classrooms, and hygienic ways to serve food in cafeterias/dining halls. That being said, I am doubtful that many of these can be properly upheld. Kids are kids and will, quite frankly, be unable to physical distance or follow exact hygiene protocols (especially in elementary schools!). I definitely think online classes or a hybrid of online and in-person classes is the best option.

Probably not. However, that raises the question: how can a such a societal change towards gender equality be implemented? Honestly, it's taken me so long to respond to your post because I've been thinking about answers to that question but am struggling to do so.

I think my biggest concern with legalizing prostitution is that men will feel like they are entitled to women's bodies. Many may believe that because prostitution is legal, it is "okay."

I, personally, see arguments for both sides of the legalization debate. However, I think there must be a more transparent system put in place to monitor how marijuana is sold and used across the US and the world. If it were to be legalized, I think this would allow for people to know exactly who would be using the drug and what they would need, in terms of rehab or aid. At the same time, concerns arise over whether legalization will actually foster the use of the drug even further. To this point, I also feel like legalizing marijuana would send the wrong message to current and potential users. Seeing the substance as legal and "okay" could give the wrong perception that it's not too unhealthy or bad after all, which is certainly not true.

I think the answer to this question is one of the most major points of contention between pro-legalization and anti-legalization supporters. For people who support the legalization of marijuana, there's a belief that because marijuana is illegal right now, more people smuggle it and use it quietly. If, however, the drug is made legal, they argue that the number of drug users will not increase. Rather, they will be more transparent and available to treat in rehab. For those who are against marijuana's legalization, the belief is held that marijuana use and addiction will skyrocket in the global community if it's made legal. Frankly, the effects on the global community, should marijuana be legalized, are a source of debate right now.

I think marijuana is different from smoking or drinking, as others before me have said, because of the stigma surrounding it. I also think, though, that there is a concern that people will become addicted to the substance if it is so widely available. Medicinally, for instance, people get hooked. I think the fear in legalizing marijuana would be that it would be made simpler for people to abuse it. However, this does not, in my opinion, make marijuana any less dangerous than alcohol overdose or smoking. Culturally, since alcohol and smoking have been common in our society (even as forms of entertainment), people are reluctant to call them as harmful as marijuana, which is so stigmatized.

Interestingly, I had a friend who had bouts of depression as the weather changed. This sounds a bit absurd, but it actually makes sense. According to WebMD, "Winter depression is still a mystery to scientists who study it. But researchers agree that people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder are particularly sensitive to light, or the lack of it." When winter comes around in New England, daylight hours shorten, and it is cold and dark. I noticed that my friend was negatively impacted by this. She would ramble on about her worries and troubles, and her confidence levels noticeably decreased. Now that spring is settling in, I have seen her revert back to her old self. When the sun is up longer and it is warmer outside, she is cheerful and hopeful. For example, being able to dress up and not wear a puff jacket makes her happy.

Often for celebrities and famous people such as Dwayne Johnson, depression has been an aspect of their life. This stems, I think, from the increased pressure to succeed for these individuals. There are so many standards, which are so high, that they must meet. Stereotypes include the notion that female actors must be skinny and gorgeous, and male actors must be muscular and handsome. Having such high expectations to reach can lead someone to feel worried and stressed about meeting these expectations. It's no wonder, therefore, that these celebrities can become depressed.

In Bangladesh and other countries in the Indian subcontinent, elderlies are similarly treated with great respect. However, there is also a broad conception that elders need to treated tenderly because they cannot care for themselves. I think this forced dependency, although it stems from good intentions, can negatively contribute to an elder's mental health. It can make them believe themselves that they are incapable or weak.

That's a great point! Also, I think mental health can be negatively impacted by the feelings associated with aging. People are often shocked by the loss of their physical and mental strength as they age. A runner, for example, can feel terrible if, with age, their speed or endurance decreases. Feelings of shame or frustration can arise, and these can ultimately lead to geriatric depression.

I totally agree! Adding on, I think that nursing homes and elderly homes can sometimes have unintended detrimental effects of the mental wellbeing of elderly people. For instance, I think that it is important to ensure that nursing/elderly homes are not isolated. Often, spending too much time in one area and surrounded by the same people can harm one's mental health. On the other hand, nursing homes can be a great way to connect elders with the general community by, for example, hosting community events. Connections and bonds are a great way to improve mental health!