Chances are that when you think of trauma, you think of it as something that happens to other people. Or that what you have experienced isn’t nearly as bad as someone who has been raped or lived through war, so it can’t possibly be something you can complain about or have to heal from.

And yet this pandemic has likely been overwhelming for you at times, and has changed how you operate in the world.

Some of us easily connected with friends prior to COVID-19. Yet after the onset of the pandemic many of us felt disconnected or estranged from them. You may have sensed that some friends devolved into acquaintances. Other friendships may have become lackluster or stagnate. When you are feeling that a friendship has fallen on hard times, you may be frustrated, hurt, angry, or unsure how or if the friendship should continue.

Take a deep breath and have no fear. That friendship of yours that you sense has an end date may have some hope in it yet. Here are 5 ways to improve your friendships.

As the months have dragged on, you may have noticed your mental health is starting to struggle a bit as a result of the pandemic we are experiencing. Lisa Catallo shared 5 ways that you can practically take steps to care for your mental and emotional health during this difficult time.