Kindness is greatest gift we can give ourselves and others - Editor's comment

Today’s front page is the story of a man who was loved by so many yet struggled with mental health issues.

Sadly, Naz’s is a common tale in a world where it is still difficult to talk about coping and to admit illnesses that are often easier to hide than address.

It is simply awful that we have lost a man who had such a good influence on so many individuals across such varied neighbourhoods. Our city is clearly worse off because of his loss. I didn’t know Naz but the number of tributes which have poured in show just how many lives he touched in the most positive way. What also comes across loud and clear was that he tried to help other people in their mental health battles. His family and friends would like his legacy to be that we all become a little more like Naz - that we think about others, that we reach out to those who need help and that we never push people away when they are having tough times.

It is a message that every single one of us needs to take on board, today more than ever.

I haven’t spoken to anybody in recent weeks who isn’t finding this lockdown incredibly tough.

We are all struggling in our own ways as well as fighting with the hurdles that everybody shares when confined to our homes and worried about the future.

It simply isn't good enough to ask ‘alreight’ and accepted the same word in reply. It might be very Sheffield but it isn’t helping anybody. Those brief smiles shouldn’t fool us.

It is ok to say to people that things aren’t alright and that you are struggling. I can guarantee that they are feeling the same in some way. We’re all in this together and we are all facing lows which exacerbate all the issues we already had in our lives.

The pandemic is creating its own horrendous problems but also magnifying whatever we battled with before. That is a painful combination. Please be kind to yourself and those around you.

What can you do today - right now - that makes you kinder, less stressed, genuinely happier and a bit more Naz?

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.