The Conversation We Need to Keep Having
Let’s talk about mental health. Not in a distant, clinical way. Not in the “just think positive” or “self-care is a bubble bath” way. But in a real, messy, and honest way.
Because mental health isn’t just something we talk about once a year in May or post about when a celebrity shares their struggles. It’s something we live with, something that affects us daily, something that deserves more space than it often gets.
And I know this because I live it.
Every. Single. Day.
For as long as I can remember, my mind has felt like both a sanctuary and a battlefield. Some days, it’s a place of creativity, excitement, and deep reflection. Other days, it’s heavy, overwhelming, and impossible to navigate.
Living with mental illness isn’t just about bad days. It’s about the unpredictable waves - moments when everything feels manageable, followed by moments when even the simplest tasks feel impossible. It’s about the exhaustion of trying to function “normally” when your brain is fighting you every step of the way.
It’s the frustration of knowing what you should do - eat, sleep, exercise - but not having the energy or motivation to do any of it. It’s the guilt that comes with needing rest when the world tells you to “push through.” It’s the loneliness of feeling like no one really gets it unless they’ve been there, too.
And it’s the quiet battles no one sees—the ones fought in silence, in dark rooms, in overthinking spirals, in forced smiles, in the moments where you convince yourself to just hold on a little longer.
For years, I thought I had to keep it all inside. I thought strength meant not talking about it, pushing through, handling it on my own.
I was wrong.
The first time I openly talked about my mental health, it felt terrifying. Like I was admitting to something shameful. But instead of judgment, a lot of the time I’m met with understanding. With connection. With people saying, “Me too.”
And that changed everything.
Because here’s the truth: we are not meant to carry this alone.
Mental health, even mental illness, isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s not a weakness. It’s not something that makes you less capable, less worthy, or less you. It’s a part of being human. And the more we talk about it—the more we normalize these conversations - the more we create a world where people don’t feel like they have to suffer in silence.
Managing mental health looks different for everyone. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, no magic solution that makes everything better overnight. But there are things that help, even on the hardest days.
It’s been about learning what actually works and actually works for me - not just what sounds good in theory. It’s been about:
Giving myself permission to rest. Without guilt. Without feeling like I have to “earn” breaks.
Setting boundaries. Saying no to things that drain me, even when it’s hard. Protecting my energy.
Reaching out. Even when my brain tells me I’m a burden. Even when isolation feels easier.
Therapy. Because having someone help untangle the mess in my head has been life-changing.
Medication. Because sometimes, my brain needs extra support, and that’s okay.
Small routines. Even something as simple as making a cup of coffee, taking a shower, or stepping outside for five minutes. The little things add up.
Self-compassion. Reminding myself that I don’t have to have it all together all the time. That I am doing the best I can. That it’s okay to not be okay.
If you’re struggling, I want you to know this: You are not alone.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t have to pretend you’re okay when you’re not. You are not broken. You are not failing. You are human.
And you deserve support. You deserve kindness - especially from yourself.
So let’s keep talking about mental health. Let’s keep normalizing the messy, complicated, and beautiful reality of being human. Let’s keep reminding each other that we’re in this together.
And if today feels heavy, if your mind is loud, if you’re struggling to see the light—I see you. And I promise, no matter how dark it feels right now, you are not alone in this.
Keep going.
The world needs you.