Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how mental health has shifted from a quiet whisper to a full-on conversation. It's something that’s been on my mind more than ever, especially after the last few years. And honestly, it feels like the stigma around mental health is finally starting to lift. But it hasn’t always been that way, has it?
The Rise of Mental Health Awareness
For so long, mental health was something that was brushed under the rug. It wasn’t something people talked about openly. And I know, for me, it was hard to admit when I was struggling. I used to think that feeling overwhelmed or anxious meant I wasn’t strong enough. But recently, it feels like people are starting to talk about it more.
And with everything going on in the world today, it seems like we don’t have much of a choice but to face it. The pandemic made so many of us feel isolated, lost, or even scared. I know I went through moments where I felt like I was losing myself.
In 2021, I experienced a series of devastating events that really shook me. I lost my mom in July, then a few months later, I got burned with hot water. And as if that wasn’t enough, my dad passed away in November. The rest of the year was a blur—I couldn’t sleep, I was battling depression, and I suffered from insomnia. It was a really hard time, and I didn’t know how to navigate through the pain.
But I’m grateful that my friend's family took me in during that time. They gave me the space and support I needed to heal, and slowly, I began to work on myself. I still know there's room for growth, but I’ve learned so much about resilience and the importance of mental health through it all.
Breaking the Stigma
I’ve seen so many people speak out about their mental health struggles, whether it’s through social media or in casual conversations with friends. The stigma around talking about mental health is slowly fading, but it's still there. I’ve been guilty of holding things in and thinking, “I don’t want to burden anyone with my problems.” But talking about it—whether it’s with a therapist, a friend, or even journaling—has been one of the best things I’ve done for myself.
If you’ve ever felt the same, I want you to know: You’re not weak for feeling this way. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes.
What Needs to Change
There’s still a lot that needs to change when it comes to mental health. For me, access to care has always been something I’ve thought about. Not everyone can afford therapy or mental health support, and that needs to change. We should all have access to the help we need when we need it.
Also, I’ve learned that it’s not just about pushing through tough moments with a “positive mindset.” Sometimes, it’s about acknowledging that it’s okay to have bad days—and that it’s okay to not have all the answers.
What I’ve Done to Take Care of My Mental Health
1. Prioritizing Self-Care: This has been a huge game-changer for me. I’ve started taking time to relax, rest, and focus on my needs—whether that means taking a break from social media or just doing something I enjoy.
2. Talking About It: I used to keep everything inside, but the more I talk about my mental health, the better I feel. Whether it’s with friends or just expressing myself in writing, getting things out in the open has helped me feel less alone.
3. Building a Support System: I’ve learned that I can’t do it all on my own. It’s okay to reach out to people who understand and support me.
4. Mindfulness: I’ve started meditating more and keeping a journal to reflect on my thoughts. It’s helped me stay grounded and cope with stress better.
The Future of Mental Health
I truly believe we’re moving toward a future where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. But that doesn’t mean we stop talking about it now. The more we share, the more people will feel safe opening up.
This journey is ongoing for me, and I know I’m not alone in this. If you’re struggling, it’s okay to not have it all figured out. But let’s keep the conversation going. Together, we can break the stigma and make mental health a priority for everyone.
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