Growing up, I thought mental health was something only “other people” struggled with those who had experienced unimaginable trauma or had a clinical diagnosis. I didn’t understand that mental health is something we all have and must care for, just like our physical health. If I could share one thing with everyone reading this, it’s this: mental health matters, and it’s okay not to be okay.

You Can Be Strong and Still Struggle

Strength is frequently defined by how well someone can “hold it together,” even when they're under immense pressure. But that version of strength often hides real pain. I was the friend who always smiled, showed up, and held everyone together. But what no one saw was how I cried in the shower after a long day or how anxiety would gnaw at my stomach during meetings. Mental health struggles don’t always look like what you expect.

Struggling with mental health does not make someone weak. In fact, recognising when something isn’t right and seeking help is a powerful act of courage. It's entirely possible to function well in daily life while still facing anxiety, depression, or emotional exhaustion behind the scenes. Being vulnerable and asking for support is also a form of strength, one that deserves more recognition.

Support Means Listening, Not Fixing

People often feel uncomfortable when someone shares a mental health struggle. The instinct is to help, to offer solutions, or to lighten the mood with a positive perspective. However, what many individuals actually need is to feel heard and validated.

When someone is facing a mental health challenge, the best support may simply be listening without judgment. Holding space for another person without interrupting, problem-solving, or minimising their feelings can be profoundly healing. Support isn’t always about offering advice; it’s about offering presence.

Healing Isn't Linear

One week I was journaling, meditating, and feeling hopeful. The next, I couldn’t get out of bed. That rollercoaster made me feel like I was failing, like I’d undone all my progress. But remember: healing isn't linear.

We don’t move forward in a straight line. Mental health journeys have dips and setbacks, but they don’t erase the progress you’ve made. It’s important to remember that healing is rarely a straight line. Emotions fluctuate, and what felt manageable yesterday might feel overwhelming today. Some days you’ll feel strong. Other days, just breathing will feel like an achievement and that’s okay.

You’re allowed to have setbacks. They don’t mean you’re broken, just human.

Not Every Battle is Visible

I remember spending time with my best friend who always appeared cheerful, full of life, and full of energy. Just a week later, she tragically took her own life.

Mental health battles often wear invisible cloaks. Just because someone seems fine doesn’t mean they are.  A person can appear cheerful, high-functioning, and successful while silently battling mental health issues.  That’s why it’s so important to lead with kindness, always. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you can’t see.

You Don’t Have to “Have It Bad” to Deserve Help

A common barrier to seeking support is the belief that one's situation isn’t serious enough. Comparing pain to others’ experiences can lead to silence, shame, and suffering in isolation.

But mental health is not a competition. Whether someone is coping with a major life trauma or feeling persistently low without a clear reason, their feelings are valid. Everyone deserves care and support, regardless of how their struggles compare to someone else’s. If something feels off, that’s reason enough to reach out.

Some Days Feel Like Progress, Others Feel Like Setbacks

One of the most confusing aspects of mental health is how inconsistent it can feel. A person might feel empowered and hopeful one week, only to feel stuck or overwhelmed the next. This inconsistency can be disheartening if it’s mistaken for failure.

But fluctuating feelings are normal. Setbacks are part of recovery, not signs that it has failed. What matters is continuing to show up even on the hard days. Each effort, no matter how small, is a step forward in a longer journey.

It’s Okay Not to Be Okay

There is immense pressure to stay positive, stay strong, and “keep going.” But denying or suppressing emotions only makes things harder. Admitting when things aren’t okay isn’t a weakness it’s an important step in caring for your mental health.

Allowing space for difficult feelings, without judgment, opens the door to genuine healing. Everyone has moments of struggle, and everyone deserves support through those times. No one should feel like they have to manage alone.

For additional support, mental health charities like Mind UK (external link) offer free resources, helplines, and advice for individuals, families, and workplaces. No matter where someone is on their journey, help is available.

Be gentle with yourself, and be kind to others. Because even when it doesn’t feel like it, you are doing the best you can and that is enough.