It's okay not to be okay !

Together, we recognize the profound impact, our mental well-being has on shaping our collective identity. Our journey towards understanding mental health is swayed by acceptance just as much as it is by ignorance. As a society, we've often inadvertently created a space where many of us feel compelled to suffer in silence, gripped by the fear of judgment and a potentially damning label of inferiority.

The reverberations of poor mental health can be catastrophic, sowing seeds of confusion and undermining our emotional, psychological, social, and physical states. We believe, fervently, that nurturing mental well-being isn't a task completed in a day; it's a relentless journey. As a community, we must channel consistent efforts to foster a conducive environment for mental wellness. This journey, while rewarding, is also replete with challenges.

Within our midst, there exists a spectrum of mental health disorders. Ranging from mild to severe, conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and eating disorders often remain camouflaged. It's difficult for us to recognize the battles being fought internally by those around us. For instance, the colleague we share a coffee break with might be grappling with challenges we cannot fathom.

From our collective experience, the essence of mental ailments is when one becomes ensnared in past regrets or future anxieties, losing sight of the present.

Let us share a collective memory. One of us had a friend. A simple observation from a teacher suggesting therapy due to her subdued nature in the class met staunch resistance from her family. Driven by misconceptions rooted in past trauma, her mother equated seeking therapy with societal inferiority. It's heartening to share that today, after almost three years, our friend has embraced therapy, managed her anxiety, and put to rest the unfounded belief that therapy denotes weakness.

So, what can we, as a community, do?

Approaching our brethren with respect can act as a catalyst in helping them overcome substantial emotional, societal, personal, and professional barriers. It's essential for us to cherish their uniqueness and not just label them as mere patients.

In our journey, we must be inclusive, ensuring that everyone, irrespective of their mental health status, feels valued and equal. A mental condition may be a chapter in someone's life, but it doesn't define the entirety of their story.

We echo the sentiment that seeking help is a testament to one's strength and resilience. In our collective pursuit of well-being, valuing our inner peace, and self-care becomes pivotal. We, as a society, should celebrate the courage it takes to acknowledge our vulnerabilities. It's truly okay not to be okay. Let's give ourselves the time and space to experience our emotions authentically, and then, unitedly, find the strength to seek the happiness we all deserve. This shared journey of embracing our true selves is a testament to our collective heroism.