It's Okay to Not Be Okay: The world I want to live in

Can You Feel the Weight of an Unspoken Word?

I had my first ever panic attack in 2010. I wasn't sure what was happening. I was on a flight from Kolkata to Mumbai, and I started having a meltdown with my anxiety flaring up. It felt like the air was growing thin, my heart was a drum solo in my chest, and a cold sweat clung to me despite the plane's artificial warmth. When I landed, I went to a friend’s home and stayed up late trying to decode what had just happened and why.

That experience was a turning point. It forced me to acknowledge something wasn't right. Eventually, I met with a psychiatrist. His advice? "Take 15 days off work and sleep." Sleep, along with medication, was exactly what my mind and body needed. That period of rest was a defining moment in my mental health journey. Today, I am aware of when I am anxious and understand my stress triggers.

But it all started with acknowledging that something wasn't right. It started with reaching out.

Lets Not Wear a Mask?

We all do, sometimes. We paste on smiles when our insides are churning. We say "I'm fine" when we're anything but. We hide our true selves for fear of judgment, for fear of being?too much?for the people around us.

But here's the thing: bottling up our emotions doesn't make them disappear. It just lets them fester and grow, casting long shadows over our well-being.

Think about it: have you ever snapped at someone over something insignificant? Have you ever felt the urge to just curl up and disappear? These can be signs that you're carrying around more than you can handle.

What Does It Mean to Truly?See?Someone?

It means looking beyond the surface. It means listening not just to the words someone speaks, but also to the silences in between. It means recognizing that everyone carries a story, a unique set of experiences that shapes who they are.

Imagine a world where we treated each other with this kind of empathy. What if, instead of offering unsolicited advice or brushing aside someone's feelings, we simply listened? What if we offered a safe space for vulnerability, a place where people felt comfortable taking off their masks?

This is the kind of world I want to live in. A world where mental health is not a taboo topic, but a shared understanding. A world where we recognize that everyone deserves good mental health and to be present, truly present, in their own lives.

When Was the Last Time You Checked in With Yourself?

We schedule doctor's appointments for our physical health, we go to the gym to care for our bodies, but what about our minds? When was the last time you took a moment to just?be?with yourself, to acknowledge your emotions without judgment?

It doesn't have to be complicated. It could be as simple as taking five minutes each morning to meditate, to breathe deeply and focus on the present moment. It could be journaling your thoughts and feelings, letting them flow freely onto the page. It could be spending time in nature, letting the fresh air and sunshine soothe your soul.

Whatever self-care looks like for you, make it a priority. You deserve to feel good, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help..

Asking for help can feel like admitting weakness, but it takes incredible strength to acknowledge when you need support. If you're struggling, please know that you are not alone. There are resources available, people who care and want to help.

If you feel uncomfortable, consult a psychologist. Get help. Mental health is important for all of us. With appropriate support, you can identify mental health conditions and receive appropriate treatment, such as medications or counselling.

Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of courage. It's a sign that you're taking control of your well-being and choosing to prioritize your mental health. And that, my friend, is a beautiful and powerful thing.