Mental Health - A Glimpse Into My Past

On this World Mental Health Day, I’m reminded of how personal and profound the journey to mental well-being can be. As I think about my own experiences, I’d like to share a few lessons that have shaped my understanding of mental health. ??

Before diving into my own story, it’s important to consider what mental health truly means. The World Health Organization defines mental health as "a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well, work well, and contribute to the community."?

Let me take you back to a moment in my past that has shaped my perspective on mental health. ?

My Journey?

In my twenties, I was optimistic, full of energy, and embraced life with a “glass half full” mentality. When faced with challenges, I’d watch Tony Robbins videos to stay motivated, feeling like I could walk on fire if needed. My philosophy was simple: work hard, stay positive, and enjoy life in all its complexities. ?

That all changed when I became pregnant with my second child. Around the sixth month, something shifted. I began waking up with zero motivation. I didn't care if I got out of bed, went to work, or even ate. At first, I thought it was just fatigue, but soon I realized it was more than that—I felt directionless, like I was losing my sense of self. The emotional numbness was so strong that nothing mattered; I couldn’t even finish a motivational article. I felt embarrassed for feeling that way, and the excitement of family and friends turned into fake smiles and not going out at all. ?

This feeling lasted until two months after I gave birth to my amazing little boy, who now towers over me as a 6’4 sophomore in high school.?

The Turning Point?

I can’t fully explain what happened after those two months, but I slowly started to feel myself again. I began to reconnect with the world around me, and being with my husband and kids felt joyful again. It was as if a switch had been flipped back on, and I was thrilled.?

As I started feeling better, I wanted to understand what had happened. The profound loss of interest in life and daily activities was something I never wanted to experience again. After doing some Google searches (something I had no motivation to do before), I realized I had prenatal depression — a humbling and eye-opening experience. It made me question my earlier belief that someone could simply will themselves out of these feelings. I couldn’t fathom feeling that way all the time, and I now approach mental health conditions with greater empathy and understanding. ?

Lessons Learned?

Reflecting on my experience has been both humbling and enlightening. I’ve learned that mental health is far more complex than I once thought, involving an intricate mix of biological, psychological, and social factors, highlighting the need for compassion, empathy, and professional support. ?

This World Mental Health Day, I encourage everyone to approach mental health with compassion, both for themselves and others. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental well-being is an essential part of our overall health and deserves the same attention and care we give to our physical health.??

At 仲量联行 , we understand the importance of supporting our people in all aspects of their lives, including their mental health. We strive to provide opportunities, knowledge, and tools that empower each individual to own their success, recognizing and valuing the uniqueness of every team member and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. As part of this commitment, we ensure that resources are readily available for those who need them, fostering a culture of wellbeing and care.????

As we continue to break down stigmas and open conversations about mental health, let’s remember the words of Jonathan Harnisch:

The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us but those who win battles we know nothing about.

My hope is that if you are currently going through an invisible battle within, that you have the support and resources to overcome it.??

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