Sharing Our Struggles, Does It Matter?

It was a hot summer day, driving on the highway, windows up, and calm ambient music playing on the radio as Sandra and David headed back home from a trip to visit her parents. Even though present, Sandra was completely absent. She had found herself lost in a sea of deep thoughts, stress, and seemingly endless pain. ‘Are you all right Hey Love are you okay?” David asks. She is brought back to life by the persistent tapping of her shoulder by her loving husband. She smiles and says to him “Yeah Babe I’m okay” He stares in wondrous disbelief. The story concludes in the Newsletter.

At some point, all of us have been like Sandra.

In our world, people often need to keep up with appearances, act tough, and keep a wide smile like they’ve got everything under control, meanwhile, a lot of pressure is bottled up and they are dying in silence.

Dear Reader, it’s not worth it.?

Prioritizing your mental health as an individual has never been more crucial, especially in a world where people get shamed, bullied, and abused by random strangers and even worse close friends.

It’s important to break the stigma surrounding mental health and eliminate barriers to open conversations, giving room for people battling mental struggles to open up and be vulnerable enough to speak out.

Why is talking about mental health important?

First, it makes you understand that really - you are not alone, and you have never been alone. Sharing your experience will not only make you realize that but also help you overcome your struggles. This will foster a sense of community and belonging.?

Also, whether you believe it or not, mental health stigmatization is real. And how can we change this? Encouraging open discussions that challenge the negative perceptions surrounding mental health, promoting a more supportive environment.

Sandra has been battling depression over the last six months while trying to keep up appearances. But right there, she had had enough. Sandra dies from a drug overdose the next day, leaving behind a handwritten letter and endless tears from David. If only he knew she just wanted to see her parents one more time before saying goodbye. What if he spotted the signs, what if he didn’t ignore her every time she was seemingly withdrawn? Maybe Sandra would still be here to sing my favorite song, David wonders with a heart broken into a thousand pieces.?

Early intervention saves lives.

So what can we do?

We lead by example: Being open about our own experiences could lead to people speaking up, and seeking help.?

We must learn to talk less and Listen more. When someone opens up, engage in respectful and non-judgmental listening. Be their safe space, and give them a reason to want to open up more. Do not be hesitant to respond, also, your body language matters during the conversation. Be sure your body language is encouraging enough for them to want to talk more.

And one more thing that I just can’t emphasize enough - a simple gesture of asking “How are you?” could go a long way in people’s lives. You will be surprised about how someone could open up to you just by randomly checking in on them. Also, encourage honest responses while at it while paying attention to their body language or better still, their tone of voice. These things pass a message as well.

At this point in the world, we all need a hand. A helping hand. We all do need a shoulder we can lean on. Be a helping hand. Be a shoulder to cry on. You might be saving someone.