Some of Your Best Days Haven’t Happened Yet: A Message for World Mental Health Day

Mental health touches every single one of us. Whether through our own experiences or the struggles of those we care about, mental health is a shared reality. On this World Mental Health Day, I want to speak directly to you, the reader, because no matter where you are in your journey, you are not alone. Today is about breaking through the barriers of silence, stigma, and misunderstanding that so often surround mental health.

When I reflect on mental health, the image that comes to mind is a map—layered with emotions, thoughts, fears, and hopes. Sometimes these layers feel overwhelming, like a tangled web of experiences. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to navigate this map alone. And remember, some of your best days haven’t happened yet.

But what brings those best days? For me, it’s the little things—things that don’t look perfect or big at first but leave an imprint on my heart:

• Dancing in my room as if no one is watching and then fighting to dance with the same carefree joy even when people are watching—because who cares, right?
• Receiving a message from a friend, recommending a book or sending me a quote they thought would inspire me.
• Finding a song I thought I’d never hear again—the joy of unexpectedly reconnecting with something that once moved me.
• Cooking for my mum, seeing her enjoy the meal while she shares the same cooking tips she’s been giving me for years, which I lovingly ignore—we joke about it every time.
• Having the incredible luck of working with a psychologist who makes me feel equally motivated and exhausted after sessions because she pushes me to grow in ways that deeply matter.
• Drawing when I’m calm, but especially when I’m nervous, where my sketches don’t quite go as planned, and I just call them ‘abstract art’—because who needs perfection when you can embrace the chaos and laugh at it?
• Someone remembering a fun story from the past that I forgot, and laughing at how much it brightens my day.
• Volunteering and meeting people who share the same values as I do, and realizing how much these connections matter.
• Understanding a concept I’ve been struggling with, and seeing how it not only impacts my learning journey but also transforms how I approach my own life.
• Feeling pretty when someone compliments something about my personality, and rediscovering parts of myself I didn’t even know were there.
• Planning and organizing everything in my life (as much as possible—ADHD life!), but still finding those rare, magical moments when I’m in the flow, suddenly realizing, “Wait, things aren’t going exactly as planned, but I’m not panicking—and hey, I’m actually enjoying this!”
• And finally, seeing the sea after a long time—a reminder of how much I missed the calming vastness of it all.

These are the moments that remind me: some of my best days haven’t happened yet. And it’s not because I’m waiting for something grand—it’s because I’m learning to find happiness in these tiny but powerful moments. They don’t fix everything, but they make life richer.

The Power of Compassion

The first step toward mental wellness is being on your own side. Whether you’re facing depression, anxiety, or simply trying to manage the everyday stresses of life, remember these gentle words: “Please try to be on your own side today.” This message is for anyone who has ever felt like they aren’t enough. Self-compassion is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s about offering yourself the same care and kindness you so readily give to others.

If today feels overwhelming, allow yourself the space to breathe. Mental health isn’t about always being strong. It’s about being human. It’s okay to take a break, to ask for help, and to lean on others when you need support.

Growing Together Through Mental Health Challenges

Mental health doesn’t just affect the person struggling—it reverberates through the connections they have with others. If you find yourself alongside someone going through mental health challenges, it’s important to understand that this is a journey for both of you. The path isn’t about one person supporting the other, but about growing together.

In moments of struggle, the most powerful thing you can do isn’t about offering advice or quick fixes. It’s about creating space for growth. Your role is not just to listen, but to learn with them. Mental health challenges can shift the dynamics of any relationship, and that’s okay. It’s about embracing that change, finding new ways to communicate, and allowing both yourself and the person you care about to grow together.

Instead of focusing solely on their needs, reflect on how this journey impacts you as well. It’s about mutual resilience, shared vulnerability, and understanding that the healing process is something you both engage in, in different ways. While you are there to hold space for them, know that your own growth—through patience, empathy, and learning—is just as valuable.

In the end, supporting someone through mental health challenges is not about carrying them through; it’s about walking alongside them while discovering more about yourself, your relationship, and what it means to navigate life’s complexities together.

Embracing the Complexity of the Mind

The mind is a complex, multifaceted space. Just like the intricate map of thoughts and experiences we all carry, our mental health is shaped by our biology, environment, past trauma, and current circumstances. But in this complexity lies our resilience. Even in the face of challenges, we continue to grow, adapt, and survive.

On this World Mental Health Day, I encourage us all to honor this complexity. Let’s move beyond the idea that mental health is something to be “fixed” or “cured.” Instead, let’s embrace the truth that mental health is a journey—one that requires compassion, understanding, and ongoing support. Healing is not linear, and that’s okay.

You Are Not Alone

Whether you are struggling with your mental health or supporting someone else on their journey, you are part of a larger community. Every day, more people are breaking the silence around mental health. More people are seeking help, sharing their stories, and advocating for change. You are part of this movement. Together, we can create a world where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health, where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.

On this World Mental Health Day, take a moment to reflect on your own mental health and the mental health of those around you. Reach out, offer a kind word, and most importantly, remind yourself and others that it’s okay not to be okay. Healing doesn’t look the same for everyone, but it is always possible.

No matter what you're going through—or what your loved ones are facing—hope and help are always available. Let today be a reminder that you are worthy of care, love, and healing. Together, we can change the conversation around mental health and ensure that no one walks this journey alone.

One Life to Live, and Many Chances to Start Again

Mental health isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. And if you ever feel like the weight of stress or the feeling of not fully enjoying life is dragging you down, remember this: you can start again. As many times as you need. As many times as you desire. Life isn’t about getting it right on the first try. It’s about living, learning, and giving yourself the grace to begin anew—every single day.

And, before I finish, I want to take a moment to show appreciation to someone who has been incredibly important in my journey— Lucía Aranda Abad , my psychologist. Her guidance, compassion, and dedication have been a source of strength for me, pushing me to grow in ways I never imagined. She has helped me find motivation even when I was exhausted by the process, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

If you speak Spanish and are looking for someone who truly cares, I can’t recommend her enough. I would recommend her to anyone I care about, and if you’re reading this—you’re someone I care about. Taking that step toward seeking help can make all the difference.