It’s the outbursts of tears, the numbness, the uncontrollable shaking, the hard chest, and the overwhelming sense of hopelessness and helplessness. It all hits like a tidal wave, often out of nowhere. You feel like your world is crumbling. One moment, you were fine, laughing with friends, tackling your daily tasks, even feeling accomplished. Then suddenly, as soon as you’re alone, it all pours out. The bathroom becomes your refuge, or your bed turns into a safe haven for your silent tears. Sometimes, you know the cause. Other times, you don’t. You just cry for hours, muffling the sounds, so no one hears you.

We live in a world that can often feel indifferent to our struggles. Everyone is caught up in their own battles, and few take the time to ask, “Are you really okay?” You pull on a mask, straight faces, forced smiles, polite small talk, all while carrying the weight of your inner battles. Deep down, you’re screaming, but outwardly, you’re calm and composed. It’s a lonely existence when you realize how little the world understands mental health.

I’ve experienced firsthand stigma surrounding mental health. People have laughed at me for choosing a career in the field, brushing it off as unnecessary. “Why focus on something everyone should just deal with?” they say. Until it’s their turn to face the sleepless nights, the anxiety that steals their breath, or the depression that makes every day feel like an uphill battle. Only then do they realize how vital mental health awareness and support truly are.

The harsh reality is that mental health struggles are invisible. Unlike a broken arm or a physical illness, you can’t always see the pain someone is carrying. Yet, the pain is just as real sometimes even more so. Statistics are heartbreaking: the highest rates of suicide are linked to untreated or severe mental health conditions. People end their lives not because they don’t want to live but because they feel like burdens, ashamed of their struggles, and fearful of being seen as weak.

Think about the coworker who’s always cheerful but disappears during breaks to cry in their car. Or the friend who cancels plans last-minute, overwhelmed by their anxiety. These silent battles happen all around us.

It’s crucial to remind ourselves and others: mental health is real. It matters. And seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s an act of courage. Let’s be the voice that encourages compassion and understanding. Let’s remind each other that it’s okay to not be okay. Sometimes, the smallest gesture,a kind word, a listening ear, a simple “I’m here”, can be a lifeline for someone drowning in their own mind.