If You’re Struggling with Mental Health, It’s Okay—So Am I

I’m struggling with my mental health. It’s such a simple sentence, but it’s a hard one for me to write. I’m already thinking of ways I might rephrase or rewrite this. Usually, I skirt around it, and I don’t think I’ve ever outright actualized it like this. If I have, it’s a rarity. Rarity or not, the truth is that things are not great at the moment. Depression and anxiety are weighing heavily, and it’s hard to function.

Can I Return a Bad Week? A Joke to Lighten the Load

Last week, I posted to my Instagram Story asking if anyone knew what the return policy on a week was since mine was bad and I didn’t want it anymore. A little joke to bring levity to the weight, and I had hoped someone would share a funny return policy with me, but sadly no one did. Maybe it meant others were having a tough time, too.

That’s kind of why I wanted to write this blog post. It’s part cathartic, like journaling used to be for me, where I can get it out of my head and look at it in an organized way. It’s hard to see things beyond the loud, negative thoughts, but getting them out of my head can help.

It’s another part hope that others will see that it’s okay if they’re struggling, too. Whether it’s been a bad week, a bad month, or a bad year—you don’t need to be ashamed if you’re having a hard time.

Stigma Makes It Hard to Say I’m Struggling with My Mental Health

One of the reasons I have trouble saying I’m struggling with my mental health as it’s happening is because of mental health stigma. If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that stigma still does impact me in various ways, despite the views I had of it in my last blog post of 2019, "On Overcoming Mental Health Stigma."

I explain how and why mental health stigma stops me from saying, “I’m struggling with my mental health,” when I’m actually struggling in the following video.

It’s Okay to Struggle—Your Feelings Are Valid

Whether or not you say it aloud, write it down, or make it real in any way outside your head, if you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s okay. No matter what anyone says, your feelings are valid. You matter.

If you feel that you may hurt yourself or someone else, call 9-1-1 immediately.

For more information on suicide, see our suicide information, resources and support section. For additional mental health help, please see our mental health hotline numbers and referral information section.