Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is a time when we don’t just talk about mental health in theory, but also take a moment to sit with real stories, real struggles, and real silence.
This month, we invited people to anonymously share their mental health journeys. What they sent us was not just powerful, but also it was heartbreaking. Not because they are weak, but because they’ve had to carry so much alone.
And it is even worse that none of these individuals had tried therapy.
Whether due to stigma, fear, cost, or the idea that they should “just push through,” they’ve been managing their conditions with no guide.
“I have just been existing...”
“My mental health has been so unstable. I really feel like I'm losing my mind to depression. I honestly don’t know what’s wrong with me. I feel like I’m losing my mind to this thing, depression or whatever it is.
I can’t remember the last time I was genuinely happy. People laugh, they hang out, they smile… I just sit there, watching, trying to keep up.
These days, I’m not even trying to cope. I just wake up, go through the day, and sleep again. No motivation, no excitement....nothing.
I’m just existing. That’s the word. And it’s scary, because I don’t even know where to begin from. I’ve not tried therapy or anything. I’m just… here.”
This is not laziness or attention-seeking. This is survival. Thank you for sharing that. It sounds like you’re in a really dark and exhausting place right now, and we want you to know that what you're feeling is valid. When it feels like you’re just existing, even the smallest steps can feel overwhelming. But starting doesn’t have to be big. Just acknowledging that something isn’t right, like you just did, is already a brave first step. You don’t have to go through this alone. There’s help, and there’s hope, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.
“I drink now, and it helps me escape.”
“Losing my brother broke me. It’s been over a year, but it still feels like yesterday. I don’t even know how to explain the pain. I’ve tried everything, Googled “how to heal,” tried breathing exercises, watched YouTube videos, even joined an online grief group. It works for a while, but then the sadness comes back like a wave.
Sometimes, it just gets too much, so I drink. Not all the time, but when it hits hard. And honestly? It helps me escape. I know it’s not the right way, but it’s the only thing that makes me forget even if it’s just for a few hours.”
Grief takes time. But in isolation, it takes over. We are really sorry you're carrying this kind of pain. It’s heavy, and it makes sense that you're trying to find ways to cope, even if they’re not perfect. Grief isn’t something we just “get over.” It’s something we learn to carry. And sometimes, that wave feels too big to manage alone. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need a safe space to start untangling the hurt, and our therapists are here for that.
“I used to love my body...”
“But these days, I don’t even recognize the person in the mirror. My friends don’t say it directly, but the things they say sometimes? It gets to me. The jokes, the comparisons, the subtle shade. Now I feel ugly, like I’m not enough. I don’t post pictures anymore. I avoid hanging out sometimes 'cause I don’t want to feel like the odd one out. It’s crazy how quickly confidence can fade when the people around you don’t make you feel seen.”
It sounds like you’re carrying a lot of pain, When the people we trust make us feel unseen or small, it can deeply affect our sense of self. But you should know your worth isn’t defined by comparisons or others’ comments. You are enough.
“I have degrees, I have a job... but I still feel lost.”
“I’m supposed to be doing okay. I mean, I’ve got two degrees, a decent job, and people think I’m doing well. But inside? I feel nothing.
Like, I should be happy, but I’m not. I keep asking myself, “Is this all there is?” I hit milestones and don’t even feel like celebrating.
Everyone keeps saying, “You’re doing great,” but I just smile and nod. No one really knows that sometimes I sit alone and wonder if I’ll ever feel fulfilled. I’ve never tried therapy, maybe I should. But even that feels like one more thing I don’t have energy for.”
Sometimes, achievements don’t always bring the fulfillment we expect, especially when we’re disconnected from ourselves. External achievements can’t fix internal battles. It’s okay to question, to feel numb, and even to feel tired at the thought of trying something new like therapy. But just saying this out loud is a powerful start. Take your time, but don't delay for too long.
What These Stories Reveal
- People are struggling deeply even the ones who seem okay.
- Most have not sought therapy, often due to stigma, cost, or the belief that they should just “figure it out.”
- Coping mechanisms vary; some unhealthy, others simply nonexistent.
What We Can Do
This month, let’s do more than be aware. Let’s:
- Talk openly about therapy as a valid, helpful option.
- Normalize the struggle without glorifying it.
- Encourage action, not just awareness.
- Invest in mental wellness. Spending your time, money, or energy toward your peace is not selfish.
- Celebrate progress, not just healing because every small step counts.
If you relate to any of these stories, know that help is available.
Professional therapy can change everything.
You are not weak for needing help. You are not alone in what you feel.
Do You Have a Story to Tell?
We're still collecting anonymous stories from people like you.
Stories will be shared to raise awareness and remind others: you are not alone.
It’s anonymous, and you can say as little or as much as you want.
Share your story here https://forms.gle/9CgX8VK7zuoEEMjs6
Together, let’s keep the conversation going, not just for a month, but for good.
