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.

“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.

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“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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Together, let’s keep the conversation going, not just for a month, but for good.

Real people share anonymous stories of grief, depression, body image, and emptiness to raise awareness and encourage support this Mental Health Month.

Mental Health Stories: Depression, Anxiety, and Healing Journeys

Mental health often goes unnoticed beneath nice dresses and wide smiles. Yet, these conditions are silently eroding aspects of life that seem outwardly healthy. 

It’s easier to tell a friend you have a headache when they ask about your forlorn look than to admit you experience panic attacks whenever you are triggered by a past experience. 

Nowadays, mental health awareness is everywhere, just like how our mental health articles frequently appear. But while research and statistics help us understand these struggles, personal stories bring them to life. 

Beyond reading about mental health, hearing real experiences can be just as powerful.

Sharing real-life stories and experiences plays a huge role in promoting mental well-being. 

When people hear others’ stories, they realize they are not alone, which can be deeply comforting. The relief is as soothing as a balm that nurses a wound. It might not provide permanent healing, but it's a step toward recovery.

People avoid talking about their condition due to the stigma surrounding mental health, fearing embarrassment, judgment, or being treated differently. Open conversations challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, making it easier for others to seek help.

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Talking about mental health educates others and people realise these conditions are real, and not falsified to prove a point. It also equips people with the ability to recognize signs and symptoms if they experience similar struggles. 

Both the readers and the sharer benefit actively from this process. A sharer becomes more aware of their emotions, triggers, and thought patterns, gaining deeper insight into their mental health and personal growth.

Sharing experiences creates supportive communities for those facing similar struggles.

Addressing Real Stories of Mental Health Battles

So, we created an anonymous form to create a safe space for people to share their struggles.  Note that we obtained people’s consent before sharing their stories in this article.

To retain originality, these stories are quoted to reflect that it was not tampered with or edited in any way.

When asked to explain how they really feel imagining they were sitting before a therapist:

“I feel really down. My emotions are all over the place. I don't understand who I am anymore.  This minute,  I am proud of myself, and the next minute, it seems like I have not done anything for myself. In fact, I feel worthless. Do you think there's an end to feelings like this?”

Emotions can be unstable, sometimes fluctuating without reason. But while feelings make us human, we also have the ability to manage and navigate them. Even in difficult moments, there’s a way forward. 

There's an end to constantly feeling lost and overwhelmed. Healing may not be immediate, but with the right support, self-awareness, and coping strategies, it's possible to regain control and find balance.

“I don't believe in seeing a therapist.  Isn't it just talking like I do with friends and family.”

While they can be a great support system, they cannot replace professional help. Your friends and family are not professionally trained to handle mental health conditions that require diagnosis, treatment, or medical prescriptions.  

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When asked to share a time when they pretend their mental health was fine, but it really wasn't.

“It's been years since I had a healthy mental health.  I never imagined depression would ever happen to me. I am known to be a strong and resilient person. How do I explain to people that I am depressed?”

“Many times, I had a lot going through my mind but I had to be strong outside because I didn't want my family to worry. I almost ended it at one time because it felt like there was no way I'd overcome that period. I'm not completely out of my depressed state, but I'm managing it better"

Many people feel pressured to appear okay, even when they’re struggling. The fear of judgment or burdening others forces them to suffer in silence. But acknowledging that we’re not okay is often the first step toward healing.

Rather than adopting unhealthy coping mechanisms, seek professional help. Don't manage your conditions alone. 

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The pressure to appear strong isn't limited to personal interactions—it extends to social media as well.

“More often than not, social media makes me feel so inadequate and worthless yet it is so difficult not to scroll. When I open my apps, I am always welcomed with people's success stories and expensive lifestyles. It's even worse when I see people I am older than achieving all things I can only imagine.”

“I am afraid that others will "find out" I am not as capable as I appear. Everyone seems to have it all together on social media. I think I have imposter syndrome. It is so difficult to believe in my ability no matter the achievement.  Sometimes, it feels like someone will catch up and see me for what I truly am. “

Social media has both positive and negative effects, especially for those who struggle to manage their consumption. Because it allows people to present curated versions of their lives, it can fuel comparison and insecurities. 

But rather than letting social media dictate our self-worth, we can take control by curating a healthier feed, setting screen-time limits, and reminding ourselves that online highlights are not the full story.

These stories offer a glimpse into the daily struggles many people face. Whether you relate to them or not, remember that you are seen, and you are not alone on this journey.

The journey to healing takes time, but taking the first step whether by seeking support, talking to someone, or practicing self-care can make all the difference. 

 is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Real mental health stories from people who’ve struggled. Discover how sharing experiences breaks stigma, raises awareness, and builds healing communities.

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