Hey friends, October 10 was World Mental Health Day, a reminder (and an invitation) to slow down, pause, and notice what’s going on inside. On the surface, life might look okay. We wake up, go about our routines, and smile. But beneath, there might be places in our hearts or minds that feel heavy, empty, or strained.
I want this post to feel like a conversation, not a lecture. A friend sitting across from you, answering with honesty, saying: you’re not alone.
Why this day matters
We live in a time when everything seems to move fast. Deadlines, expectations, social media, relationships, all these demand our attention. It’s easy to neglect the internal work. But mental health isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving or at least finding peace in the in-between days.
World Mental Health Day is more than a hashtag or awareness campaign. It’s an opportunity. An invitation to:
• Speak gently to yourself.
• Seek help without shame.
• Reach out to others.
• Make small changes that honor your emotional world.
It’s a permission slip, permission to rest, to step back, to feel and heal.
Recognizing the whispers before they become cries
I’ve found that life doesn’t often crash in one dramatic moment. It leaks. It seeps. A few missed nights of sleep. A few small irritations. A creeping apathy. These are the soft signals.
Here are some things to watch for:
• Fatigue that lingers even after rest.
• Losing interest in things you once loved.
• Feeling irritable without warning.
• Anxiety that mutates into dread.
• Difficulty focusing, or mind wandering constantly.
• Withdrawing from people you care about.
If you notice these in yourself or someone else, don’t rush past them. Sit with them. Ask: What’s happening right now? What needs tending?
Small acts of care that really matter
We don’t always need big solutions. Sometimes, small, consistent acts make the difference. Here’s what I try (and fail and try again) in my own life:
• Breathing breaks: Even 2 minutes of deep, slow breaths can reset your nervous system.
• Gentle movement: Walking, stretching, dancing, anything that moves your body with kindness.
• Digital boundaries:Limiting doom-scrolling; turning off notifications at set times.
• Journaling: Nothing fancy, just writing what’s inside, without judgment.
• Talking to someone:A friend, a counselor, someone safe.
• Asking for help: Sometimes “help” is just someone listening.
• Saying no: Protecting your space and energy.
• Creating small rituals: A warm drink, a short walk, reading a few pages.
These aren’t cures. They’re lifelines. They remind us: I matter.My mental state matters.
When you need more, reaching out is strength
There’s a myth that asking for help means you’ve failed. That’s untrue. In fact, reaching out is one of the bravest things we can do.
Therapists, support groups, helplines. These are tools, not signs of weakness. Sometimes, we can’t see ourselves clearly; we need someone else to help us untangle. If you’re in doubt: call someone you trust, even if just to say I’m not okay. That’s a start.
If you’re in Pakistan, or anywhere, there are local mental health organizations and helplines (you can Google “mental health helpline in [your city/country]”). If you need help finding one, I’m here. I can look it up and share.
For those standing beside someone struggling
If you know someone wrestling with mental health:
• Listen more than you speak.
• Avoid quick fixes (“just cheer up”).
• Show up, even in silence.
• Ask simple questions with care: “How are you, really?”
• Encourage professional help gently.
• Remind them they’re not a burden.
You don’t have to have all the answers. Your presence matters.
A closing note from me to you
In honor of World Mental Health Day, I want to leave you with kindness. Wherever you are in your journey. Whether in calm, in chaos, in trying, in healing. May you lean toward light. May you listen to your inner world. May you find someone to walk with you, even for a little while. May you give yourself permission to just be.
If this post resonates, share it. If it doesn’t, take from it what you need. And if you ever want to talk, whenever I’ll listen!
With light & care, Laiba Noor.
Meet the Author:
This beautiful piece was written by Laiba Noor. Laiba is a hardworking Content Creator, Social Media Manager and Influencer Marketer who lives in Pakistan. If you enjoyed this post and would like to work with Laiba, you can reach her on LinkedIn or Instagram.
I have been talking a lot about mental health and illnesses on my platforms. For those who do not know, I have depression and Borderline Personality Disorder. I have been going to therapy for a while now, and I am pretty stable. I haven’t had a depressive episode in a long time. I’ve been feeling healthy and happy. Now the focus is on maintaining my good mental health. Maintenance is very important part of the process having good mental health, even for those who don’t have a mental illness. Read my the latest post on my blog to go in depth on the importance of maintaining your healthy mental health. Thankyou for this opportunity Plumbers Rockhampton!
By: Justin Hope
People spend thousands on home renovations. They splash out on shiny new sinks, redo the showers, and turn a tired old bathroom into something that looks amazing. Good plumbing and renovations like this can last years… but only when it is maintained. When things get neglected, stuff eventually breaks down. As a plumbing blog writer, I want to show you how, like our plumbing, we need to look after our mental health. Most of us know how to maintain the things we own. We’ve paid good money for them and don’t want them falling apart. But too often, that idea of maintenance stops at our stuff. In reality, it extends to you. It extends to your mental health. Good things don’t just last on their own. They need to be sustained.
What Happens When We Don’t Maintain Things? Ignore your plumbing for long enough and you’ll see the results. Rainwater tanks that once gave clean water can now become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria. The toilet can get blocked. And the drain can start making weird smells and sounds. When things are ignored, they become chaotic. It doesn’t happen all at once. It creeps up. Then suddenly, you’re left with a mess so bad the only solution is to call a professional. If we understand that we should protect our plumbing, how much more should we protect our minds? There are many things that we know we should be doing. Exercise, taking breaks, listening to music, spending time in peace, and addressing excessive stress. However, all too easily, these habits can fall away. And then, too, can things start to get out of hand. We find ourselves more anxious, stressed, and burnt out. And when it gets too much, the smartest thing we can do is call in a professional, like a therapist, to help set things straight. Life is a juggling act. But not all the balls are the same. Some are rubber and can bounce if dropped. Others are glass and if you drop them, they shatter. Your health belongs firmly in the “glass” category.
The Value of Preventive Maintenance In plumbing, cleaning filters, doing inspections, and checking tanks is very important. It’s about addressing any problems right as they emerge, or before they even start. That way, it’s a lot easier for everyone, and many headaches can be saved. The goal of this is to prevent the homeowner from having to make an emergency plumbing call. The same principle applies to us. Preventing stress from piling up is always easier than fixing a breakdown. Ensure the ‘health pillars’ on which you stand are steady. Exercise, for example, is like flushing your system. It keeps things moving, clears out the tension, and gives you resilience to handle pressure before it clogs you up. Preventing something like excessive stress is always better than waiting for it to get out of hand.
Spotting Early Signs Very few things collapse as soon as they are neglected. Usually, it takes some time to slowly fall apart. It is more like a gradual descent into chaos rather than one big fall. For pipes, if you throw grease down the sink, over time, it will accumulate in the pipes and restrict the water flow. With repeated use, you’ll notice the drain draining slower and weird sounds coming from it. These are the warning signs. If the homeowner ignores these, then the drain will become completely blocked. Our lives are surprisingly similar to plumbing systems. Once we take our foot off the pedal, we can gradually descend into chaos. And that’s kind of a good thing. Having it happen gradually means you can still progress and save yourself even if you have made a mistake. Just imagine if after every time you skipped the gym, you started from square-one. However, the problem with this is that we can get complacent with the way things are. Even if things aren’t good, we can say ‘she’ll be right’. We can ignore the warning signs, because we might not crack just yet. But this is never recommended. In mental health, you should look out for signs of irritability, constant tiredness, always feeling stressed or anxious, withdrawing from people, and a loss of motivation. These are like the little warning signs your body gives that it might need some help.
Building a Maintenance Plan When you have to do maintenance checks for the plumbing, you can’t just do it when you feel like it. You have to set up a routine for every few months to do some inspections and cleans. This makes it much harder for problems to remain unaddressed or unseen. In terms of mental health, you also need to establish some sort of routine for yourself. You can decide to go to the gym 3 days per week. You can decide to take a break and read a book to relax every night. You can get in the habit of listening to relaxing music. For me, these are the habits that I’ve developed to maintain my mental health. And if your mental plumbing is about to burst, you can always call the professionals to help you out.
Conclusion A plumbing system looked after lasts for decades and gives everything peace of mind. But good things don’t last by accident. They last because you look after them. And for you, you are worth being looked after. So keep an eye on the little things. Focus on maintaining good habits for your health. A little bit of rest, and exercise can go a long way. Otherwise, like plumbing, you might just burst.
About the Author
Justin Hope runs the website Plumbers Rockhampton. Plumbers Rockhampton is dedicated to providing quality plumbing solutions to local problems in Queensland, Australia. They provide services for a variety of plumbing needs, ranging from renovations to commercial plumbing.
Hello all! Welcome back to my blog! I have talked a lot about being a person with a disability here on my blog.
I was born with my disability, but many people with a disability were not. The disability group is unique in that it is one minority group where people become part of it at any time. Accidents can happen, or illness can lead to disability. Also, as a person gets older, there is a large chance of them becoming disabled. Of all people with a disability, half are age 65 or older in my country of the United States. Overall, approximately 1 in 4 adults are living with some type of disability in the United States.
Unfortunately, some people have a disability that is debilitating enough to keep them from working. Fortunately, there is financial support available for such people. One program set by the United States government is Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI. With SSDI you can receive financial support monthly. If you are dealing with a disability, you can get help to find out if you are eligible for SSDI and even how much money you might get each month from Disability advocacy group Disability Advice. A post with an SSDI calculator and details about SSDI benefits can be found on their website.
The post was written by Linda Cosme, JD. She has extensive experience as a lawyer and advocate for people with disability. She is currently Vice President of Disability Policy and Strategy at an advocate organization called Citizens Disability. Independent Legal Consultant for those seeking SSDI, appeals officer for the Social Security Administration, and Case Adjudication Specialist for Disability Determination Services were some of her other roles.
Checkout Disability Advice’s website and find out more about SSDI and if you should apply. Click here.
Access to affordable healthcare is a huge issue in the United States. Many people are uninsured. Access to healthcare is necessary and should be a right. Read more about the issue with healthcare in my latest blog post.
Some time ago, I wrote two posts entitled “Why is Healthcare so Expensive?”. In those posts, I went over how difficult it can be to get mental health services and some of my medical costs as a person with a chronic condition and mental illness. You can read part one here. You can read part two here.
For those who are new to my blog, I live in the United States. Here in the USA, healthcare can be quite costly. A three day stay in the hospital can run you around $30,000. A woman usually stays in the hospital between 24 hours to four days after giving birth. My own mother stayed in the hospital for around three days after having me. That’s where health insurance comes in. In order to have insurance, you have to pay what is called a premium. This is the payment to the insurance company to keep your insurance active, which is usually a monthly payment. My insurance plan covers the costs of my doctor visits and medication bills completely, but that is not the case for most Americans.
For many Americans, there is a copayment. For a doctor appointment, one family member of mine had to pay over $700 in copayment. Another family member recently renewed her insurance plan, and she has to pay around $1,100 in medical bills before her insurance even kicks in. This is called a deductible.
Healthcare is big business here in the United States, with the health insurance business valuing at $1.60 trillion. In 2023, 25.3 million people were uninsured between the ages of 0 to 64. Among those uninsured, 63 percent of people between the ages of 18 to 64 cited not being able to afford insurance as the reason for being uninsured.
There are two services I have always believed all people should be entitled to: good education and good healthcare. A healthy and educated nation makes a strong nation. I believe we as a nation need to do more to help the citizens have better access to healthcare.
On a cold day, there’s nothing better than a nice warm shower… unless the water goes haywire. It can either trickle out so weak that you’re freezing, or blast you like a pressure washer.
In plumbing, water pressure needs to be just right to keep everything flowing safely and smoothly.
If there’s too much pressure, for too long, then pipes burst. Water goes everywhere. Repairs get expensive fast.
Turns out, our minds work the same way.
The Pressure Builds Quietly
Our minds are a lot like pipes, finding the right balance of pressure so we can achieve our goals and not crack under all the stress.
Now, many people are juggling many different things at once. There are people who work from home on important projects, cook, care for kids, run businesses, and worry if they are good parents. All those stresses can build up on you and take a toll on your mental health.
You tell yourself you’re fine, that you can take on just one more thing, that you have to keep going. You can bottle up the stress, ignore the burnout, push through anxiety, and keep stacking on new expectations.
Our nervous system has limits. We can be emotionally strained.
But the question is, what do we do about it? In life, we will always have responsibilities, so how can we approach them the right way?
Bursting the Pipe
In response to being constantly in a high-pressure environment, we usually take one of a few approaches.
The first is to ignore the problem and continue as normal. (Not advised)
If this were a pipe, it would be like ignoring the water pressure or even increasing it. Whilst the pipes may still work for a bit longer, eventually you run the risk of them bursting.
And then you’ve created a massive mess in the bathroom that you need to clean up.
Similarly, when we bottle up our emotions, we can risk outbursts and burnout. This approach takes a massive toll on our mental health and can crush us. But there is another way.
Releasing the Pressure
Plumbers know you don’t fix a pressure problem by yelling at the pipe. You reduce the strain. You release some of the build-up. You add safety valves and expansion tanks so the system has room to flex.
Mental health is the same. You need to allow just for a bit, the ability to release some of this pressure to cope. Here are some good ways to do that; – Setting boundaries and saying no to certain things if you have a full plate
– Speaking to someone before things get dire
– Making space for rest without guilt
Even just taking time to rest on Sunday can be a great way to recharge and take some time to rest. I know the rest isn’t always easy, especially with kids or work that doesn’t stop. But even a few moments of calm matter can really help. Just taking some time to go for a walk or read a book can be some much-needed relief.
Pressure Is Normal But Needs to Be Regulated
A bit of pressure is good.
In a shower, if there is no pressure, then the water stops moving. In our own lives, a bit of pressure motivates us to achieve our goals and finish projects.
But when you have too much for too long, that’s when the pipes need some relief. If you’re feeling stretched thin, don’t wait for the emotional blowout. Start releasing the pressure now, even in small ways.
Your plumbing system isn’t the only thing that needs relief valves. Your mind does too.
About the Author
Justin Hope runs the website Plumbers Rockhampton. Plumbers Rockhampton is dedicated to providing quality plumbing solutions to local problems in Queensland, Australia. They provide services for a variety of plumbing needs, ranging from renovations to commercial plumbing.
I have been talking a lot about my experience with disability and the issues those with disabilities face. I have mostly talked about learning disability and invisible disabilities. This time, I am touching a little on physical disabilities, particularly limb loss or amputation.
I have personally known people who had to have parts of their limbs amputated because of diabetes. I myself am prediabetic. Diabetes is a leading cause of amputation. Around 160,000 amputations are performed each year due diabetes in the my country of the United States. Approximately 185,000 amputations over all are done. Nearly 2 million people in the United States are living with limb loss.
I was recently contacted by a company to share a guide on living with limb loss or amputation. Adjusting to limb loss is not easy. My blog is all about spreading awareness on the experience of living with a disability, so I decided to accept the company’s collaboration offer. Their guide focuses on helping people with amputations adjust to driving with limb loss. Amputation and limb loss does not have to mean the loss of independence.
The company I’m collaborating with is a law firm called RichmondVona that focuses on injury cases. The law firm is located in New York in the United States. The company was founded by lawyers John E. Richmond and Keith R. Vona, who have over 20 years of experience. They have helped their clients win over $200 million. RichondVona prides itself on valuing each individual client like a part of a family.
Hello everyone! Welcome back to my blog! For those who are familiar with my blog, you know I have a condition called Turner Syndrome. Turner syndrome is when a woman is born with one of her X chromosomes fully or partially missing. Only about 1 to 3 percent of pregnancies involving a baby with Turner syndrome make it to term. The other close to 99 percent usually end in miscarriage. Around 15 percent of all miscarriages were the result of Turner syndrome.
Turner syndrome can lead to a lot of complications for those babies who survive, and the complications can vary from person to person. I recently talked about my experience with Turner syndrome on a podcast called Butterfly Banter. Did you know that Turner syndrome is represented by the butterfly and those with Turner syndrome are called butterflies? That inspired the name for the podcast. It is hosted by fellow butterfly Jenna Haller. The podcast is dedicated to raising awareness on Turner syndrome through those of us with Turner syndrome telling our stories.
I admire Jenna’s advocacy, and I was proud to tell me story on Butterfly Banter. If you would like to listen in on my conversation with Jenna, you can click here. I hope you enjoy the discussion as much as I did! Be sure to give a listen to other episodes on Jenna’s podcast as well, and follow Butterfly Banter on Facebook!
Thankyou for visiting and your support! Until next time!
In today’s life, self-care is always the least priority on our list. We are so engaged with work, family, and social responsibilities that we forget to take care of ourselves. Self-care isn’t selfish, however; it is a need. Caring for oneself means greater productivity, emotional balance, and mental sharpness. So how do you put self-care into your day without making it a big deal? Let’s break it down into little, nourishing moments.
Tips To Follow To Do Self-Care During A Day
1. Begin with a Gentle Morning Routine
How you start your day has a significant impact on your mood, productivity, and stress levels. Instead of jumping out of bed and racing against the clock, give yourself a peaceful and thoughtful beginning. Wake up 15 minutes earlier than you normally would to make time for yourself. Stretch slowly to wake up your muscles, drink a cup of hot green tea lemonade, and resist the urge to mindlessly scroll through your phone. This moment belongs to you—you might journal, meditate, or just sit silently and establish your intentions. A peaceful morning sets the tone for a good day.
2. Feed Your Mind and Body Intentionally
Proper nutrition is essential to self-care. Begin the day with a well-balanced breakfast with fruits, whole grains, and protein. Avoid processed food and excess caffeine that creates energy crashes. Throughout the day, have plenty of water and listen to your body’s hunger cues. Eat slowly and enjoy your food without multitasking. Eating mindfully is not just about feeding your body but also respecting it. Turn every meal into a moment to feed yourself inside and out.
3. Take Micro-Mental Breaks
Your brain, like all your muscles, needs to rest to stay focused and productive. Non-stop work leads to mental exhaustion and burnout. Take mini-breaks every 1-2 hours. Go for a walk outside, close your eyes and breathe in deeply, or stretch yourself out. Even a brief 5-minute walk will wake up your brain. Such micro-breaks improve focus, imagination, and mood, thus boosting your productivity.
4. Boundaries While Working
Boundaries are an essential but often neglected act of self-preservation. Without boundaries, work encroaches on the rest of life and introduces chronic stress. Set defined work time and respect it. Practice saying no when your plate is full and refrain from checking work emailsoutside the designated time. Use tools like “Do Not Disturb” to minimize distractions while performing deep work. Setting those limits is the way your work won’t overwhelm your personal space and mental peace.
5. Remain Connected to Positivity
Humans are social beings, and emotional health is partially about meaningful connections. Call or text a friend or family member during the day with a brief message or call. Cultivate relationships with others who encourage you. Mind your digital diet—unfollow individuals that make you feel smaller and follow those that inspire you. Choose conversations that bring joy and avoid negativity, gossip, or comparison traps. When you establish good relationships, you establish a support system that nourishes your soul.
6. Establish a Bedtime Routine
Night routines help you to create a transition from the nuttiness of the day to a good night’s rest. Choose calming activities like reading, a relaxing bath, or listening to calming music. Avoid screens at least 30 minutes prior to going to bed in order to reduce exposure to blue light, which interferes with sleep. Practice gratitude by reflecting on the good things about your day. These actions inform your body and mind that it’s time to relax and restore. A peaceful bedtime routine improves quality sleep and leaves you refreshed when you wake up.
7. Get Quality Sleep
Sleep is underestimated in its power to influence our health. Not just how much, but how. Create a soothing sleeping space—a low light, cozy bed, and low room temperature. Employ natural therapies like lavender oil or a cup of chamomile tea. Sleep and wake up at the same hour every single day to preserve your circadian rhythm. Sleeping well improves memory, mood, immunity, and even judgment. You work when you sleep.
My Personal Diary Of Daily Routine.
Morning Routine – How I Kick Start My Day?
After waking up at around 7’O clock the first thing that I prefer to do is 10 minutes of simple exercise or stretching that helps me to feel energetic and fuel up my body, after that drinking upto a litre of water to hydrate my body, having some healthy breakfast around 8’O clock and then thinking about a list of things that I have to do during the day.
Mid-day Routine – while in office!
Reaching office and after setting down the things, as I get time during some working hours, I would like to eat some almonds and cashew nuts that I always carry with in my bag as it is known for high Vitamin – E, High fibre, Bone strength, etc. during the lunch time, a balanced meal is the thing that I prefer with some smoothies for weight loss and healthy living.
Evening Routine – taking a minimal break and slowing down.After working for whole day, I used to take a mild break around 5’O clock, to reset mental health as it is very important to release all stress and anxiety of work that it stored during the day. After that having a cup of green tea to detox or evening walk for 5 to 10 minutes is generally what I do to relax my mind.
Night routine – hitting gym and simple practices!
Hitting gym around 7’O clock is the most important thing of my daily routine, which I used to do daily after getting back to home from office. Taking some pre-workout, doing some hard-work and exercises are the things I used to follow. And afterwards having a simple and less cholesterol food at night which includes sprouts, cereals and pulses. Meditating for 5 to 10 minutes before sleep and then having a good night sleep!
Mental & Emotional Self-Care Tips
In addition to physical behaviour, your mental chatter is an important aspect of self-care. Treat yourself with compassion. Do not be overly critical of yourself, and be kind to yourself. Keep your goals realistic and be in touch with your achievements, however insignificant. Permit yourself to experience feelings without criticism—it’s acceptable to have bad days. If necessary, consult a professional. Therapy is a powerful act of self-care and an indication of strength rather than weakness.
Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Others experience guilt if they place themselves first. Yet the truth is that self-care grants you the ability to bring your entire self to your relationships, career, and personal goals. If your cup is full, you can fill up others with gladness and vitality without resentment or exhaustion. Self-care daily builds resilience, improves anxiety management, and promotes more life satisfaction. Self-care reminds you that you deserve your own love, energy, and time.
FAQs on Daily Self-Care Habits
1. Must I take hours of my time to practice self-care?
Yes, self-care does not require taking hours of your time. Even 5-10 minute instances of mindfulness, hydration, stretching, or deep breathing throughout your day can be incredibly powerful. Length is not as important as consistency.
2. Is self-care only physical?
No, self-care is physical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual well-being. It includes behaviors like sleeping well, boundary-setting, being grateful, going to therapy, and healthy relationships.
3. What if I feel guilty taking time for myself
Guilt is normal but unwarranted. Self-grooming can be seen as upkeep. You can’t give what you don’t have. Grooming yourself allows you to give your best to other humans without being burned out.
4. How do I start a self-care routine if I’ve never done this before?
Start small. Take one or two self-care routines to begin with, such as increasing water intake or going to bed 30 minutes early. Gradually build upon it as the routines become a part of normal life.
5. Does technology facilitate or detract from self-care?
Both. Meditation, journaling, and tracking habits can be aided by apps. But excessive screen time or disturbing material on the net can drain your energy. Watch out for technology.
6. What are some free self-care things I can do every day?
Take a walk in nature
Do some deep breathing exercises
Create a gratitude list
Meditate or stretch
Leave your screens behind
Drink herbal tea slowly
7. How do I ensure consistency in my self-care practices?Set reminders, link self-care activities to existing habits (e.g., journaling after brushing teeth), or simply use a plain log. Most of all, be kind to yourself if you forget one day—just begin again.
8. Is it okay if my self-care is different from others’?
Absolutely. Self-care is very individualized. What relaxes or energizes one person might not have the same effect on another. Choose activities that actually feel caring to you.
9. What if I am not motivated about taking care of myself?
Start with small, pleasant things. Action tends to come before motivation. Also, recall the reasons why self-care matters—it’s an investment in your health, peace, and happiness.
10. Can therapy be included in daily self-care?
Yes. Therapy is a safe space to think, heal, and become. Even if it’s not daily, regular sessions can really assist with emotional health and are an incredibly empowering means of caring for oneself.
Final Thoughts
Self-care doesn’t require grand gestures or lots of time. It’s in the small, intentional choices you make each day to respect your body, mind, and spirit. By applying these self-care moments throughout your daily routine, you not only improve your well-being but also cultivate a life rooted in balance, purpose, and joy. Start today, start small, and stay consistent. Your future self will thank you.
I am Manoj Devnath, A passionate blogger with a love for mixing drinks—from mocktails and cocktails to mojitos and energy drinks. A devoted food and drink enthusiast, uncovering unique flavors and culinary recipes, sharing insights and inspiration for fellow drink lovers.
There was a time in my life when I thought I had to deal with everything alone. I believed asking for help was a sign of weakness. I smiled in front of everyone, said “I’m fine” when I wasn’t, and kept pushing through the days with a heavy heart and a tired mind.
But the truth is, mental illness doesn’t go away by pretending it doesn’t exist. Additionally, attempting to carry it all alone only makes the weight appear to be heavier.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Mental illness can make you feel isolated, like you’re the only one struggling while the world keeps spinning. But you’re not alone, even if it feels like it sometimes. Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of defeat, it’s a sign of courage. It indicates that you have a strong desire to heal yourself. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or anything in between, talking to someone, seeking support, and getting the help you need can be life-changing.
Why Asking for Help Matters
When you reach out, you open the door to understanding, support, and real healing. Mental illness is not a personal failure. It’s not your fault. When we hurt our minds, we ought to get help, just as we do when we break a bone. Here’s what asking for help can do:
Eliminate the silence in which mental illness thrives. When everything seems hazy, offer clarity. Connect yourself to people who understand and can guide you. Begin the journey to better mental health and inner peace.
Support Can Come in Many Forms
You don’t always have to speak to a therapist right away (though that’s a great option). Support can come from:
• A trusted friend or family member.
• An online or offline support group.
• Mental health hotlines or helplines.
• Professional counselors or psychologists
The first step is always the hardest, but once you take it, the road begins to clear bit by bit.
What Help Looked Like for Me
For me, help came in a message. I reached out to someone close and said, “I’m not okay.” That moment changed everything. I wasn’t judged. I was heard. That was the beginning of my healing. And from there, I slowly started to find strength again.
Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation. Therapy or medication are other options. But no matter what it looks like getting help works.
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
Please know, if you are reading this and struggling in silence: You won’t be alone. You are not damaged. You are not weak for requiring assistance. Reaching out may feel scary, but it’s the first step toward light, peace, and healing. You deserve that.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please talk to someone. Help is always available. You are not a burden. You are loved. 💙
Meet the Author:
This beautiful piece was written by Laiba Noor. Laiba is a hardworking Content Creator, Social Media Manager and Influencer Marketer who lives in Pakistan. If you enjoyed this post and would like to work with Laiba, you can reach her on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Not all disabilities are visible. Not all pain wears a cast or walks with a cane. Some battles are fought behind smiles, quiet moments, and struggles that are not spoken about. These are what we call invisible disabilities, conditions that don’t have obvious physical signs but still significantly impact a person’s daily life.
I didn’t always understand what “invisible disability” meant. I used to think that disability came with a wheelchair, a walking aid, or some visible indication. However, life has a way of teaching you things that books or preconceived notions can’t. Living with “What Others Can’t See”.
Whether it’s chronic pain, mental illness, fibromyalgia, autism, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, or neurological disorders, these conditions are often misunderstood or even doubted. You look “fine.” You chuckle. You show up. So people think you’re okay.But deep inside, there’s a constant balancing act. You calculate every move: Can I do this today? Will this drain me? What if I can’t make it through?
I remember days when just getting out of bed felt like moving a mountain. Smiling felt like a lie. While I stood still and tried to catch my breath, the world moved quickly and loudly on. Yet, individuals would comment, “You don’t look sick.” Those words cut deeper than they knew.
The Weight of Invisibility
The hardest part of living with an invisible disability isn’t always the symptoms, it’s the invisibility itself.The doubt. The verdict. The subtle eye-rolls when you cancel plans again. The coworkers who whisper, “She’s just lazy.” The guilt you feel for not being enough, for needing rest, for having limits.
And sometimes, you begin to question yourself. Is it really that bad? Is this just my overreaction? Maybe I should try harder…
But no. You are not overreacting. You are surviving.And that is more than enough.
Raising Awareness, Not Pity
This blog post is not intended to be supportive. It’s written for awareness. To tell someone out there: You are seen, you are valid and you are not alone.
Invisible disabilities affect millions. And yet, so many suffer in silence, afraid to speak up or explain themselves. The world must be aware that disability is not always obvious. That someone can look okay and still be battling every single second.
So let’s stop saying “But you don’t look sick.” Let’s start saying, “I believe you, I’m here for you.”
Supporting Someone with an Invisible Disability
Here’s how you can help:
Believe them, even if you are unable to comprehend their experience. Keep waiting. Flare-ups and bad days come without warning.
Educate yourself. Learn about lupus, endometriosis, PTSD, ADHD, and other conditions. Offer kindness. It costs nothing but means everything.
Living with a disability that goes unnoticed is a journey of strength, bravery, and quiet resilience. The fact that it isn’t obvious to the outside world doesn’t make it less real. If you’re someone living with one, I see you. Keep going, even if all you did today was breathe and try. That’s enough.
And if you know someone facing this quiet battle, be the person who listens, supports, and never doubts what can’t be seen.
Meet the Author
This beautiful piece was written by Laiba Noor. Laiba is a hardworking Content Creator, Social Media Manager and Influencer Marketer who lives in Pakistan. If you enjoyed this post and would like to work with Laiba, you can reach her on LinkedIn or Instagram.
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