If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my own struggles with mental health, it’s that healing isn’t a straight path. There’s no quick fix, no single moment where everything clicks into place. Some days feel lighter, others feel like setbacks, and that’s normal. We’re taught to see progress as linear—get better, move on—but mental health doesn’t work that way. And that’s okay.
As a youth advocate working on global health policies, I’ve fought for better mental health education and access to care. But beyond the statistics and policy debates, I’ve lived through the kind of pain that statistics fail to capture. I know what it’s like to wake up feeling like the weight of the world is pressing down on you, to wonder if things will ever change. I also know what it’s like to find moments of peace, to have people remind me that healing—real, lasting healing—takes time.
So if you’re struggling, if you feel stuck in the same cycle, here’s what I want you to know:
1) Your Pain Is Real — And So Is Your Progress
It’s easy to downplay what you’re going through, especially when others don’t see it. But just because your struggles aren’t always visible doesn’t mean they aren’t valid. And just because progress isn’t immediate doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Healing happens in the small moments—the days you get out of bed when it feels impossible, the times you reach out when you’d rather isolate, the tiny victories that no one else sees.
2) Setbacks Aren’t Failures
You don’t have to be ‘better’ all the time. Some days, old feelings creep back in. That doesn’t mean you’re back at square one. It just means you’re human. Healing isn’t about never struggling again—it’s about learning how to handle those struggles when they come. Be patient with yourself.
3) You Deserve Support — Even If You Don’t Feel It
One of the hardest things about mental health struggles is feeling like a burden. But here’s the truth: You are not a burden. The people who care about you want to help, and there is no shame in accepting that help. Whether it’s therapy, talking to a friend, or even just allowing yourself to rest, taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary.
4) Hope Isn’t Always Loud — But It’s There
When you’re in the depths of it, hope doesn’t always feel like an overwhelming force. Sometimes, it’s quiet. Sometimes, it’s just getting through the day. And sometimes, it’s found in the smallest of things—a song, a conversation, the way the sun feels on your skin. You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. You just have to keep going.
If no one has told you this lately: You are not alone. Your struggles don’t define you. And even when it doesn’t feel like it, you are moving forward. Healing isn’t a straight line, but that doesn’t mean you’re not making progress. Give yourself grace. You’re doing better than you think.
A Final Thought
Healing takes time, and it’s okay if you’re still figuring things out. There’s no deadline for feeling better, no expiration date on your struggles or your growth. You are allowed to take your time. You are allowed to stumble. And most importantly, you are allowed to keep going at your own pace. You have already survived 100% of your worst days, and that means you are stronger than you realize. Keep holding on. Keep fighting for yourself. Because no matter what your mind tells you in your darkest moments, the world is better with you in it.
