Invisible Struggles: Mental Health Is More Than What We See

After recent events raising awareness about mental health, a thought has sparked in my mind once again, leading me to reflect on how the community actually perceives this topic. I personally believe the situation surrounding mental health has drastically increased. For example, we hear about individuals taking their own lives without hesitation. In an environment where physical health is being attentively discussed and acknowledged throughout society, the unseen issue of mental health has often been ignored or not openly expressed. It revolves around internal struggles, silent battles, and feelings that aren’t measurable or observable. The invisible nature of these struggles makes mental health even more challenging to address in the environments we live in, but it also highlights the importance of empathy, awareness, and conversation. I’ve opted to explore mental health in a deeper approach than what can be seen by the eye, and why it’s crucial to understand the silent battles people face every day.

One of the most shocking aspects of mental health that I’ve encountered in recent years is the “mask” that many people put on to conceal their inner self. It’s not uncommon for someone to appear perfectly fine. Many people go about their daily lives just like anyone else—showing up to work, engaging in social activities, and smiling at the people they meet. But the truth is, not many of those smiles are genuine. This "masking" behavior is a defense mechanism for many—it serves as a shield to protect oneself from criticism, discrimination, misunderstanding, or the negative stigma that surrounds the topic of mental health. For the majority of people, it’s easier to pretend everything is okay than to risk being vulnerable, afraid of how others might perceive them as weak or incapable. At the end of the day, when they are at home in their comfort zone, feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm haunt them drastically, forcing them into a mindset where they feel inadequate and believe the world expects more from them.

Furthermore, many may think that mental health only affects those who are “weak” at handling their emotions, but the reality is that mental health struggles can indirectly affect those around them as well. It can be extremely difficult for loved ones to understand the depth of someone’s pain when it isn’t visible. Relationships can become strained when one person is dealing with mental health challenges that aren’t expressed outwardly. Partners, friends, and family members may become frustrated or confused when their loved one withdraws, acts irritably, or isolates themselves, not letting anyone outside understand their behavior. Though these actions are unintentional, the creation of a barrier that strains relationships and results in the individual feeling even more isolated.

From conversations with my peers and colleagues, I’ve come to realize that many of them don’t even recognize or relate their struggles to mental health. This had highlighted the lack of understanding and communication within the community. It’s heartbreaking to see so many people struggling in silence, unable to find a comfortable space to express their negative emotions.

In the modern age, social media plays a significant role in shaping how we view ourselves and others. It often promotes a curated version of reality where everyone seems happy and successful. This "highlight reel" can intensify feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt for those struggling with mental health. Many people, especially younger generations, feel pressured to present a perfect life online, further masking their inner struggles. This constant comparison can exacerbate feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. By encouraging more honest conversations and creating spaces for vulnerability, we can begin to challenge the unrealistic standards set by social media and make it a tool for empowerment rather than comparison.

On a personal level, it’s important to explore mental health to acquire proactive strategies for addressing these challenges. One of the key ways to tackle mental health issues is by implementing self-encouragement techniques. Understanding more about mental health through professional talks and sharing sessions can enhance our overall well-being. By emphasizing these supportive systems, we unintentionally improve our mental health. Building support networks and engaging in self-care practices, or seeking therapy, can greatly aid in maintaining emotional well-being.

Being ignorant or reluctant to address mental health will only cause harm to those who wish to express their emotions openly. This is why it’s essential to normalize practices that encourage everyone to focus on their mental health as much as their physical health. A balanced approach to mental and physical well-being is crucial to creating a healthier society for all.

On the side note, it’s crucial to address mental health at a community level, early intervention and education can have a profound impact on preventing mental health issues from becoming more severe. Teaching emotional intelligence, coping strategies, and mindfulness from a young age can help individuals better manage their emotions and reduce the stigma around mental health. By integrating mental health education into school curriculums and workplaces, we can create a culture where seeking help is viewed as a strength, not a weakness. The more we normalize mental health discussions, the easier it becomes for people to seek support when they need it.

In a nutshell, the invisibility of mental health struggles is suffocating for those who feel trapped by their inner turmoil. It’s common for people to experience difficult moments when they feel emotionally down, yet fear expressing their vulnerability due to how the community might perceive them—as weak, malingering, useless, or ungrateful. These comments can be extremely hurtful to those dealing with uncontrollable emotions. Simply offering support and eliminating negative judgments could make a world of difference for them.

As a community, we need to adopt a mentality of breaking the silence and building a compassionate, understanding world where people can approach mental health in a healthy, friendlier way. Remember, even a simple moment of support can help in battling these harmful experiences. Together, as a passionate and caring community, we can make a change and prioritize mental health, offering a helping hand to those suffocating in silence.

After spending years being looked down on or discriminated against by my seniors when I mentioned my plans to pursue a career in psychology, I’ve come to realize that mental health is still not the norm in our society. This is due to cultural misunderstanding and miscommunication, and many people have yet to openly discuss how mental health issues affect us behind the scenes. The existing community needs individuals who can patiently explain the facts and create a tangible connection between society and mental health professionals.