For those who might be downplaying their mental health struggles, experts have some golden pieces of advice.
"Just because you are handling it, it does not mean that it is not hard," said Young. "Navigating your wellness is taking energy and time from you, even if you don't believe that it "should." So rather than debating if you "should" be struggling, allow yourself to own your reality and get the help you deserve."
Zakeri recommends self-reflecting and choosing how much and to whom we want to confide about what we're going through. "Ideally, we all have one or two people we can trust and depend on as a support system, and sharing vulnerable feelings with those people can feel very relieving and even therapeutic."
Lastly, Dr. Schiff suggested, "To those who downplay their struggles, I would say: It's okay to not be okay. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I would also encourage them to recognize that their feelings and struggles are valid. Mental health is just as important as physical health and taking care of yourself should be a priority," she stressed.
"Mental health care is a lifelong journey. Mental health doesn't have a "quick fix", but every step toward healing and understanding is worthwhile. Continue to seek balance, understanding, and support as you navigate life's challenges. Prioritize your mental health and treat it with the care it deserves."
