When You're The Strong One... and You're Still Struggling

 

Mental Health Matters 

Let's talk about something we don't talk about enough: what it feels like to fall apart when you're "the strong one." 

The friend who always listens.
The mama who makes it work on two hours of sleep.
The partner who says, "I'm fine," even when they're not. 
The woman who knows how to hold everyone together—expect herself some days. 

Yeah. That strong one. Maybe it's you.
Maybe, like me, you've had moments (or who seasons) where the tears come out of nowhere. Or you've found yourself snapping at your people even though you love them like crazy.
Maybe you feel bone-deep tired even after a full night rest, or maybe you haven't had that kind of sleep in months. 

Here's the thing that no one told us growing up: Strength doesn't mean silence. Strength doesn't mean stuffing it down. Strength doesn't mean going alone. 

Sometimes, strength looks like texting a friend:
"I'm not okay today."
Sometimes it's putting a therapy appointment on the calendar even if your house is chaos.
Sometimes, it's choosing to take your medication, drink your water, and eat something with actual nutrients— because YOU matter too. 

I write this as a mama who is still learning how to ask for help.
Still figuring out how to say, "I need a break," without guilt.
Still navigating my own mental health journey with bipolar disorder and anxiety. 
Still reminding myself that I'm not broken—I'm human. 

If that's you too, I want you to know this: 

- You are not weak for struggling.
- You are not dramatic for needing support.
- You are not failing because some days are heavier than others. 

Your mental health matters.
Not just so you can take care of others—but because you are worthy of care, too. 

Let's keep breaking the silence. Let's keep choosing truth over shame. And let's remind each other that being real is the bravest thing we can do. 

You're not alone.
You never have been. 

— Ariella's Mama 💜