FeelingGoodWithSofy

Mental health is such an important, broad topic to discuss and care about, yet many in today’s society still overlook or are not truly aware of the many struggles that mental illness brings.

Because “Mental Health Awareness” covers such a wide range of topics, I’m going to focus on one specific ‘slice’: how society has conditioned us to misunderstand or lack compassion for those grappling with these challenges. I will also be sharing bits of my own story.

a quick note: if you’re struggling with your own mental health, some parts of this article might be difficult to read. However, it also contains motivational insights along the way. The decision to keep reading is entirely yours! ❤️❤️

Before we begin, I’ve linked my first article on this topic below: Mental Health Awareness and Self-Care: https://feelinggoodwithsofy.com/2025/08/26/mental-health-awareness-and-self-care%e2%9d%a4%ef%b8%8f/

Why Society Misunderstands Mental Health

• A major reason society lacks compassion toward those suffering is because the symptoms are often invisible to the naked eye. While a broken bone is obvious to everyone, you can’t usually see the seriousness and weight of a mental illness unless the person in pain tells you what’s in their mind.

• Another common reason is the shame and pain felt by mental health fighters when it comes to revealing their struggles to friends and family. There is also a fear of being judged, abandoned, or called weak by the people they interact with every day.

• We live in a society where productivity is the most prized way to show we are ‘good enough.’ However, when it comes to resting and setting boundaries for our mental wellbeing, our culture often views it as a ‘weakness’ or, even worse, as ‘laziness.’

• For many years, the media left little space for genuine empathy, focusing instead on sensationalism. I’m glad to see that things are changing from this angle. Now, many people post mental health content that provides more reality, motivation, and compassion for their readers and followers.

The Lack of Empathy

When you aren’t truly understood by someone, you end up feeling hurt or disappointed. The same is true when dealing with a mental illness, but it can hit even harder, leading to isolation, difficult thoughts and a sense of being misled.

Dismissing a mental health fighter by pointing out that they ‘have everything’ and should be grateful doesn’t help; on the contrary, it can make things worse over time. Other examples include: “There are bigger things to worry about,” or “You’re lucky you have a home and a family that cares for you.” I felt really bad when people told me these things, as if those things would cure my illness. Even my previous therapist made similar comments, which left me feeling deeply unsettled and filled with guilt.

Sharing a Bit of My Story…❤️

As someone who has struggled—and still struggles—with mental health issues in daily life, I know how hard it is to be truly misunderstood. Because of that, finding peace within myself is not always easy.

Wearing a Mask…

You see, there were many times when I pretended everything was fine. I have always strived to be strong when, in reality, what I needed was someone to hold me while I cried it all out. When someone asked how I was doing, I told them, ‘I’m fine’ with a smile, even though I was suffering deeply. I responded that way because I was too afraid of receiving cliché answers—perhaps not meant unkindly, but my past experiences had taught me to keep my guard up.

Even Professionals in the Area Fail…

As I mentioned before, my previous therapist lacked true compassion toward me. Several times, she said things that were not only unhelpful but left me feeling hurt and hopeless. If even a therapist couldn’t truly understand me, how on earth was anyone else supposed to?! I say this with kindness, simply to raise awareness that mental health professionals have a vital role in supporting a patient.

Insights from the Journey

I’m realizing, with the help of my new therapist, that my previous one truly didn’t understand me. I’ve been carrying so much guilt and shame because of what she told me in the past; even now, those feelings resurface, but I am learning to let them go. She made the mistakes, not me!!

When it comes to wearing a mask, I’m tired of showing ‘my bright’ self when my mood is low. If people are not happy seeing me this way, that is their problem, not mine. A close family member recently shared these words with me: ‘Thank you for loving every version of me.’ ❤️

Some Helpful Tips Along the Way

• If you’re someone who cares for a mental health fighter, I would warmly suggest educating yourself by watching short mental health clips or reading books on the topic. I also believe attending therapy yourself is crucial; getting the right professional help helps you understand how to truly support your loved one, which is never an easy task. Above all, listen without judgement. Sometimes, simply listening is the biggest step you can ever take.

• If, on the other hand, you’re someone fighting the battle, I know how it feels to be in that position—to keep going even when it feels meaningless and complicated. Even though I don’t know exactly what you’re going through, I imagine it must be difficult to share your feelings with others, especially if do not feel understood. Know this: you’re worthy of the life you want, no matter what. You deserve to get the right support and for your emotional suffering and thoughts to never be taken for granted. You matter, always ❤️

“Mental Health Matters, Always ❤️“

Much Love and Light ❤️✨

Sofia Lena 😊

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