Mental health struggles are often invisible. Many people walk around with a smile on their faces, yet inside, they are fighting battles no one can see.
In my latest YouTube video, I share some raw and unfiltered real stories, experiences that many can relate to but few are willing to talk about.
You can watch the video
Here are some of the stories shared:
Story 1: “You look fine.” That’s what people always tell me. But they don’t see the war inside my head. I wake up every morning feeling like I’m carrying a heavy rock on my chest. Some days, I don’t even want to get out of bed, but I do… because what else can I do? My friends think I’m just lazy, my family thinks I’m ungrateful, but the truth is, I’m just tired. I don’t even know how to explain it to anyone because even I don’t understand why I feel this way.
Story 2: I had a friend in school who was always the loudest in the room. She laughed the most, made jokes about everything, and acted like life was perfect. Then one day, she just stopped coming to class. We all thought maybe she was sick or something, but then we heard she had been struggling with depression for years. I still can’t believe it. How can someone who looked so happy be dealing with something so deep?
Story 3: I used to think anxiety was just about overthinking. But I’ve realized it’s more than that. My heart beats fast for no reason, I can’t sleep even when I’m exhausted, and my stomach always feels weird. I’ve had days where I feel like I’m drowning, but I can’t even explain why. People tell me to “just relax,” but I don’t even know how.
Story 4: I told my mum I wanted to see a therapist. She looked at me like I was crazy and said, “What problem do you have that prayer can’t solve?” I wanted to explain, but I just kept quiet. In my family, mental health is not something we talk about. You’re either “strong” or “weak,” and nobody wants to be weak. So, I pretend I’m okay even when I’m not.
Story 5: I’m 28, no stable job, no money, and my family keeps asking when I’m going to “make it in life.” Every time I scroll through social media, I see people my age buying houses, traveling, and getting married. Meanwhile, I’m just here, trying to survive each day. It’s hard not to feel like I’ve failed at life.
Story 6: I had a friend who used to check on me all the time. Even when I didn’t respond, she would still text, still call. Then one day, she just stopped. No more messages, no more calls. I don’t blame her, I know I push people away. But sometimes, I wonder… if she knew why I acted that way, would she have stayed?
Story 7: Growing up, my dad always told me, “Be a man. Stop acting weak.” So, I never cried in front of anyone, not even when my best friend died. I kept everything inside because that’s what men are supposed to do, right? But now, at 30, I feel like a ticking time bomb. I don’t know how to express emotions, and it scares me.
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Story 8: I graduated top of my class, got a good job, and I’m doing everything “right.” But I’m still not happy. My parents don’t understand why I feel empty when I have “everything.” I wish I could explain that success doesn’t always equal happiness.
Story 9: One time, I told someone I felt like disappearing. Their response? “You just want attention.” After that, I stopped talking about my feelings. If nobody takes you seriously, what’s the point?
Story 10: People always say, “You’re always so happy.” It’s funny because my happiest-looking pictures were taken on my worst days. I’ve learned how to fake a smile so well that even I start believing it sometimes.
Story 11: I once told my uncle I was feeling down. He laughed and said, “Do you think poor people have time for depression? Go and hustle.” Since then, I just keep everything to myself. Maybe he’s right, maybe I can’t afford to be depressed.
Story 12: There’s this one person in my life who never judges me, no matter how bad I mess up. They don’t always have the right words, but they listen. And honestly, that has saved me more times than I can count.
Story 13: I lost a lot of weight last year, and people kept saying I looked great. What they didn’t know was I wasn’t eating because I was too anxious to keep food down. It’s funny how people only see what they want to see.
Story 14: I told my mum I’ve been feeling numb lately, like nothing excites me anymore. She said I should pray about it. I do pray. But I also wish someone would just listen without telling me what to do.
Story 15: Everyone comes to me for advice, for support, for motivation. But who do I go to?
These stories are just a glimpse into the silent battles people face every day. If any of these stories resonate with you, please know that you are not alone. Mental health is real, and struggling does not make you weak.
Inspired by this story? Share your story with others.
