In a world that’s always demanding more—more work, more hustle, more responsibilities—mental health often ends up on the back burner. We’re juggling work, school, relationships, and personal goals, and somewhere along the way, we forget that our mental well-being deserves just as much attention as everything else. (In fact, it’s even more important—because without good mental health, how can we show up for anything else?)

What exactly is mental health? It’s the foundation of your emotional, psychological, and social well-being—it’s how you think, feel, and interact with the world around you. In simple terms, mental health shapes how you handle stress, build relationships, and make decisions, giving you the resilience to ride out life’s ups and downs. Now, mental health issues? They’re the conditions that can disrupt your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, making even the most ordinary days feel overwhelming.

I can’t even count the number of times I or my friends have faced mental health challenges—whether it’s anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, or even bipolar disorder. It’s tough, and admitting it can feel like a big hurdle, especially when the world around you is shouting “keep going” and “push through.” But let me say it loud and clear: there’s nothing wrong with you if you’re struggling with your mental health, and it’s absolutely right to talk about it. Because you are not alone, in fact:

Research shows that 970 million people globally suffer from some form of mental health disorder. That’s nearly one in eight people. And this was back in 2019, before the pandemic added even more pressure. In 2024, nearly half of adults worldwide—about 45%—said that mental health is the biggest health challenge in their country. So yeah, mental health is a huge deal—and should not be undermined.

The sad truth is, mental health is still a taboo subject in many cultures and communities. I remember when I told some of my friends (from countries in South America and Asia) that I had to skip a hangout because I had therapy—I could see the surprise on their faces. They told me that in their cultures, mental health isn’t something people openly talk about, let alone seek professional help for. But here’s the thing: that’s exactly the stigma we need to break. Mental health challenges are common, normal, and not something we should be ashamed of.

It’s time to stop pretending like everything’s fine when it’s not. We need to create space to talk about our mental health—whether that’s with friends, a therapist, or even just taking a much-needed mental health day. There’s no shame in prioritizing your well-being. Curious about ways to improve your mental health? I invite you to explore my work-life balance and self-love & care pages for more tips and insights.

How do you prioritize your mental health, and what steps have you taken to break the stigma in your own circle?