Mental Health Awareness Day

October 10 is Mental Health Awareness Day, a time that’s supposed to help reduce the stigma around mental health and encourage open conversations. But honestly, for some of us who are already dealing with mental health struggles, this day can feel more overwhelming than supportive.

The influx of social media posts and campaigns might be well-meaning, but they can quickly become too much. You start seeing all these people sharing their stories, giving advice, or offering messages of hope, and it can stir up some uncomfortable feelings. There’s often this underlying pressure to share your own story or to show that you’re doing well on your mental health journey — even if you’re not. It’s exhausting, and can leave you feeling like you’re not "doing enough" if you’re still struggling or just trying to get through the day.

For those of us already in a fragile mental space, this increased visibility can actually make things harder. It might trigger feelings of isolation or anxiety, especially when recovery is presented as this clear, straightforward path. The reality is often far more complicated, and the focus on self-care tips or “just be positive” messages can feel disconnected from the depth of what some people are going through.

And let’s not forget how brands and influencers jump on board. They might think they’re helping, but sometimes the messaging feels superficial or even trivializes the seriousness of living with a mental health condition. All those well-meaning quotes can land pretty hollow when you’re really struggling.

If you find Mental Health Awareness Day triggering, know that it’s okay to step back. You don’t have to join in just because everyone else is. Take a break from social media, avoid discussions that don’t feel helpful, and focus on what actually makes you feel better, even if it’s just doing nothing.

At the end of the day, mental health awareness should be about making space for all of us — even if that means not participating at all. Everyone’s mental health journey is personal, and there’s no right or wrong way to navigate it.