By ODIASE UWAYEMEN
Stephanie, a young girl in her third year at university, is known for being cheerful and hardworking. She always seems to have everything under control. She is at the top of her class, a student leader, an active feminist, and even a social media influencer. One might think she has everything figured out and that her life is perfect, but the reality is far from that. Behind her smile is a girl struggling with the pressure of being enough and meeting certain standards, academic pressure, family expectations, loneliness, and the fear of disappointing everyone around her.
Low self-esteem affects many people around the world. When someone thinks poorly of themselves or is uncertain about their ability to achieve the goals they have set, they may find it difficult to move forward in life. For students, especially, this can affect their academic performance, relationships with others, and willingness to participate in activities. This is why mental health awareness is important.
Stephanie was so focused on proving that she was enough that she failed to seek the help she needed. Over time, the pressure overwhelmed her, leaving her confused about her purpose and what she actually wanted in life. Our mental health is not something we can overlook or ignore. It is a significant part of our overall well-being and deserves as much attention as our physical health.
As the pressure builds, Stephanie begins to withdraw from her friends and family and loses interest in things that would normally excite her. Whenever someone notices and asks how she is doing, she always responds, “I’m fine.”
One day, Stephanie’s elder sister, Sharon, notices the change clearly. They are watching Stephanie’s favourite television show, but she seems lost in thought. Sharon switches off the TV and says, “Stephanie, it’s high time we addressed your gloomy mood. What’s wrong?”
As usual, Stephanie replies, “Nothing. I am fine.”
Sharon insists, “You are not fine, and it’s clear. You know you can tell me anything.”
Stephanie finally opens up and tells Sharon how she has been feeling. Sharon reassures her, helping her understand that it is okay to open up and feel overwhelmed by everything happening around her. She explains that the important thing is not to bottle up her feelings and allow them to consume her. Opening up about how one feels is not a sign of weakness; we are all human beings with emotions.
After hearing Sharon’s words, Stephanie feels much better and relieved. She had always believed she could handle everything herself or simply ignore her feelings. However, sharing her struggles with someone she trusts brings her a sense of comfort and relief.
Mental health struggles are not always visible. Sometimes, the person who appears to be the happiest in the room may be the one who needs someone to ask, “Are you really okay?”
We all need to understand that it is okay to speak up and ask for help. Many people have lost their lives to suicide in connection with mental health struggles. Reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness. This is why mental health awareness is important: everyone deserves to be heard, supported, and reminded that asking for help is okay.
