It's okay to not be okay

"It's okay" or "I'm fine" are the two things I hear from someone whenever I ask how they're doing. I'm guilty of it too, we all are. The thing is, it is okay to not be okay all of the time. More and more people are sharing their stories about mental health than ever before but there is still this idea that not being okay.... isn’t okay.

I don't believe that's true, not anymore. Countless times I have been on the verge of a breakdown, dying inside, but still refused to tell anyone, including my own parents because I felt that I had to live up to this standard every second of every day. If I admitted it to another person, it would make me weak or dramatic. We've all heard it, "they just want attention." The fact of the matter is not being okay, admitting that you aren't, makes you stronger, braver than someone who holds it all in.

Mental health is a topic of discussion, a hot-button if you will, that no one is really discussing. If we were really talking about it, majority of us would not feel the need, pressure, to put on that brave face and say "I'm fine." We'll share our secrets, relationship histories, and even our blood types before we say how we really feel, admit that things aren't perfect.

We need to stop judging, stop condescending, and start speaking up. The world is not perfect, you don't have to be either. Without mistakes, we would never learn. Without breaking, things would never get fixed, the human mind is the same.

I know many people will agree with me on the outside but inside they will brush me off, that’s fine too. There are movements and foundations that support my opinion but it is still an unpopular one. I was raised by a generation where you keep your mouth shut, suck it up, and move on.

I used to believe that. I used to feel that opening up and acknowledging out loud that something wasn’t right, would make me a burden to other people. They would think I was crazy or seeking attention. I told myself that I was fine, just get over it, packed away my thoughts and feelings and went about my day.

Then when I would lay awake at night, everything would leak out. Like a liquid weight lying on my chest, crushing me, as I slowly broke down only to have to pack it all up again before morning. It’s exhausting. All because there is this idea of don’t talk about it, you’re crazy or dramatic.

I say forget that because we are human. We break bones, tear muscles, sprain ankles, and sometimes we just aren’t okay. You don’t have to figure out your life right away. So, what if you didn’t win the race or you’re 23 and can’t pick a career? So, what if you feel sad for a few days and you don’t want to do anything? It’s not about how many days you’re okay over the days you aren’t. It’s what you do to pick yourself up to be okay again that counts.

So, yea, unpopular opinion: it’s okay to not be okay. Someone had to say it.