As we journey through life, we all have to bear burdens; some will be heavy, and some will be light. These burdens can come in financial, emotional, physical or mental forms. They can be overwhelming, and we may sometimes feel like giving up. A couple of years ago, I nearly gave up for many reasons. In my new book “My Journey With Twin Angels”, I document my struggles as I fought against the tide to juggle my full-time career, businesses and caregiving role. I was drowning in deep despair, and although it seemed I was screaming, no one could hear me—those who could hear were screaming at me to swim and keep doing what I was doing.

Let us not forget that the fact that you are a powerful swimmer does not mean you cannot drown. They constantly drown, not because they don’t know how to swim. No, it’s far from that. People drowned because it was difficult to stay above water. Even when they tried, the strong current kept pulling them under. Often at this stage, people eventually get tired of fighting a tide that’s too powerful.

We often hear the phrase, “Just because someone carries it so well does not mean it is not heavy.” It is a powerful statement that speaks to many people’s struggles silently. The quote emphasises the importance of not judging a person’s struggles based on appearance or demeanour. We can’t always see the weight of someone’s burdens, and it’s essential to recognise that just because someone appears strong on the outside doesn’t mean that they’re not struggling on the inside and feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders.

Have you ever looked at someone and thought, “Wow, they have it all together?”. Maybe they have a great job and a beautiful family and seem effortlessly able to manage their responsibilities. They may easily carry these, but it does not mean the burden is light.

This phrase is particularly relevant when it comes to mental health. Mental health issues are often invisible, and those who suffer from them can be experts at putting on a brave face. But unfortunately, we live in a society that values strength, resilience, and productivity, and admitting to mental health, struggles can be seen as a weakness.

However, this mentality only perpetuates mental health stigma, preventing people from seeking the help they need. It’s important to remember that just because someone appears to be handling their mental health struggles well doesn’t mean they don’t need support.

 Looking at someone’s life from the outside, we often assume that they have everything figured out and that their success came easily to them. But the truth is, we don’t always see the struggles and hardships they faced along the way. Just because someone carries their burdens with grace and strength doesn’t mean they aren’t heavy.

As the saying goes, “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.” This is particularly true for those who have achieved high success, whether in their career, personal life or both. While on the outside, they may seem like they have it all together, success often comes with a great deal of pressure, responsibility and expectations.

This concept applies to many aspects of life, from personal struggles to professional achievements. For example, you may see a successful entrepreneur and assume that their business ventures have been smooth sailing. Still, they may have faced countless setbacks and failures before achieving success.

Likewise, you may see a friend who always seems to have a positive attitude and wonder how they always stay so upbeat. But just because they carry themselves with joy and optimism doesn’t mean they haven’t faced their fair share of challenges and difficulties.

It’s important to remember that everyone has their struggles and challenges, and just because someone appears to be handling theirs well doesn’t mean they don’t need support and encouragement. We should strive to be kind and empathetic to others, as we never truly know what someone else is going through.

Furthermore, it’s essential to apply this concept to ourselves as well. We may always feel pressure to appear strong and capable, but acknowledging when things feel heavy and overwhelming is okay. Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can be incredibly helpful in navigating difficult times.

So, What Can We Do To Support Those Carrying a Heavy Burden?

The first step is creating a safe and non-judgmental space for people to discuss their struggles. This means actively listening without judgment or offering unsolicited advice. We can also educate ourselves about mental health issues and the resources available for those who need help.

Another critical step is to normalise conversations around mental health. By talking openly about mental health, we can help break down the stigma that surrounds it. We can also advocate for policies and programs that support mental health, such as mental health days and access to affordable mental healthcare.

It is essential to recognise and acknowledge the struggles and sacrifices that others may be making. We should strive to be kind and empathetic to others and ourselves, admitting that everyone faces challenges in life and it’s okay to ask for help when needed. By doing so, we can create a more compassionate and empathetic world where we support and uplift one another in our struggles. Let’s work together to create a society where people can openly and safely discuss their mental health struggles without fear of judgment or stigma.

At the end of the day, it does not matter the size of the burden we carry, but the courage and perseverance we exhibit in carrying it. So, as challenging as it is, let us all strive to carry our burdens with grace, knowing that we have the strength to overcome obstacles that come our way.

Until the next time, 

Gee xx