The Quiet Work of Healing
A Gentle Reflection on Mental Health
A Guest Post By Idalmi A. Deleon
Mental health walks beside us from the very beginning. In fact, half of all lifetime mental healthconditions begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
These facts remind us why tending to our emotional well-being early and sustaining that care is essential. That’s why prioritizing mental health at every stage matters, and why open conversations with young people are so important.
Mental health literacy is more than defining “mental health.” It's about self-care, recognizing symptoms of common disorders like depression and anxiety, and understanding treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It also means protecting your mental health with boundaries, seeking help when needed, accessing peer support, and combating stigma through open, compassionate conversations. The more we understand mental health, the better we can protect it, in ourselves and others.
We often hear the term self-care, but how often do we truly practice it? Do we pause to check in with ourselves and take steps to nurture our mental health? Not just to survive, but to cultivate the kind of well-being that lights us from within.
I’m not here to judge. I’m walking this path alongside you.
Some days, just existing and searching for where we belong feels overwhelming, exhausting, and achingly lonely. It can seem like nothing’s going right, like you’re failing again and again, and all you want is relief. I’ve been there too.
But these feelings do not define your worth, nor do they mean you’re alone. Recognizing when these feelings arise and choosing to reach out for support is a courageous, vital step. Help-seeking isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom. It’s strength. It’s a vital part of healing — and you are worthy of support. Too often, we are our own harshest judges, voices of doubt echoing in the quiet corners of our minds.
So, how do we break free from this relentless cycle?
It begins with slowing down — pausing long enough to feel the weight of stress and recognize when it’s time to step back. It means summoning the courage to say “no” when our hearts quietly insist, even if the words tremble as they leave our lips. And above all, it’s the gentle, powerful act of standing tall for ourselves, placing our well-being at the very center of our lives.
Because if we don’t advocate for ourselves, who will?
Silence can become the quiet accomplice of our own self-abandonment. It enables our worst habits and makes it harder to draw boundaries, harder to honor our own needs. When we stay silent, we slowly teach ourselves that our voice doesn’t matter — and that can be one of the deepest betrayals of all.
Resilience, that quiet force that helps us rise again, lives within each of us. Yes, even in you — even on the days it feels out of reach.
I’m reminded of a phrase from my elementary school graduation: “If it is to be, it’s up to me.” I’ve carried those words with me ever since, a gentle reminder that my well-being is mine to protect, and my happiness is mine to shape. And the same goes for you. Your well-being is yours to care for, your happiness yours to grow — and you are worthy of both.
I want you to know how deeply grateful I am that you’re still here — still showing up, still trying.
Our journeys may be different, but we don’t have to walk them alone.
A few gentle ways to care for your mental health:
Surround yourself with people who uplift you. Seek out those who see your light, even when it’s dim, and stand by you through every season.
Reach out when you need support. Call or text 988. You are never alone, even when it feels that way.
Make time for what brings you joy. Whether it’s gaming, painting, writing, or lifting weights, feed your spirit with what makes you feel alive.
Step outside. Let the wind kiss your face and the sun warm your skin. Nature has a way of softening even the hardest days.
Speak to someone you trust. Sharing your thoughts can lighten the load and remind you that connection is still possible.
Offer yourself compassion. Healing is not a race. Be gentle with the parts of you that are still learning how to grow.
Take breaks from social media. If it starts to drain your energy, it’s okay to unplug and return to your own rhythm.
Create a small routine. Structure, even in its simplest form, can be a steady hand in chaotic times.
Reaching out is more than bravery; it’s a form of mental health literacy. Knowing when to seek help and taking the first step are vital parts of staying well.
Mental health is a journey, not a destination. There’s no finish line —only small, powerful choices made each day.
If it is to be, it’s up to you.
And you don’t have to do it alone. And if no one has said it to you lately:
Thank you.
Thank you for being here.
Thank you for all that you carry, all that you give, and all that you are becoming.
You’ve got this. I believe in you. And if ever the weight becomes too much, please reach out.
You don’t have to carry it by yourself.
About the Author
Idalmi Deleon is an innovative public health professional with six years of experience leading health system transformation, advancing suicide prevention initiatives, and designing impactful mental health programs. She is deeply committed to expanding access to mental health services and promoting mental health literacy in diverse communities. You can learn more about Idalmi on LinkedIn.
