During a recent conversation, a colleague quietly opened up to me.
She said, “I have gone through multiple episodes of depression. Years ago, I faced continuous emotional trauma from a close family member. Not violence, but emotional control, blame, manipulation, and silence. It drained me. And even though it’s in the past, it still shows up in my thoughts today.”

I listened quietly… and then gently shared something that once helped me when I was breaking too:
“Yes, they hurt you once. But don’t keep hurting yourself every day by holding on. It keeps the wound alive. You replay it, relive it, reopen it, over and over. They held the knife, but you are the one holding on it now. It’s time to put it down.”

Too often, we bleed from wounds caused by others, but the suffering continues because we carry the knife they left behind.

Here’s the truth:
Pain may be unavoidable. But suffering? That’s a choice.
And letting go, that’s where healing truly begins.

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Week, here’s a gentle reminder for all of us:

Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.

But that choice isn’t always easy. It takes courage, awareness, and support.

Here are 6 small, powerful steps to begin the healing journey:
1. Talk about it. Even if your voice shakes. Speaking lightens the load.
2. Protect your mind like you would protect your body. Set boundaries, even with those you are told to respect.
3. Don’t stand in the fire. Step out. Walk away. You are not weak. You are wise.
4. Stop replaying the pain. You deserve better than daily self-punishment.
5. Seek support. A friend, a professional, or a safe space. You are not alone.
6. Choose yourself.  Not out of selfishness, but self-respect.

You never know what someone is silently surviving.
This week, let’s be kinder. Let’s listen without judgement.

And if you are carrying old pain:
Please know – You can let it go. You can grow beyond it. You can heal.