“Prioritise your mental health” can sound like a cliché until we reach the point where we can no longer ignore what our minds and bodies have been trying to tell us.

In the struggle to make ends meet, many tend to put our mental and physical well-being on the back burner. We work longer hours, take on more responsibilities, sacrifice sleep, and keep pushing because there are bills to pay and goals to achieve.

And even when the body speaks before the mind does.

Fatigue, persistent headaches, changes in appetite, poor sleep, irritability, and even stomach discomfort can sometimes accompany prolonged stress.

We dismiss these signs as “just stress” and carry on.

Then we begin to see wonders, we become moody. We withdraw from people. We stop enjoying things we once loved.

We become unusually quiet and expect someone to notice that something is wrong.

But can we really blame people for not noticing when we have spent so much time hiding the struggle?

Yes, money has to be made. Responsibilities have to be fulfilled and life does not always give us the luxury of simply stopping. But there is a danger in constantly sacrificing our well-being in pursuit of survival.

What is the point of making money at the expense of one's health if a significant portion of that money eventually has to be spent trying to restore the health one neglected?

And when we talk about suicide, it is important to remember that suicidal crises can develop in the context of overwhelming distress. For some people, prolonged stress can lead to isolation, isolation to depression, and depression to hopelessness, and other difficulties can accumulate until they feel unable to cope and finally start having suicidal thoughts.

This is why mental health should not only become a priority when we are already breaking down.

Check in with yourself. Rest when you can. Talk to someone you trust. Maintain meaningful relationships. Make time for the things that bring you joy. And seek professional help when you need it.

Taking care of yourself is not laziness, weakness, or a distraction from your responsibilities.

It is part of being able to live and function well.

Prioritise your mental health, not only when you are struggling, but while you are still well enough to protect it.

© Phoenix