The Overlooked Conversation: Mental Health Matters 

Wow, I’m truly blown away by the overwhelming support I’ve received since launching this blog. From sharing my posts to leaving comments and sending words of encouragement, every gesture has touched me deeply. Your love fuels my passion, and I’m beyond grateful. Thank you, truly!  

Since today is Sunday, I thought I’d take a step in a slightly different direction—and dive into something that’s often swept under the rug: mental health. 

Unfortunately, in the society I live in, mental health is rarely given the attention it deserves. It’s often assumed that discussions about it are only necessary when someone is already in an asylum or wandering the streets. But here’s the truth—mental health issues can show up in subtle ways, long before they escalate.  

For example, ever heard your name when no one called you? Believe it or not, that could be a sign of an underlying mental health issue. And that’s just one of many signs we often overlook.  

Let’s walk through a few common mental health challenges that many people experience:  

Anxiety: A lot of us, myself included, struggle with anxiety. It’s more than just occasional worry—it can feel like being trapped in a constant state of fear or restlessness.  

Depression: Depression isn’t just sadness. It’s an overwhelming sense of emptiness or loss of interest in things you once loved. This feeling can last for days, months, or even years.  

Bipolar Disorder: This involves extreme mood swings—oscillating between deep sadness and bursts of euphoria.  

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, leading to flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional numbness.  

Schizophrenia: This is characterized by symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and agitation.  

Eating Disorders: These involve unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and eating habits.  

This list barely scratches the surface of mental health challenges, but if you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself, please don’t ignore them. Talk to someone you trust or reach out to a professional. You are not alone, and help is available.  

The world needs you—exactly as you are—and losing you to mental health struggles would be a tragedy. Please remember that you are valuable, and there is hope. I believe in you, and things can get better.  

Thank you for reading. That’s it for today’s edition of “nothing” (or perhaps, something quite important). Until next time!  

With love,  

K. Nakamoto