We live in a culture that rewards composure.
From an early age, many of us learn to keep our emotions in check, to stay positive, and to push through challenges without complaint. While there’s value in resilience, there’s also a cost to constantly pretending everything is fine—especially when it’s not.
Stigma is part of the problem. A 2024 article from the National Council on Aging notes that lingering stereotypes around mental illness often lead to shame and silence. Many people worry they’ll be judged, dismissed, or even penalized for admitting they’re struggling.
And it’s not just external pressure. Self-stigma plays a powerful role too. We internalize the idea that asking for help means we’ve failed in some way. That needing support is something to be embarrassed about. These beliefs are deeply ingrained, and they don’t disappear just because we know better.
But ignoring emotional distress doesn’t make it go away. It just pushes it deeper, where it can quietly affect everything from our physical health to our relationships.
