By NAMI Southwest Washington
National Health Awareness Week (October 21-25) is a time to recognize and celebrate the importance of all aspects of our well-being — physical and mental. While we often associate health with physical conditions like broken bones, illnesses, or injuries, mental health is just as crucial. In fact, neglecting mental health can be as detrimental as ignoring physical health issues. Yet, for many, talking about mental health is still a struggle, often dismissed or pushed aside as a sign of weakness.
For Courtney, this was all too familiar. Growing up in a household where the conversation around mental health was discouraged, she often heard it referred to as a weakness of the mind. The message was clear: if you’re struggling emotionally, keep it to yourself. As a child, Courtney absorbed this belief and carried it into adulthood, where unaddressed trauma began to shape her life. Self-judgment and self-harm, depression, and anxiety became her constant companions. She felt isolated, unsure where to turn, and even more afraid to share her struggles with others.
It wasn’t until Courtney reached a point where the weight of these experiences became unbearable that she sought help. She connected with a compassionate therapist who guided her through addressing the root of her trauma. And at her therapist’s recommendation, Courtney joined a NAMI support group where she discovered that she wasn’t alone in her experiences. She found others who shared similar stories and challenges, and who were willing to listen and support her in her journey.
Through therapy and her support group, Courtney came to a powerful realization: mental health issues are not a sign of weakness, nor are they separate from physical health. A broken bone, if ignored, heals improperly, potentially causing chronic pain or loss of function. The same is true for mental health. If trauma, depression, or anxiety is left unaddressed, the impact can color every aspect of life, limiting one’s ability to thrive. But with the right care and support, these wounds can heal properly, allowing for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Courtney’s journey toward healing was not an easy one, but it was transformative. She came to see that recovery isn’t about “fixing” oneself, but about acknowledging and tending to the wounds of the past. It’s a journey, and sometimes, the hardest part is knowing where to start. For Courtney, finding that first step was seeking help and surrounding herself with supportive people who understood what she was going through.
This National Health Awareness Week, let’s remember that mental health matters just as much as physical health. If you’re struggling, know that it’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of being human. And just like any other health condition, mental health challenges can be faced, treated, and overcome with the right support. NAMI Southwest Washington is here to provide that support through various programs, resources, and community-based groups. Don’t hesitate to reach out, because taking that first step is often the most important one on the road to recovery.
If Courtney’s story resonates with you, or if you’re struggling with your mental health, consider joining a NAMI support group or reaching out to a mental health professional. Remember: recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.
