Sometimes the strongest people are the ones quietly holding it all together, even when the system feels stacked against them. Be kind. Always. You never know what someone is carrying

You’re Holding It All Together: Just Barely

If you’re the kind of person who always gets it done, always shows up, always holds space for everyone else — but lately you feel like you’re barely holding yourself together — this one is for you.

Because one of the most common things I’m seeing in therapy right now is this:

✨ High-functioning mental illness.

It looks like:

• Being outwardly successful but feeling numb or anxious inside

• Keeping up appearances while feeling overwhelmed or disconnected

• Looking like you have it all together, while no one sees the private unraveling

And the hardest part? Because you’re functioning, people assume you’re fine. Because you’re capable, no one checks in. Because you’re the strong one, you don’t get space to fall apart.

But even high-functioning people deserve help. Even resilient people burn out. Even those who seem "okay" on the outside need support on the inside.

So if this is you, I want you to know: you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Your nervous system has likely been coping in overdrive for a long time, and it’s time to soften the pressure.

Here are a few small steps that can help:

1. Start telling the truth in safe spaces.

Even if it’s just with one person — a therapist, a friend, or a journal. Say what’s really going on. Give yourself the gift of honesty.

2. Stop over-identifying with your productivity.

You are not your output. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to be more than your to-do list.

3. Notice how often you minimize your own needs.

Do you say "I'm fine" when you're not? Do you cancel your support systems because you're "too busy"? Begin noticing these patterns with compassion.

4. Add softness to your self-talk.

Would you speak to a loved one the way you speak to yourself? If not, it’s time to rewrite the script. Try: “I’m allowed to need help.” Or, “I’m not weak for feeling this.”

5. Make space to feel.

Schedule 10 minutes to be with your emotions. Cry if you need to. Breathe. Let the guard down, just a little.

High-functioning doesn’t mean unbreakable. You get to be strong and supported. Put together and still healing. You don’t have to carry it all alone.

If you’d like help navigating what’s beneath the surface, I’m here. Let’s find your space to exhale.