This is what real mental health looks like...

I’m struggling.

I am in a complicated place right now and I don’t ever want to pretend I’m feeling or doing more than I am. I have been meaning to write to you all for the past week. I forgot to send April resources, and then May came around and I told myself I Needed to send out the first letter. And now it’s been a week, and I kept putting it off but finally, I decided… Let me just tell you how I’m really doing.

I’m struggling.

I have been so preoccupied with so many things I’ve forgotten to take my anti anxiety meds lately which has not been helping.

My parents and I reviewed all their paperwork so we all have access to it in case ICE unlawfully detains them or something happens during travel.

Family abroad is doing black out drills for whatever is about to happen in India/Pakistan.

My husband had surgery on Monday (he’ll be fine), but I have been caregiving before, day of, and after and it’s still going to be a few weeks before he can do anything for himself.

Today, a new podcast episode on narcissism and immigrant parents came out (I’m so proud of it and it’s one of my favorites), and my book is officially one years old! I feel like I should be promoting and celebratory but… I’m tired.

I had my second speaking today of 13 events for May — mental health awareness month x AAPI heritage month.

My clinical work with clients is beautiful but also heavy.

I’m grateful for my work and I’m unsure when it will ever feel enough — something I am actively exploring in my own therapy.

I’m interrogating my metrics for success as a one year published author, and I feel guilty for even questioning this.

I’m tired and I’m happy to support my partner.

I’m trying to be there for those who need me and I need to be taken care of too

I am just in my feels this week. I feel pulled in a million different directions and I just wanted to share that honestly with you. This is real mental health. It’s not scripted or planned. It’s not always pretty. It’s complex. It’s spacious. It’s transformative. It’s temporary. It’s gentle. It’s harsh.

And I’m trying to tend to myself in the same ways I hope to always encourage you to.

I am in therapy, and have loving community, and have skills to talk myself through these feelings, and yet, that doesn’t mean they don’t take over sometimes.

This is what real mental health looks like.

Sometimes mental health means giving yourself permission to not do everything.

Maybe you’re also holding a lot right now — visible or invisible. I hope this note reminds you that you don’t have to carry it all alone, perform perfection, or have it all figured out.

So: How are you really doing? Let’s come together and talk and support each other over in the chat…I’ll be checking in every day to be in community with you there.

If you’re not ready to share, that’s okay too. Just know that you’re not alone, and this space is here for you when you are.

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*Disclaimer: Culturally Enough. is not therapy, a mental health service, nor is it a substitute for mental health services of any kind. I am not showing up in this space as your therapist — I am showing up here as a curiosity-driven writer, peer, and a human. If you are looking for therapy, please consult with your local mental health resources.

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