Research suggests that consistently suppressing negative emotions can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, with emotional suppression creating internal conflict as the brain struggles to process unacknowledged feelings
58% of adolescents report they always or usually receive social and emotional support, with 20% of adolescents ages 12-17 reported having unmet mental health care needs
Saying 'I'm not okay' can be one of the hardest things to admit—yet it's also one of the most powerful steps toward healing. Here's why it's difficult and why it matters.
Why It's So Hard to Say It Out Loud
For something so short, the phrase “I’m not okay” can be one of the hardest things to say out loud. Most of us weren’t taught how to express our emotions. In fact, many of us were taught to do the opposite — to stay strong, to keep going, to hide anything that might make us look vulnerable. So instead of reaching out, we retreat. We say we’re fine. We put on a smile. And we carry on. But that doesn’t mean the feelings go away.
When We Hold It All In
When we keep everything inside, it doesn't dissolve. It builds. Over time, that quiet internal pressure can turn into anxiety, burnout, numbness, even physical illness. It becomes harder to concentrate, harder to connect, harder to just feel okay. What's tricky is that you might not even realize how much you're carrying until something small pushes you over the edge — a conversation, a song, an offhand comment, or just one more stressful moment. And suddenly it all feels like too much. Learn more about how small stress affects your health.
Struggling Doesn’t Mean You’re Weak
Saying 'I’m not okay' isn’t about being dramatic. It’s about being honest. It’s about giving yourself permission to be human. Here’s the truth: struggling doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re carrying something heavy. And that’s all the more reason to be gentle with yourself.
You Don’t Need to Explain It All Perfectly
You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to explain everything perfectly. You just need to start with what’s real.
It might sound like:
“I don’t even know how to talk about this, but I want to try.”
“Something doesn’t feel right and I can’t figure out why.”
“I think I’ve been pretending I’m okay for too long.”
One Small Step Toward Relief
Opening up doesn’t mean unloading everything at once. It means taking one small step toward honesty, clarity, and connection. Even just admitting something to yourself is a powerful start.
You Deserve a Space to Be Heard
And when you're ready, talking to someone who listens without judgment can help. Someone who won't try to fix you or rush you or tell you how to feel. Just someone who's there. You deserve that space. If you're feeling the weight of holding it all in, know that you're not alone. Learn more about taking the first steps to open up. You can book a session at lissnup.com — a quiet, confidential space to simply be heard.
Frequentl Asked Questions
Many people feel shame, fear of judgment, or pressure to appear strong. Admitting you're struggling can feel vulnerable—even though it's a sign of emotional strength.
Bottling emotions can lead to stress, anxiety, burnout, physical symptoms, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others.
Start with someone you trust. You don’t need perfect words—just honest ones. Even small steps like journaling or talking to a trained listener can help.
