Mental Health

We need to talk about mental health. We know, we know, it’s a big, serious topic, and it can feel like a bit of a buzzkill at a dinner party. “So, how’s your crippling anxiety?” is probably not the opener you’re looking for. But here’s the thing: since the world went a little nuts with the whole pandemic thing, our collective mental well-being has taken a serious hit. Burnout symptoms are soaring, and depression is doing... well, it’s doing a fivefold-soar. So, chances are, you or someone you love has been struggling. And because we’re all in this together, let’s get into it.

What the heck is “Mental Health” Anyway?

In simple terms, it’s the honest answer you give yourself when you ask, “How am I, really?” It’s not just about being happy all the time; it’s about how you roll with the punches, handle stress, and whether you feel like you can actually concentrate long enough to finish that new Netflix show.

Look, life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Some days are just straight-up garbage, and that’s totally normal. A bad week, a slump, a feeling that nothing is working—that’s just part of the grand, chaotic buffet of life. The problem starts when the garbage days become a permanent fixture and your stress gets so cozy it starts rearranging the furniture in your head. Long-term stress can lead to serious health issues, and that’s a party no one wants to be at.

It’s still a huge taboo to talk about this stuff, which is just bonkers. If you break your arm, you go to the doctor, right? You don’t just awkwardly pretend it’s fine while it dangles at a funny angle. So why should we treat our inner world any differently?

The most important thing to remember? You are not alone. Life loves to throw curveballs. A breakup, a lost job, a death—it’s like a cosmic bully is testing you. It’s perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed. In fact, your body and mind might be sending out some serious S.O.S. signals.

Some of those signals include:

* Appetite changes (either you can’t eat or you want to eat everything)

 * Massive brain fog

 * Sleeping too much or not at all

 * Headaches that won’t quit

 * Hiding from everyone

 * Feeling drained and out of energy

 * Being more irritable than a toddler in a supermarket

 * Feeling like even small tasks are climbing Mount Everest

This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it’s a good place to start. Pay attention to what your body is telling you, and please, don’t ignore it. So, what can you do to help? Let’s dive in.

A Word on Self-Perception

In the age of social media, where everyone’s highlight reel is on full blast, it’s easy to look at a filtered selfie and feel a little… lacking. We’ve all been there: scrolling through Instagram, looking at some perfectly sculpted human, and feeling like we should probably hide from mirrors for a decade.

Here’s the thing: social media is a lie. Okay, maybe not a lie, but it’s definitely a very, very carefully constructed fantasy. That perfectly lit, expertly angled photo probably involved a specific filter, perfect “anabolic” lighting, maybe a little Photoshop magic, and a whole lot of very specific genetics. The person in the photo might be a professional who spends their entire life dedicated to looking that way.

The golden rule Is this:

Don’t compare! It’s a road to nowhere. There will

always be someone stronger, smarter, funnier, or taller than you. But guess what? Life isn’t a competition. If you love lifting weights, it doesn’t matter if you’re benching 40kg or 140kg. As long as you’re enjoying it, you’re winning.

The only person you should be trying to beat is the person you were yesterday. Be inspired by others, but don’t use their success as a yardstick for your own worth. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about getting a little better every day.

Smile and Say Cheese!

Our brains are a bit sneaky sometimes. They have a funny way of making us think our “now” has always been our “then.” Ever look at an old photo and think, “Wow, I used to look so different?” Your brain probably just assumed you’ve always had your current haircut.

The same goes for your body. You might look in the mirror and only see flaws—the love handles, the narrow shoulders, the “why is my voice still squeaking?” problem. We all have our little quirks and insecurities. And you know what? Those “flaws” are what make you unique!

To remind yourself how far you’ve come, take pictures! Regular photos—with good lighting and bad lighting, with a “pump” and without—will give you a reliable visual record of your progress. It’s incredibly motivating to look back and see how your body has changed. And while you’re at it, track your progress in the gym. It’s an amazing feeling to see that your warm-up weight is now what you used to struggle with six months ago.

Setting Realistic Goals

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Hard work beats talent.” It sounds inspiring, but it’s not always true. No matter how hard you work, you can’t get to the top without a little help from your DNA. Not everyone can build muscle at the same speed or in the same way. Think of your genes as your basic operating system—no matter how great the app (your workout), it still needs a solid foundation to run on.

Don’t let the pros and influencers set your standard. They often have the time, money, and lifestyle to dedicate themselves entirely to their sport. You, on the other hand, might have to balance work, family, and a hundred other things.

Your success Is tied to your everyday life. So, instead of trying to hit the gym six times a week and meal prep for hours on end, do what you can, with what you have. Whether someone else can lift twice as much or half as much as you is completely irrelevant.

Focus on you. Work with what you’ve been given. Do what you can. You’ve got this.