Dear Readers,
As a Naluri Mental Health Coach and Clinical Psychologist, I’ve had the privilege of sitting with my clients during some of their most vulnerable moments. Through all these conversations, one thought consistently lingers in my mind: What do I wish more people knew about mental health? I often wonder what could make their journey a little easier and a little less isolating. And as we approach World Mental Health Day 2024, this question feels more important to be addressed than ever.
Mental health is something we all have, but for so many of us, it’s wrapped in silence, misunderstood, or pushed aside. We live in a world that readily embraces the idea of caring for our physical bodies but hesitates when it comes to our mental wellbeing. Yet, mental health is at the very core of who we are—it shapes our thoughts, emotions, and how we experience every day of our lives.
This year, Naluri’s World Mental Health Day 2024 campaign theme is "What I Wish You Knew." It’s a powerful invitation and reminder to reflect, open up, and start conversations that can make a difference. So today, I’m writing this open letter to share what I wish more people knew about mental health—truths that could help you live a more compassionate, connected, and healthier life.
What I wish you knew…
Mental health is health
I wish people knew that mental health is as important as physical health. We often talk about looking after our bodies—eating well, exercising, resting—but how often do we give the same attention to our minds? Our mental health influences everything we do: the relationships we nurture, the stress we carry, and even the energy we wake up with each day. When we neglect our mental health, it’s like ignoring the foundations of a house and hoping it won’t crack under pressure. Mental health deserves the same care as physical health, and that’s why talking about mental health openly and without fear of judgment is important.
Mental health isn’t just in your head
Mental health isn’t something abstract that exists only in our minds; it impacts every part of our lives. It shows up in the way we interact with others, how we handle disappointment, or how we navigate difficult situations. When someone struggles with their mental health, it’s not something that’s "all in their head"—it’s a full-body, full-life experience. It affects our energy, motivation, and even our physical wellbeing. We must stop seeing mental health struggles as invisible or secondary—they are as real and valid as any physical condition.
Mental health struggles aren’t a sign of weakness
If there’s one message I wish I could impart, it’s this: Mental health struggles are not a reflection of your strength or worth. We don’t blame someone for catching the flu or breaking a bone, so why do we blame ourselves for feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed? Mental health challenges are not a personal failure. They are part of the human experience and often arise from a complex interplay of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. You are not weak for feeling this way. You are courageous for facing it, day by day, moment by moment.
Therapy isn’t just for crisis moments
Another misconception is that therapy is only for when we’ve hit rock bottom. But therapy isn’t just for emergencies—it’s a space for growth, reflection, and even prevention. You don’t need to wait until life feels unmanageable to seek help. This is a metaphor I always share with my clients: think of going to counselling or therapy like renovating a house. The best time to make improvements isn’t when it’s already burning down but when you can thoughtfully plan and enhance your space. Similarly, addressing mental health concerns when you're doing well builds resilience and enriches your life, helping you handle future challenges more easily.
You don’t have to understand to support someone
For you who are supporting others who struggle with mental health, I hear you. Maybe you are a family or friend of someone who's been through rough patches in their life, maybe you are a supervisor at work who tries to encourage your team members who you know are struggling, or maybe you are just a random person who doesn't give a judgmental look to someone who looks different from their surroundings, or maybe you are a mental health professionals who doubt yourself whether you provide enough support to your client. Whoever you are, I thank you for being there. Even if you don't fully understand their experiences, just showing up—listening without judgement, offering a quiet presence, or simply saying “I’m here”—can be more powerful than you think. You don’t have to fix everything. Sometimes, your presence alone is enough.
There are many paths to healing
If you’re struggling, I want you to know there is no one "right" way to seek help. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, trying self-help strategies, joining a support group, or working with a therapist, each step you take towards caring for your mental health is a step in the right direction. Healing is not linear, and there is no single path forward—what matters is that you take the first step. And if you’re reading this, maybe that step is closer than you think.
World Mental Health Day 2024
This World Mental Health Day 2024, let’s strive for mental health to become a conversation that everyone feels safe to have. It’s time to break the stigma that seeking help is a sign of true strength.
That’s the world I wish for you. And it starts with one simple step: talking openly about what you wish people knew.
If any of these words resonate with you, I encourage you to take the Naluri Mental Health Assessment today. It’s a free, simple tool that takes just five minutes but could be the first step towards better understanding your mental health. Sometimes, the hardest part is knowing where to start—this could be that start.
Let’s make this World Mental Health Day 2024 the beginning of something new – opening the door to understanding, compassion, and, most importantly, healing. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
Yours truly,
Sri Wulandari
(Clinical Psychologist, Naluri Mental Health Coach)
Sri Wulandari, M.Sc., M.Psy., Psychology is a Naluri Mental Health Coach and Clinical Psychologist, passionate about helping people break through the stigma surrounding mental health. Her work focuses on evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which she uses to guide individuals through life’s challenges—from anxiety and depression to burnout and stress management. In her role as a Naluri Mental Health Coach, she helps integrate mental health support into everyday lives, empowering people to lead more balanced and fulfilled lives.