The Pressure to Stay Positive—Even When We’re Struggling

Mental health is something that should be taken seriously, but in today’s world, toxic positivity makes it harder to acknowledge when we’re struggling. Everywhere we turn, we’re told to “stay positive” and “look on the bright side”—even when things feel overwhelming.

Today is January 31st, but honestly, it feels like the 700th day of January. Some days, it’s just hard to be positive. So, I ask: How are we really doing? How are we coping with the stress, grief, and uncertainty that life keeps throwing our way?

My Experience with Grief, Stress, and Toxic Positivity

For me, navigating toxic positivity has been especially challenging. I’ve lost both my brother and my mother, and grief has been an unavoidable part of my life. On top of that, the world often feels upside down—leaving many of us feeling unsafe, uncertain, and emotionally exhausted.

In times like these, I’ve felt the pressure to put on a brave face, especially as a business owner. Michelle Norwood Events is built on celebrating love—big, bold, multi-day celebrations. Because of this, I’ve become an expert at suppressing emotions.

I can turn off my tears on a whim.
I can smile when I was just crying.
I can tell jokes when, deep down, I feel like I’m falling apart.

But constantly hiding our true emotions takes a toll on mental health. It’s exhausting. It’s unsustainable. And over time, it only makes things worse.

The Importance of Giving Yourself Permission to Feel

I’ve learned that it’s okay to not be okay. We don’t have to pretend everything is fine when it’s not. Instead, we need to create safe spaces where we can be honest about our struggles and seek support when needed.

For me, that space has often been my husband, Mr. Norwood. He’s my rock. But even then, I sometimes hold back because I know how much he already carries for us physically.

So, what has helped me cope over the past four years?

1. Finding a Support System

Support looks different for everyone. For me, it’s Mr. Norwood (Love you, big guy!). But for others, it might be:
1. Close friends
2. Family members
3. Therapists or counselors
4. Online support communities

Talking to someone who listens without judgment has been a game-changer. You don’t have to go through this alone.

2. Prioritizing Self-Care (And No, It’s Not Selfish)

Self-care is different for everyone, but here’s what works for me:
🛌 Laying in bed all day watching movies
🛁 Taking a long bath
🚗 Driving with uplifting music
😴 Taking a guilt-free nap

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. It’s how we refill our energy and protect our well-being.

3. Seeking Professional Help is a Strength, Not a Weakness

One of the biggest mental health myths is that asking for help means you’re weak. That couldn’t be further from the truth. It takes strength and courage to admit you need support.

If you’re struggling, know that there are resources available:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• BetterHelp (Online Therapy): betterhelp.com
• Local Support Groups

You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Help is available.

Final Thoughts: Mental Health Matters

Mental health is just as important as physical health, but in a world obsessed with toxic positivity, it’s easy to feel like we should always be happy. We don’t have to fake it.

1.  Let’s normalize talking about mental health.
2. Let’s remind each other that it’s okay to struggle.
3. Let’s create space for real emotions, not just forced positivity.

Because at the end of the day, true healing happens when we acknowledge, feel, and process—not when we suppress.

So, I ask again—How are you really doing? Drop a comment below, send a message, or share this with someone who needs to hear it. You’re not alone. 💛

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