It’s Easy to Forget

by What About Now?

It’s easy to forget.
When someone is mentally ill, it can be easy to forget—especially because you can’t see it. There isn’t always a visible reminder that they’re unwell.

Often, those of us struggling with our mental health feel like a burden, so we keep a lot to ourselves.
There’s a fear of being too much.

If you’re anything like me, you just get on with it.
That’s how I’ve always been—whether I’m physically unwell or mentally struggling, I carry on.

But I try even harder when it’s my mental health, because I don’t want anyone to worry.
I don’t want anyone to think, “Here we go again.”

The truth is…
They probably wouldn’t think that.

But for me, that fear runs deep.

When people forget that I’m unwell, I don’t remind them.
I try to look after myself the best I can.
But sometimes I realise—too late—that I’ve spiralled.
And by then, I’m in a place I can’t get out of alone.

Still, I keep quiet.
Because I hate asking for help.
I’ve always prided myself on being independent and strong.

But I’m learning—slowly—that asking for help isn’t a weakness.
In fact, it’s one of the strongest things you can do.

To have the courage to say, “I’m not okay,” takes strength.
To let someone else carry you until you can carry yourself again—
That takes trust.
And if you’re like me, trust doesn’t come easily.

But here’s what I know now:
Mental illness doesn’t have to be a lonely life.
It doesn’t have to be a battle you fight on your own.

It’s okay to remind people that you’re unwell.
It’s okay to ask for help.