When Struggle Looks Like Ignorance

@SMACWellbeing, Voices Behind the Silence is our new space for raw, anonymous, human stories shared with courage, told with honesty, and held with compassion.

For many people, mental health feels like an unnecessary conversation; something exaggerated, overhyped, or reserved only for those in extreme crisis. But beneath that denial often lies something deeper. In this case, struggle without the language to name it.

Our maiden story reflects the voice of a young man whose exhaustion is real, yet masked by misunderstanding as someone dealing with stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, but unable to recognize them as signs of mental strain.

This is what ignorance sounds like when struggle is happening silently.

“Mental health shows weakness.”

He began with a sentence that revealed both confusion and pain:

“Mental health is something people give an excuse to focus on. It’s a mirage. It shows a person’s weakness.”

To him, mental health wasn’t real, it was something “unworthy of concern.” But as he continued, it became clear that this belief came from not knowing where to place his own experiences.

“I’ve experienced stress and anxiety… but it’s not a priority.”

He continued:

“Mental health is the well-being of a person’s mind. I have experienced stress, anxiety, and others, but it is not a priority for me. I feel it’s only for people who are suicidal.”

He dismissed his symptoms as ordinary and unimportant:

“These symptoms do not give me concern—just a reason to rest. It’s not important. It’s just something people give too much attention to.”

His words carried the weight of someone who is overwhelmed yet afraid to admit it.

“I believe the mind will take care of itself.”

He added:

“I don’t see it as a problem, so I see no reason to give it priority. I don’t even know where to start. I just feel the mind will take care of itself.”

His belief reflects the common assumption that mental distress is a sign of failure rather than a signal for help.

He described a moment when he was overwhelmed:

“The time I felt very overwhelmed… I couldn’t identify what was going on. I believe it only happened because I let it. If I was attentive enough, I could have stopped it. The job of my mind is to be sound.”

This internal blame—believing he could have “stopped” his distress—is both painful and common among many young people.

“I just set my mind on the goal and ignore everything else.”

He explained how he copes:

“I navigate through stress by setting my mind on the goal and ignoring all other things. Everything is part of life and that is what makes you who you are.”

Yet beneath that determination lies a dangerous pattern: enduring instead of healing, suppressing instead of understanding.

Ignorance & Denial: A Silent Crisis

His words reveal two forms of ignorance many struggle with; not knowing what mental health truly is, and knowing something is wrong but refusing to name it.

This is how silent mental health crises develop. What we ignore accumulates until it can no longer be pushed aside.

Knowledge Exists — But Are We Seeking It?

We live in an age where information is everywhere. Platforms like SMACWellbeing exist to empower young people with education, resources, and community support.

We use our space to:

• Break down barriers to mental health help
• Equip people with knowledge
• Reduce stigma
• Build a world where mental health is understood, respected, and prioritized

But knowledge only helps when we reach it.

The High Cost of Ignorance

Ignorance is expensive, so is neglecting your mind. Your mental state influences:

• Who you are
• Who you believe yourself to be
• Who you have the potential to become

Ignoring it can lead you to become a version of yourself you don’t recognize.

Choose Knowledge. Choose Healing.

Educating yourself about mental health does not expose weakness—it gives you power.

The power to:

• Understand your experiences
• Regulate your emotions
• Build resilience
• Respond intentionally instead of reacting unconsciously

Choosing to be informed is choosing strength.

Voices Behind the Silence welcomes anonymous submissions from young people and adults willing to share moments of vulnerability, resilience, and healing.

Send your story safely and anonymously here: info@smacwellbeing.org

Your voice could be someone’s turning point.