MAY 2025 You’re Not Weak, You’re Human: Talking Mental Health

Written By Jonathan Harper

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in many rural areas—like here in Scott County—we don’t talk about it enough. We talk about hard work, grit, and pushing through. But what we don’t always say is this: It’s okay to struggle. And it’s strong to ask for help.

Mental Health Isn’t Just for “Other People.”

Taking care of your mental health isn’t only for people with a diagnosis, and it doesn’t mean you “can’t handle things.” It’s for everyone. Just like exercising or eating well keeps your body strong, caring for your mind keeps you resilient.

Feeling anxious? Struggling to sleep? Losing interest in the things you used to love? Canceling plans with friends for the third weekend in a row because you just don’t feel up to it? That’s not “just being tired” or “lazy.” That’s your brain sending a signal. Ignoring it won’t make it go away.

Why Some Turn to Substances—And Why That’s a Trap.

When life feels overwhelming—school stress, family tension, relationship breakups, or plain loneliness—it can be tempting to look for a quick fix. That’s when substances like alcohol, weed, or vaping often come into the picture.

You might hear things like:

  • “It helps me chill.”

  • “I just need it to sleep.”

  • “It takes the edge off.”

But here’s the truth: substances don’t solve mental health challenges—they cover them up. And when that temporary buzz fades, the pain is still there. Often, it’s heavier than before—and now comes with even more problems.

Using drugs, alcohol, or nicotine to cope can lead to:

  • Increased anxiety and depression.

  • Dependency (needing more just to feel okay).

  • Sleep issues, mood swings, and memory problems.

  • Risk of overdose or other long-term harm.

It’s like putting duct tape on a broken pipe. It might hold for a while, but eventually, it’s going to burst.

What Actually Helps

Here are a few things that actually support mental health—and can make a real difference:

  • Talk it out. You don’t have to share everything with everyone, but talk to someone you trust—a teacher, coach, youth pastor, friend, or counselor. Just saying it out loud helps.

  • Move your body. Walks, chores, sports—any kind of movement helps clear your head and lift your mood.

  • Get sleep and eat well. It might sound basic, but when your body’s off-balance, your brain feels it too.

  • Watch your screen time. Spending hours scrolling TikTok or comparing yourself on

  • Instagram can hurt your self-worth more than you realize.

  • Find a hobby or create something. Music, art, building something, writing—using your hands and your focus can help reset your brain.

And remember, getting professional help is not a weakness. It’s brave. Therapy works.

Medication, when needed, can help you heal—not numb you out.

You’re Not Alone

Maybe no one’s said this to you before, so let me be the one: You matter. Your mental health matters. And real help is out there.Being strong doesn’t mean pretending to be okay. It means recognizing when you’re not—and doing something about it.

This May, redefine what toughness means. Start by checking in with yourself, reaching out, and being there for others who might be struggling too.

Taking care of your mental health? That’s not weakness. That’s strength that lasts a lifetime.

Need Someone to Talk To? You’re Not Alone.

Talk to someone you trust, coach, teacher, friend, or family member.

If you’re struggling, help is always available:

  • TN Statewide Crisis Line: Call 855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471) free, confidential, 24/7.

  • Crisis Text Line: Text “TN” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 — available nationwide, 24/7.

Struggling is human. Getting help is strength.

Jonathan Harper