Hello again! We’re steadily moving forward in our A2Z Blogchatter Challenge, and today we’ve landed on the letter S. I have to admit—this one feels particularly close to my heart.
As a psychologist and an empath, I often find that the conversations that stay with me the longest are the ones where people quietly ask questions like—
“Am I enough?”
“Why do I feel so heavy inside?”
“Is it okay that I’m struggling?”
These questions are rarely about diagnoses or labels. They’re about identity. About emotional safety. About worth.
So, let’s take some time to explore some of these powerful S-words that shape how we live, love, rest, and survive.
Self-worth & Self-esteem: Two Sides of the Same Soul
We often use these two terms interchangeably, but they touch slightly different chords.
Self-worth is that inner knowing that you matter, even when you mess up, even when things fall apart.
Self-esteem, meanwhile, is more about how you feel about yourself—your confidence, your abilities, your strengths.
Both are essential to good mental health.
But here’s the hard truth: many of us grow up attaching our worth to achievements. To being liked. To being needed. When those fall apart, so does our sense of self.
In therapy, and in real life too, I see the quiet transformation that happens when people begin to separate who they are from what they do.
So I gently ask you today—
What do you believe makes you worthy?
And can you hold on to that, even on your worst day?
Shame: The Silent Wound
Shame is the voice that whispers: “You’re not good enough.”
“You should’ve known better.”
“You’ll never be loved if they know the real you.”
It’s different from guilt, which says, “I did something wrong.”
Shame says, “I AM something wrong.”
That’s why shame is so powerful—and so damaging.
Many people walk around carrying silent shame from childhood. From mistakes. From secrets. And because they’ve never been allowed to talk about it, it festers.
But here’s what I’ve seen:
Shame grows in silence, but it shrinks in safe spaces.
So if you’re holding onto something shameful, please know—
You don’t have to carry it alone. And you are not unworthy because of it.
Support Systems: The Invisible Lifelines
One of the most powerful predictors of recovery from emotional distress isn’t just therapy or medication—it’s support.
Support from friends who check in.
Support from family members who say “I believe you.”
Support from online communities where you feel seen.
You don’t need a hundred people. Sometimes one is enough.
And if you feel like you don’t have that right now—remember, support isn’t just something you receive. It’s also something you can build. Slowly. Gently. Intentionally.
Sometimes the first step is simply being honest about how you’re doing.
Sleep Hygiene: The Underrated Mental Health Tool
We often overlook sleep, but let me be clear—your brain needs rest.
Poor sleep affects everything: mood, memory, focus, even emotional regulation.
Start small:
- Fix a consistent sleep and wake time.
- Avoid screens at least 30 minutes before bed.
- Make your room a restful space.
You don’t have to have perfect sleep. But small shifts can lead to better emotional balance.
Stress Management: Beyond Deep Breaths
Stress isn’t always bad. Sometimes it’s a sign that you care. But when it becomes chronic, unrelenting, and all-consuming—it begins to harm.
What works for one person may not work for another. Some find calm in journaling, others in movement, some in meditation. There’s no one-size-fits-all.
The key is: Don’t wait till you’re burnt out.
Start tending to your stress like you would tend to a garden—regularly, kindly, consistently.
A gentle note as we close today’s letter…
You are not your shame.
Your worth isn’t measured by your productivity.
And even if you don’t have it all together—you deserve rest, love, and support.
Mental health is not about being “strong” all the time. It’s about being honest with what hurts, and holding space for healing to begin.
We’ll be back tomorrow with another meaningful post for the letter T. But for now, take a moment. Breathe. Say something kind to yourself.
You’re doing better than you think.
