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It’s Okay Not to Be Okay Why Acknowledging Struggle Is the First Step
In a world that often values “powering through,” admitting “It’s okay not to be okay” can feel radical. Yet emotional hardship whether caused by anxiety, underlying medical conditions, or addiction is more common than many realise. Recognising this truth can be the first step toward healing, support, and reclaiming your well‑being.
In this article we explain why mental health struggles arise, how medical issues and addiction can trigger emotional distress, and when to seek support. We also point to trusted UK charities you can contact anytime if you need help or someone to talk to.
Mental Health, Anxiety & Medical Triggers: What’s Really Going On
Mental health is more than mood
Your daily emotional state sadness, stress, irritability isn’t just “life being hard.” It’s often a signal that something deeper is going on: psychological strain, unresolved trauma, chronic illness, or prolonged stress. Mental health affects all areas of our life: ability to work, relationships, sleep, appetite, and how we view ourselves.
Anxiety: a silent and pervasive struggle
For many, anxiety isn’t just “nerves” it’s persistent worry, panic attacks, insomnia, digestive upset, or heart racing. Sometimes anxiety stems from external pressures, but often physical or medical issues play a role. Hormone imbalances (e.g. thyroid problems), chronic pain, neurological issues, or other health conditions can all trigger or worsen anxiety, even in people who’ve never experienced mental health problems before.
Medical conditions and emotional distress
Living with a chronic illness whether it’s pain conditions, autoimmune issues, hormonal imbalance, or neurological disease can take a heavy toll mentally and emotionally. Coping with ongoing symptoms, uncertainty about the future, and the changes to your lifestyle can lead to depression, anxiety, loss of confidence and make you feel like you’re not “the same person anymore.”
Addiction: the emotional cost
Whether it’s substance use, alcohol, or other dependencies addiction often emerges as a coping mechanism for emotional pain. But addiction doesn’t heal the pain: it usually worsens it. Addiction can deepen feelings of isolation, guilt, anxiety, and depression. Recognising addiction as part of the emotional burden is crucial because recovery often requires addressing not just the behaviour, but the underlying pain.
Why “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay” Matters
- Acknowledgment is power admitting you’re struggling is not a weakness; it’s a sign that you’re aware, and that you value yourself enough to seek change.
- You deserve support whether you choose therapy, peer support, lifestyle changes, or holistic approaches — you’re not alone.
- Healing is rarely linear emotional well‑being can ebb and flow. Some days are good, some days not. But admitting the pain and reaching out helps create space for healing.
- Holistic hope including CBD for some people, holistic approaches (mindfulness, movement, nutrition, natural supplements, including CBD) may help reduce stress and support balance. While we don’t claim CBD is a cure, it can be part of a broader wellness strategy.
At The CBD Expert, we encourage gentle, compassionate exploration of support options physical, emotional, social backed by honesty, self‑care and understanding.
Trusted UK Support Charities & Helplines
If you or someone you know is struggling — with anxiety, depression, stress, medical‑related emotional distress or thoughts of self‑harm — the following organisations offer confidential help, often 24/7:
| Charity / Service | What they offer | Contact / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Samaritans | 24/7 emotional support, non‑judgmental listening, support for suicide thoughts or distress | Call 116 123 (freephone) — 24/7; email: [email protected] Mind+2Centre for Mental Health+2 |
| Mind | Information, advice, peer support, local services, legal & advocacy advice | Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm); Support line: 0300 102 1234 Headway+2Mind+2 |
| Rethink Mental Illness | Advice & support for people with severe mental illness, and guidance for carers/relatives | Advice & information line: 0300 5000 927 (Mon–Fri) oxfordhealthbrc.nihr.ac.uk+1 |
| SANE | Emotional support, information, out‑of-hours helpline for people struggling with mental illness | Helpline: 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4:30pm–10:30pm) Centre for Mental Health+1 |
| Anxiety UK | Dedicated support for people living with anxiety, including counselling and helpline support | Helpline: 03444 775 774 Mind+1 |
| SHOUT | 24/7 free text‑based support service — useful if talking on phone feels too hard | Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) Heads Together+2Mental Health Foundation+2 |
Note: If you’re ever in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, call 999 (UK emergency number) or go directly to your nearest A&E.
FAQ What People Search for, Answered
Q: What causes anxiety and other mental health struggles?
A: It can be a combination of things high stress, trauma, life changes, but also physical or medical issues (chronic illness, hormonal imbalances, pain conditions). Sometimes mental health issues arise without an obvious “cause.”
Q: Can medical conditions trigger depression or anxiety?
A: Yes. Chronic illness, long term pain, neurological disorders, hormonal or metabolic issues often place heavy physical and emotional burdens on people — which may lead to or worsen mental health struggles.
Q: What about addiction is that really linked to mental health?
A: Very often addiction can start as a coping mechanism for emotional or physical pain, and frequently worsens feelings of anxiety, guilt, isolation, and depression. Addressing both addiction and underlying emotional pain is essential for recovery.
Q: Is it “weak” to ask for help or use “alternative” support like CBD?
A: Absolutely not. Seeking help is a sign of strength. Combining conventional therapy, lifestyle changes and holistic support including CBD can be part of a balanced, compassionate approach to mental wellness.
Q: Where can I get help if I’m in crisis right now?
A: You can ring Samaritans (116 123), text SHOUT (text “SHOUT” to 85258), or call a mental‑health charity such as Mind, Rethink, SANE or Anxiety UK. If you feel unsafe or have thoughts of self‑harm, call 999 or head to A&E.
Closing Thoughts
If you’ve reached this article and felt something resonate maybe fear, confusion, or pain know this: you’re not alone, and feeling the way you do doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. Mental health struggles don’t define you but acknowledging them, opening up, and seeking support can help start a process of healing.
At The CBD Expert, we believe in compassionate understanding, honest conversation, and holistic care. If you choose to explore CBD as part of your wellness journey, consider it one piece of the whole picture. Pair it with support, self care, professional help, and community.
Remember: it’s okay not to be okay and it’s absolutely okay to ask for help.