There are days when everything is too much... both the body and the thoughts and the noise around you. And then someone says: "You are so strong." And you would maybe, just maybe, want to be just a human being once. A woman. Tired. Without the obligation to constantly be an example of courage and strength.

Today, on Mental Health Day, we will talk about the reality around you, but mostly about you.

How are you, really? Not the way you answer when someone asks out of politeness. But really, how are you? Do you have space to feel sadness, anger, fear? Do you allow yourself to feel? Not just because of your disability, but because of life. Because your emotions are not an explanation for the "burden of life with a disability," they are proof that you know how to love, lose, hope, build yourself up and break down, just like any woman.

If I tell you it's okay to feel exhausted when the world reminds you of obstacles every day, will you believe me? If I tell you that your thoughts, your emotions, your mental health deserve the same attention as your physical health, will you stop for a moment and breathe?

Impaired mental health is not a shame, and taking care of it is not a luxury, which, for example, can no longer be said for orthopedic aids and assistive technologies today. However, there is no prosthesis for the soul, a wheelchair for thoughts that go in circles, software that speaks what deeply hurts. But there is you. And the fact that you exist doesn't mean you have to immediately reply to a message and finish all your obligations. You don't even have to meditate (if you don't want to). You can just finally say: "I can't today" or "I can, but I won't" and go to bed earlier. Taking care of mental health can sometimes look like that.

Written by: Senaida Sarajlić

Photo: Ida Dugalić