The Hidden Struggle: Who is Looking Out for the "Reliable" Ones?

What does Mental Health mean to you? When the calendar turns to April and we see Stress Awareness Month appear, what images come to mind? Does it mean ADHD, Autism, or another neurotype? Does it mean the visible weight of anxiety, the exhaustion of depression, or the grip of a phobia?

There are plenty of people in the world today that do not have a diagnosis, don't feel traditionally "stressed," and don't have a phobia to speak of—and yet, their mental health is suffering. These are the people who need help just as much as anyone else, but they are the ones we almost always miss.

The Cost of Being Capable

These are the people who are constantly turning up to help others. They are there when it matters, seemingly able to cope with anything and everything the world throws at them. Because they are so reliable, they become invisible.

People like this take on other people's work because they seem to have the capacity. People like this are often not noticed because they don’t complain or seek help; they simply quietly keep calm and carry on. We look at them and think, "They’ve got it handled," so we turn our attention elsewhere.

But what happens when the "strong" person has nothing left to give?

When the Body Says "No More"

The danger for those who appear to cope better than everyone else is that they often bottle things up until the body finally says, "no more." We have all heard the stories: someone who was the pillar of their community or the rock of their family is suddenly gone—died in their sleep or collapsed from the strain—all because nobody thought to look out for them. Nobody thought to ask if THEY were okay, because they never looked like they weren't.

A Message for April

As we move through this month, the message is simple but vital: Look after those around you that you can clearly see need some help. That is our duty as friends, family, and colleagues.

But make sure not to forget those who appear to cope no matter what. It is often those very people who need checking on the most. This month, don't just wait for a cry for help—reach out to the one who never asks for it. Recognise that everyone needs taking care of, especially those who spend all their time taking care of you.