Have you ever had one of those mornings where you wake up already tired? The alarm goes off, and instead of feeling rested, you’re thinking about bills, deadlines, and the million things waiting for you before the day has even begun.
For many people right now, that’s not just the odd day – it’s most days. The rising cost of living, rent or mortgage pressures, juggling work hours, rushing the kids off to school, trying to make time for your partner, and then somehow fitting in a moment for yourself… it can feel like life is one endless uphill climb.
And it’s in those moments that a lot of people quietly wonder:
“Does feeling like this mean I have a mental illness?”
“Should I see a doctor and ask for a pill?”
Here’s the thing: feeling stressed, exhausted, and stretched thin doesn’t automatically mean you’re “mentally ill.” It means you’re human, and you’re reacting to the pressures around you. Stress is your body’s natural way of saying: This is a lot. Too much, maybe.
But when stress never lets up – when it becomes your constant companion – it can start to chip away at your energy, your mood, and your relationships. That’s when it’s worth paying attention. Not because you should immediately be medicated, but because your mind and body are asking for support.
For some people, yes, medication is part of the answer. But for many, the first steps are much simpler – and yet, often the hardest to prioritise:
Getting proper rest instead of pushing through.
Eating in a way that fuels your energy instead of drains it.
Moving your body, even in small ways.
Talking honestly with your partner or a close friend about how you’re really feeling.
Reaching out for professional support before you’re at breaking point.
Stress in itself is not a disease. It’s a signal. And while you can’t always control the bills, the housing market, or the demands on your time, you can decide how to respond to that signal.
So if you’ve been wondering whether the constant heaviness you feel is a sign that something is “wrong” with you, let me reassure you: you are not broken. You’re under pressure, and that pressure is real. The question isn’t “Do I need a pill?” – it’s “What do I need right now to support myself?”
Sometimes the answer is rest. Sometimes it’s help from others. And sometimes, yes, it’s professional medical care. But it always starts with recognising that your stress is valid, and you don’t have to carry it all on your own.
If this resonates with you and you’d like a safe space to talk it through, reach out. Together, we can find strategies that lighten the load and help you feel more in control again.