Hello… I’m Vanina , and I welcome you to Caring: Voices for Healing —a space where we give voice to the things we so often keep unspoken.Today, in this episode, I want to talk about something that touches us all,even when we prefer to deny it: mental health.Every year, on the 10th of October, the world observes World Mental Health Day.But beyond the date, what truly matters is understanding that caring for the mindis not a luxury, nor a passing trend, nor a sign of weakness.It is a necessity — a quiet act of respect towards oneself.---🪞 “Speaking about mental health was once a taboo”For a very long time, mental health was something people did not speak about.In many homes — perhaps in yours, perhaps in mine —we often heard things like “don’t cry,” “don’t make a fuss,” or “don’t tell anyone.”And so, we learnt to sweep our pain under the rug,to smile while something inside of us quietly broke.I went through that too.For years I believed that enduring was the same as being strong.Until I finally realised that true strength lies in asking for help,in speaking up, in no longer hiding what hurts.Breaking the silence is never easy.But once you do, something within begins to heal —as if the soul, after so long in survival mode,could finally breathe again.---💔 “To care is also to listen”We often think that to help someone in pain,we must find the perfect words.But no — sometimes, it’s enough simply to listen,to not interrupt, to not judge,to ask “How are you, really?”and to stay long enough to hear the answer.Caring for mental health does not always require grand gestures.It requires presence.And that begins with ourselves.Listening to our bodies when they are tired.Listening to our emotions when they screamdisguised as anger, anxiety, or sadness.Listening to our needs without feeling guilty for tending to them.Because you know what?Self-care is not selfishness.It is emotional survival.---🌱 “Mental health is not only for when something goes wrong”We must stop thinking that mental health is only tended to in moments of crisis.Just as we care for our diet, our exercise, and our rest,we must also care for what cannot be seen.That might mean many things:– Setting boundaries where once we stayed silent.– Seeking professional help without fear.– Walking away from relationships that make us unwell.– And above all, learning to trust ourselves again.It’s not about being happy all the time.It’s about finding peace, even when life isn’t perfect.---✨ “Breaking the silence, healing the soul”Breaking the silence is an act of love —for yourself, for those around you,and for those who will come after.We may not be able to change the past,but we can change the way we remember it.We can turn pain into experience,fear into understanding,and silence… into voice.If you are going through a difficult time,please, reach out for help.You are not alone.And if you know someone who is struggling,don’t tell them “be strong.”Tell them, “I’m here, with you.”Sometimes, that is all it takes to begin to heal.---Thank you for joining me in this episode of Caring: Voices for Healing.I’m Vanina Vergara,and I invite you to stay with me in the coming chapters,where we’ll speak about connection, resilience,and the gentle art of emotional self-care.Because caring for the mindis also caring for life itself.We’ll meet again soon…hopefully, a little more conscious,a little more human,and a little more at peace.📩 I read letters sent to → [email protected]