The strong one. We all know someone we would describe that way. They are often the one we turn to when the chips are down. That person we can count on for a hug, a word of encouragement, or for some common sense advice. That person who will come alongside you when you need someone, regardless of what they are going through. The ones who make life look relatively easy regardless of how much is on their plates. But what other people may not realize is, sometimes the strong one needs someone to check up on them. Sometimes they are bearing heavier burdens than you know, and despite their broad shoulders, they may be struggling. They probably won’t tell you though, that’s just their way. Yet, when one of these strong ones loses their fight to the dark side of mental health, we are shocked and dismayed to think that the one we thought could withstand anything, the one who could smile in the face of adversity, is no more. And when this happens, there are those who feel guilty because they did not see it coming. Our lives are so fast-paced and busy that sometimes, it is really easy to take our friends and family for granted.

In this day and age, where many of our connections and communications are technology-based instead of face to face, it makes it easier for people to be able to slip between the cracks or to fade away. So, where you can, don’t make it easy for that to happen to someone else. Ask both the struggling ones and the strong ones how they are doing, don’t just assume that they are ok. I guess I’m encouraging you to be your brother’s keeper. Not in a controlling way, but to be sensitive to the plight of others and the possible magnitude of their unseen battles. To really mean it when you ask someone if they’re ok. And to be willing to be inconvenienced a little if someone needs to talk and unburden themselves. Maybe we could all be a little more far-sighted, kind, empathetic and considerate. Maybe if we are, perhaps there will be fewer mental health crises for those whom we deem as ‘the strong ones’.

It’s something to think about.