Finding Comfort in Understanding: How It Feels to Be Around Those Who “Get It”

Expectation vs. Reality

Mental health challenges often feel like navigating a world that wasn’t created for us to thrive in. It’s more of a society built around desired, almost forceful, concepts. You need to be successful. You need to be married with kids. You need to have a meaningful career. Living the American dream is the only way to be happy.

It’s overwhelming to try and live up to those expectations, and let’s face it, they’re unrealistic. Not everyone can obtain those things with ease. Many of us struggle so much just to blend in. It’s difficult to even envision such things as becoming true.

Feeling Out of Place

There have been numerous times where I’ve felt out of place. It’s a feeling that leaves me lonely and isolated. Like I’m not worthy of fitting in and being a part of the “normal” crowd. For me, it’s like a language no one can quite comprehend.

But then, there are moments that are precious when I’m surrounded by people who truly understand me. They see my struggles and notice my self-worth. It’s in these moments where I feel something I don’t always experience, relief.

The Power of Friendship

When I’m with people who understand what it’s like to live with these mental health conditions, it feels different. I can finally exhale a long-awaited breath. I don’t have to mask all the time, and I can let my guard down.

I can be myself, and that’s the most elating feeling. I don’t have to hide my quirks or force myself to conform. I don’t have to constantly explain myself, and the specifics of what’s bothering me.

I’m so incredibly grateful. I don’t have to justify why I struggle to maintain focus. Social situations are scary and draining for me. I don’t have to explain why I might need extra time to process my emotions.

I don’t have to explain why my mood can shift unexpectedly. They realize and care enough to know who I really am on the inside. I’m lucky to have found such a wonderful support system.

Support System

Being surrounded by people who truly notice my struggles, is a safety that is hard to find elsewhere. I don’t have to pretend or worry that my emotional meltdowns are “too much.” I don’t feel like I’m constantly being judged with how my mind works.

They love me for me, and it’s taken me a long time to accept that. I didn’t see much value in myself, so having others reiterate it, makes me feel meaningful and appreciated.

I feel a deep connection that words can’t fully capture when I’m around my inner circle. It’s powerful to discuss shared experiences and just knowing that someone has walked down a similar path as you. You can go through it together and compare notes shall we say. We can remind each other that we are not broken. We are just wired differently, and that makes us unique in a wonderful way.

In those moments, I realize how important it is to have people by your side. People who don’t just dismiss you or try to “fix” you. Instead surround yourself with those who want to walk beside you. The ones who remind me that even through the hardest days, I am still worthy and deserving of love.

To those who understand, who listen, who get it—thank you. You make this journey a little less lonely and a lot more bearable. And to those still searching for their people—keep looking. They’re out there. And when you find them, you’ll know exactly what I mean.