Let’s Make It Okay to Talk About Our Struggles

Hey everyone—I hope you’re having a beautiful day. I recently saw a comment calling one of my videos perfect for Mental Health Awareness Month, and I realized: mental wellness is more openly discussed now than ever before, but it still carries stigma.

When people say “I wish I had your life,” I feel guilty—because they don’t see the late-night breakdowns, the times I’m walking the field with my pack and suffocated by doubt or anger, or the real fear of things outside my control. Running The Asher House Sanctuary and Asher House Wellness is an incredible privilege, but it carries immense responsibility: dozens of dogs, dozens of staff, and countless unforeseen challenges.

I’ve faced learning disabilities, outcast feelings, and countless personal setbacks. Yet every obstacle has prepared me for this work. Still, I wrestle daily with anxiety and the weight of everyone’s trust. Some days I wake up, heart pounding, convinced I can’t handle another decision or loss.

That’s why I go to therapy. Every session I debate canceling—I tell myself, “I’m fine. I don’t need this.” But once I’m there, I discover corners of my mind I didn’t know needed attention. I talk about old wounds, unhealthy family dynamics, the grief of rescued animals who’ve passed. Therapy is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of self-care and vulnerability that fuels my ability to serve others.

Mental health awareness shouldn’t be confined to one month on the calendar—it should be woven into every day of our lives. If you think you don’t need it, that’s exactly why you do. We all have “stuff” to process, whether it’s grief, anger, or unspoken fears.

So let’s normalize asking for help—reaching out to friends, professionals, or support groups. Let’s share our struggles and our coping strategies. Because when we lead with openness instead of shame, we build resilience, inspire compassion, and create a kinder world for people and pets alike.

You’re not alone. It’s okay to not be okay—and it’s braver than you know to reach out, speak up, and keep growing.

Love

Lee Asher