THE SILENT BATTLE

When you hear the word “pressure,” what comes to mind? For a lot of people, it’s that heavy weight of expectations from family, friends, partners, or even work, each person with their own goals or demands. But while we can’t avoid external pressure, have you ever stopped to think about the pressure you put on yourself? This kind of pressure isn’t obvious, it’s more like that quiet, nagging voice in your head that just doesn’t shut up. The one that critiques everything you do, questions your choices, and pushes you to keep going even when you’re exhausted. If you take a moment to listen, you might realize that a lot of the pressure you're feeling isn’t coming from someone else, it’s coming from the ridiculously high standards you’ve set for yourself.

Why Do We Do This?

So, why do we put so much pressure on ourselves? Part of it is just how our brains work, we're wired to worry and prepare for problems, even when they’re not here yet. But it’s also shaped by the environment we grew up in and the things we’ve been through. For many of us, past trauma, whether it’s emotional, physical, or psychological, leaves behind scars that we might not even realize we’re carrying. These experiences can make us feel like we always have to prove ourselves or avoid making the same mistakes again. A lot of the pressure we feel also comes from a fear of failing or not being “enough.” And sometimes, this pressure is a direct result of things we’ve experienced in the past. We may feel like we have to be perfect or never mess up in order to protect ourselves from more pain. Understanding how trauma shapes the pressure we put on ourselves is the first step in breaking free from it and learning, just how we start to show ourselves more compassion.

Finding Balance

Now, pressure isn’t always bad. A little bit can actually keep us focused, motivated, and ready to tackle challenges. But when that pressure builds up too much, it can seriously mess with our mental health, leading to things like anxiety, burnout, and that core feeling of never being "enough." The truth is, we all feel pressure. But the hardest kind often comes from within. It’s that constant mental chatter that tells us we’re falling behind, that we need to do more, or that we’re just not measuring up. But here’s the thing: We don’t need to constantly be doing something to be valuable. Read that again. Taking time for ourselves, recognizing our limits, and learning how to quiet that inner critic are crucial steps in managing the pressure.

Take a Moment to Pause

It’s really important to stop and recognize where the pressure is coming from, whether it’s from other people or from within. By doing that, we can start to separate what really matters from the expectations that are just weighing us down. So here is an opportunity to think about it: What’s the source of the pressure you’re feeling right now? Is it your inner dialogue? Something someone else expects from you? Or maybe it's something you’ve internalized over time? Recognizing where the pressure is coming from is the first step in giving yourself space to breathe.

Take Action

Don’t let the pressure keep you feeling stuck or drained. If everything is starting to feel too much, or if you just need someone to listen, it’s a good time to take that first step and reach out. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out. You are worthy of feeling lighter, and of breaking free from this constant pressure and silent battle. Now is the time to take action, to prioritize your well-being, and remind yourself, you’re more than worth it.

Kindly,

Julie