Drama day 8: The Silent Struggle

 

When Life Overwhelms, Even in Stability

So far, I’ve been using this space to chronicle my daily life—sharing the highs, the lows, and the little victories that make each day unique. But today, I feel the need to pause that narrative and delve into something deeper, something that’s been sitting heavy on my heart. It’s about a reality that many of us experience but rarely discuss: how life can feel overwhelmingly difficult, even when you’re in a loving relationship and are more or less financially stable. This isn’t a confession of failure but an exploration of the silent struggles that come with juggling it all. Let’s talk about it.

We often hear that love and financial stability are the keys to a happy, stress-free life. But those living this supposed "ideal" know a truth often unspoken: even with a supportive partner and a steady income, life can feel crushingly overwhelming. The juggling act of responsibilities, societal expectations, and personal battles often leaves one gasping for air.

The Myth of "Having It All Together"

Indian society has a peculiar way of romanticizing certain milestones: marriage, financial security, and a family. These are seen as endpoints, the “finish line” of struggle. But what nobody tells you is that life doesn’t stop demanding more once you cross these markers. In fact, the expectations only multiply.

For many, juggling the roles of partner, parent, professional, and individual can feel like walking a tightrope. There’s a persistent, gnawing sense of failure when one ball drops. Miss a work deadline because the baby was sick? Guilt. Forget to call your parents because you’re drowning in chores? More guilt. And let’s not even start with the societal judgment when you try to carve out “me-time” amidst it all.

The Weight of Societal Pressures

In Indian society, expectations are a relentless tide. You’re expected to ace everything—be a loving spouse, a hands-on parent, a dutiful child, a stellar employee, and a host of other roles. There’s an unspoken rule: if you’re financially secure, what could you possibly complain about?

This mentality invalidates struggles and makes asking for help feel like a betrayal of privilege. Mental health is still stigmatized, with anxiety, depression, or burnout often dismissed as “overthinking.” If you’re stable on paper, people struggle to understand how your reality could be a storm of chaos.

The Overwhelm of Juggling

Even the strongest love can buckle under the weight of unending demands. Days become a blur of tasks—cooking, cleaning, managing finances, ensuring your children are thriving, and performing at work. Add to this the invisible emotional labor of remembering birthdays, managing your kids' schedules, and being the glue that holds everyone together.

Sometimes, it’s the small, unspoken things that push you over the edge: a partner forgetting to share the load, a child’s tantrum after an already exhausting day, or a friend’s well-meaning but tone-deaf comment about “how lucky you are.”

The Toll on Mental Health

Juggling everything can often spiral into anxiety, depression, or moments of sheer emotional breakdown. The constant pressure to “keep it together” means pushing your needs and feelings aside. It becomes a vicious cycle of burnout, self-doubt, and societal guilt.

What makes this worse is the lack of visible acknowledgment. For many parents, especially women, this “overwhelmed existence” is considered part and parcel of life. The idea that you might need professional help or time to breathe is met with raised eyebrows or patronizing suggestions to “relax.”

Breaking the Silence

It’s important to acknowledge that it’s okay to struggle—even when you “have it all.” Life doesn’t hand out struggles proportionally, and your feelings are valid, regardless of your circumstances.

1. Ask for Help: This doesn’t make you weak. Whether it’s asking your partner to take on more responsibilities or seeking therapy, help is a lifeline, not a luxury.
2. Redefine Success: Society will always set impossible standards. Define your own. Maybe success today is just making it through. Celebrate small wins.
3. Set Boundaries: Say no when you need to. You’re not obligated to fulfill every societal expectation. Protecting your mental health is more important than pleasing everyone.
4. Build a Support System: Seek out friends, mentors, or communities that understand and validate your experience.

Conclusion

Life can be overwhelming, even when the external markers suggest everything is perfect. It’s okay to admit you’re struggling, and it’s okay to seek support. Let’s normalize conversations about mental health, about the hidden pressures we carry, and about the strength it takes just to keep going.

Because no matter how difficult it gets, acknowledging your struggle is the first step toward healing. And in that, there is hope.