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It’s Okay to Not Be Okay 

Mar 27, 2025

Recently, I came across something online that really resonated with me and inspired this article. It was one of those rare moments where I thought, “You know what, social media post? You’re right,”—and that doesn’t happen very often. The message was simple but powerful: it’s okay to not be okay. 

In our day-to-day lives, we do things that bring us happiness, hoping to spend our days feeling lighthearted and carefree. And while that sounds great, it’s not always the reality of the world we live in. With the ever-changing landscape of daily stresses like bills, the rising cost of groceries and other necessities, world politics; aiming to be constantly happy just isn’t realistic. 

There are days when I don’t want to be happy, when I feel emotional, sensitive, or just plain off. And you know what? That’s perfectly okay. On those days, when I’m not my usual positive self, people often try to cheer me up with kind gestures, and while I truly appreciate their thoughtfulness, sometimes I just want to sit with my feelings. I don’t always need someone to fix it or snap me out of it. Sometimes, what I need most is for someone to simply sit with me and say, “It’s okay to feel this way.” 

My mom has a great way of putting it. When she’s having an off day, she’ll say, “I’m just having a day.” It’s her way of telling me that she’s not okay, but that’s okay. She knows that tomorrow she’ll be back to her usual, awesome self. 

Disappointment, sadness, frustration, and even failure are all natural parts of life. They create balance, helping us appreciate the good by reminding us of what it feels like when things aren’t so great. Going through these emotions helps us grow and learn from our experiences. As uncomfortable as they can be, they make us human. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to recognize or fully enjoy the truly good moments in life. 

However, there’s an important difference between giving yourself space to feel off for a day and when that feeling lingers. If one day of not being okay turns into a few days, which then stretches into a week or longer, it might be time to consider reaching out for support. And here’s the thing—it’s still okay to not be okay when you take that step. Asking for help takes strength, and it’s a sign of courage, not weakness. It’s also the first step toward regaining balance and prioritizing your mental well-being. 

If you ever feel like your “not okay” days are overstaying their welcome, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can always contact me or anyone at our office. We offer a safe, confidential space, whether over the phone or in person. We have a variety of resources and can help point you in the right direction. If that doesn’t feel right for you, there are also plenty of online support options from counselling services and support groups to mental health organizations that you can access from the comfort of your home. 

So, in closing: it’s okay to not be okay. If you need a day to feel low, take it—without guilt, without pressure, and without feeling like you have to “fix” yourself. Your feelings are valid, and sometimes, simply allowing yourself to feel them is the most healing thing you can do. 

Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help if you need it. 

If you need support, you can: 

Written by Kristin Buxton

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