“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Every day someone asks, “How are you?” Most of us instinctively reply, “I’m fine.” But what if we’re not?

It’s okay to not be okay. And it’s okay to tell someone you aren’t okay.

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the unique challenges many racial and ethnic minorities face in accessing mental health care. Stigma, limited access to treatment, lack of insurance, and cultural expectations often prevent people from seeking help. As a result, far too many suffer in silence.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. It affects how we think, feel, respond to stress, and interact with others. There should never be shame in caring for our minds and emotions.

Grief is one of life’s greatest emotional burdens and can significantly impact our mental health. The loss of a spouse, parent, child, or close friend can leave us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, anxious, or hopeless. While grief is a natural response to loss, it can also contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

I have learned that grief doesn’t follow a schedule. Some days we feel strong. Other days, a simple memory can bring us to tears.

That doesn’t mean we’re failing.

It means we’re human.

If you have noticed changes in your mood, sleep, appetite, energy, or desire to be around others, don’t ignore them. Reach out to your healthcare provider, a licensed mental health professional, a trusted friend, or a faith leader.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness.

It is an act of courage.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we never walk through our storms alone.

Isaiah testified of the Savior:

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.” — Isaiah 53:4

The Book of Mormon teaches that Christ suffered “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind… that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people.” (Alma 7:11–12)

Because of His infinite Atonement, Jesus Christ understands every sorrow, every fear, every anxious thought, and every grief. His empathy is perfect because He has experienced it all.

When the disciples feared for their lives in a storm, Jesus simply said:

“Peace, be still.” — Mark 4:39

Sometimes He calms the storm. Sometimes He calms us. Either way, He is always in the boat and He never leaves us.

His promise remains:

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee… I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.” — Isaiah 41:10

If today you’re struggling, remember this:

You are not weak.

You are not alone.

You are deeply loved.

Sometimes the bravest words we can say are, “I’m not okay.”

Healing often begins there.

With the help of caring professionals, supportive family and friends, and the healing power of Jesus Christ, there is hope.

There is healing.

And there is always light beyond the storm.

Perhaps the bravest prayer we will ever offer is not, “Lord, take this burden away,” but rather, “Lord, help me carry it today.”

The beautiful promise of the gospel is that we never carry our burdens alone. Because of His infinite love, His perfect empathy, and His infinite Atonement, Jesus Christ walks beside us through every trial, every storm, and every season of grief.

He is our peace.

He is our strength.

He is our hope.

And with Him, there is always light beyond the storm.