ITM Wellness O’clock: How is your mind and heart doing, really?
“I’m Fine” — The Two Words We Say When We’re Hurting the Most
Photo Courtesy: Canva.com
There are moments when our heart feels heavy, our mind feels tired, and yet when someone asks, “Are you okay?” we still smile and say, “I’m fine,” or “It’s nothing.” Sometimes, those words are not lies — they are protection. Deep inside, many people are carrying emotions they were never taught how to safely express.
Opening up can feel difficult because our nervous system constantly scans for safety. When we have experienced judgment, criticism, rejection, or emotional invalidation, vulnerability can begin to feel dangerous. Even when someone genuinely cares, a part of us may still hesitate. We fear being misunderstood, becoming a burden, or appearing “too emotional.” So instead of speaking, we stay silent. Instead of feeling, we avoid.
But avoidance is not the same as peace. Pushing emotions away may give temporary relief, but unprocessed feelings often stay within us. They can quietly show up through overthinking, irritability, emotional numbness, or repeated unhealthy patterns in relationships. What we don’t feel, we repeat. What we feel, we can release.
This is why emotional awareness matters. There is a powerful phrase in psychology: “Name it to tame it.” When we gently acknowledge what we truly feel — hurt, loneliness, fear, disappointment, exhaustion — our emotions become less overwhelming. Naming our emotions helps our brain and body process them with more clarity and compassion.
Healing does not always begin with grand conversations. Sometimes, it starts with a quiet and honest moment of saying, “I’m actually not okay.” Real peace is not found in pretending nothing hurts. Real peace happens when we feel safe enough to be honest with ourselves, to feel what is there, and to remember that being human also means needing support sometimes.
Expert Insights by
Cleo Viray, MC, RGC
Mental Wellness Counselor
ITM Wellness O’clock: How is my mind and heart doing, really?
National Mental Health Crisis Hotlines
These services are available 24/7, free of charge, and provide immediate emotional support.
NCMH Crisis Hotline: 1553 (Luzon-wide landline), 0917-899-8727 (Globe), or 0919-057-1553 (Smart)
Other Crisis Support Lines:
Hopeline Philippines: (02) 8804-4673 / 0917-558-4673 / 0918-878-4673
In Touch Community Services: (02) 8893-7603 / 0917-800-1123 / 0922-893-8944
Tawag Paglaum - Centro Bisaya: 0939-936-5433 / 0939-937-5433 (Smart) or 0966-467-9626 (Globe)
National Emergency Hotline: 911
Corporate Wellbeing & Mental Health Training
For organizations looking to support their teams, specialized training is available to address workplace-specific challenges.
For corporate training on workplace wellbeing and mental health—covering stress, burnout, and resilience for employees at all levels—you may contact:
Ayie Bermudez | Mobile: 0966-962-0088