Reclaiming My Narrative

This year, I made a resolution that was not about losing weight, hitting the gym, or chasing a new career milestone. Instead, it was deeply personal, rooted in my experiences with ADHD, anxiety, and my broader mental health journey. In my New Year, I resolved to stop letting other people dictate the way I relate to my mental health. I no longer tolerate unhealthy opinions or allow others to impose their ideas of what my journey “should” look like. This resolution was about reclaiming my narrative, honouring my truth, and refusing to carry the weight of someone else’s stigma or misunderstanding.

The Weight of Others’ Opinions

For far too long, I’ve found myself in conversations where someone, often well-meaning, offered unsolicited advice about how I should manage my mental health. It ranged from suggestions to “just try yoga” to dismissive comments like, “Everyone has anxiety these days; you just have to power through.” These interactions left me feeling small, invalidated and sometimes even questioning my experiences.

There’s a certain heaviness that comes with trying to explain ADHD or anxiety to someone who doesn’t believe in it. The subtle (and not-so-subtle) implications that I was exaggerating my struggles or using my diagnosis as an excuse were constant reminders of how pervasive mental health stigma still is. These moments chipped away at my confidence, making me hesitant to share my experiences or seek support.

In hindsight, I see that tolerating these unhealthy opinions didn’t just hurt me emotionally—it reinforced harmful narratives about mental health. Every time I stayed silent in the face of judgment or minimized my experiences to make someone else comfortable, I was complicit in the very stigma I’ve worked so hard to challenge.

The Turning Point

The decision to make this my resolution wasn’t sudden. It came after years of reflection and a specific moment of clarity. A conversation with a colleague who brushed off ADHD as a “millennial excuse” left me simmering with frustration. That day, I realized something powerful: I spent far too much energy trying to justify my experiences to people who didn’t deserve that explanation. I wasn’t living authentically because I prioritized their comfort over my truth.

The turning point wasn’t just about setting boundaries with others—it was about setting boundaries with myself. I resolved to stop tolerating opinions that didn’t serve me, to protect my mental health like the valuable asset it is, and to take ownership of how I relate to it.

Redefining Relationships and Boundaries

One of the most challenging aspects of this resolution has been redefining relationships. For years, I’ve allowed friendships, family dynamics, and even professional interactions to be influenced by my fear of being misunderstood. In 2023, I began practicing small acts of defiance—choosing not to explain myself when someone questioned my use of ADHD medication or politely shutting down conversations that veered into unsolicited advice.

Now, with 2025 underway, I’ve doubled down on this approach. I’ve learned that setting boundaries is not an act of aggression; it’s an act of self-preservation. When someone questions my choices, I remind myself that their opinions are not my responsibility to manage. I’ve also started curating my inner circle, surrounding myself with people who validate my experiences and encourage me to honour my mental health in ways that work for me.

It hasn’t been easy. Setting boundaries can feel isolating, especially when people react poorly. But each time I hold my ground, I’m reminded that my mental health is worth protecting—even if it means losing relationships that were rooted in misunderstanding.

Rewriting the Narrative

A big part of this resolution has been about reclaiming the narrative around my mental health. Instead of viewing ADHD or anxiety as hurdles to overcome, I’ve started seeing them as integral parts of who I am. They shape how I process the world, how I empathize with others, and even how I approach my work.

When I stopped letting others dictate the way I relate to my mental health, I also stopped feeling ashamed of it. Therapy, medication, and self-reflection have helped me embrace these parts of myself. More importantly, they’ve given me the tools to stand firm in my truth.

Language has played a key role in this shift. I’ve replaced phrases like “I struggle with ADHD” with “I navigate life with ADHD.” I no longer say, “I have anxiety, but I’m working on it,” because there’s no “but” needed. This reframing isn’t just for the benefit of others—it’s, for me, a daily reminder that my mental health is not a flaw to be hidden but a reality to be acknowledged.

The Power of Advocacy

This resolution has also deepened my commitment to advocacy. By refusing to tolerate unhealthy opinions, I’ve found a stronger voice in challenging stigma—not just for myself but also for others navigating similar journeys. Writing about mental health, speaking up professionally, and sharing my experiences on platforms like LinkedIn have become ways to counter misinformation and promote understanding.

Advocacy isn’t just about education; it’s about empowerment. When I share my story, I’m not looking for validation—I’m looking to inspire others to take ownership of their narratives. If my resolution has taught me anything, change starts within. By prioritizing my mental health and refusing to entertain toxic opinions, I’m creating a ripple effect that encourages others to do the same.

Moving Forward

Reflecting on the past year and looking ahead, I feel a deep sense of pride. This resolution wasn’t about achieving perfection or silencing every critic—it was about reclaiming control over how I relate to my mental health. It was about honouring my journey, setting boundaries, and redefining what it means to live authentically.

There will always be people who misunderstand mental health or dismiss its importance. But their opinions don’t define me. What matters is how I navigate my journey and the relationships I build along the way.

This resolution has reminded me that self-acceptance is a lifelong process, one that requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. As I continue on this path, I’m committed to holding space for myself and others and proving that our stories deserve to be told—on our terms.

Ultimately, my New Year’s resolution wasn’t just about saying no to others—it was about saying yes to myself. And that, I believe, is the most empowering decision I’ve ever made.