Do you ever feel like you're the one who has to hold it all together? The one everyone counts on to listen, to lead, to lift the mood, or solve the crisis? You might be the “strong one” in your family, friend group, or workplace; the dependable, emotionally available person who always shows up, no matter what. But here’s what doesn’t get said enough: Being the strong one comes at a cost. You may be silently carrying the weight of others’ emotions while pushing your own needs aside. You might be juggling your responsibilities while suppressing your stress, sadness, or overwhelm because people expect you to be okay. And over time, that emotional labor can leave you feeling drained, disconnected, or even resentful. It’s a quiet kind of burnout, one that doesn’t always show on the outside but slowly chips away at your mental health on the inside. In this post, we’re exploring the hidden emotional toll of being “the strong one.” We’ll unpack how this role impacts mental well-being ...