EP 11 - The Exhaustion Behind "I'm fine"

Depression already feels like carrying a heavy backpack no one else can see. You wake up tired. Everyday tasks feel like climbing a mountain. And then, on top of that, you wear the mask: smiling at work, making small talk, telling friends “I’m fine.”

Pretending doesn’t protect you. It drains you. Every false smile, every swallowed truth, every moment you say you’re fine when you’re not, those are leaks. And over time, those leaks bleed you dry.

In this episode of I’m Fine, But My Depression Isn’t, we go deeper into the exhaustion behind the mask and uncover the shadow truth: that pretending to be fine is a form ofself-abandonment. It’s not just hiding pain, it’s rejecting your own reality.

You’ll learn:

· Why the mask adds to depression’s fatigue

· How to spot where your energy is really going

· A one-week “energy honesty check” to uncover your leaks

· How to create one safe place where you don’t have to be fine

Honesty is lighter than hiding. And you deserve to set some of the weight down. If this resonates and you’re ready for deeper support, you can connect with me at www.susiebower.com or on Instagram @susie_bower_