I’m always the strong one for everyone else, but some days I just wish someone was strong for me.

I’m a mom, a student, and I work from home. From the outside, people probably think I’m holding it all together, but inside I feel like I’m constantly carrying more than I can handle.

One of my daughters is on the autism spectrum, and I do everything I can to meet her needs while making sure her sister feels equally loved and supported. I juggle school, work, and parenting all at once, and some days I wonder how much longer I can keep going at this pace.

What makes it harder is that I don’t have parents to lean on. They both have passed, and the family fell apart. There’s no one checking in on me, no one to call when I’m overwhelmed. Yet somehow, everyone calls me with their problems. And the truth is, I don’t mind. I actually find peace in helping others, and I’m genuinely happy to be there for the people I love. But sometimes I wish someone would ask if I’m okay. Because when it comes down to it, I’m the only one there for me.

I’m not writing this for pity. I just needed to say it out loud. If you’re the one who’s always strong for everyone else but silently struggling inside, I see you. You’re not alone.