By: Dr. Ritu Goel, Founder, MindClaire
A few years ago, I found myself sitting in my parked car outside the clinic where I worked. My hands were on the steering wheel, but I couldn’t bring myself to walk in. I wasn’t physically unwell, but emotionally, I was spent. As a psychiatrist, I had spent years supporting others through their mental health journeys. And yet, in that moment, I realized I had been completely neglecting my own.
That day changed everything for me.
Women are natural caregivers, nurturers, leaders, multitaskers. We show up, no matter what. We power through deadlines, care for families, maintain relationships, and often, suffer in silence. But this ability to push through can come at a cost. Behind the polished exterior, many of us carry invisible burdens, self-doubt, exhaustion, anxiety, or grief. We rarely give ourselves permission to pause, let alone to fall apart.
At MindClaire, I work with women from all walks of life, CEOs, students, mothers, survivors. And no matter their background, the pattern is familiar. Many share a deep sense of disconnection, from themselves, from their joy, from their purpose. The truth is, modern womanhood can feel like a constant performance, and somewhere along the way, we stop checking in with our own hearts.
This is not weakness. It’s a signal. A call to turn inward, to tend to what’s been ignored.
Mental wellness isn’t about eliminating struggle, it’s about building a deeper relationship with ourselves. It begins with simple, radical honesty, admitting when we’re not okay. It deepens through compassion, rest, boundaries, therapy, movement, community. It’s not indulgence, it’s survival. And more than that, it’s a form of quiet rebellion in a world that expects us to be everything, all the time.
I often tell my patients, there’s profound strength in softness. When we make space to feel, to reflect, to ask for help, we are rewriting the narrative. We are creating a world where emotional well-being is as vital as physical health, and where vulnerability is not a flaw, but a form of courage.
As women, we carry the emotional pulse of families, communities, workplaces. Imagine the impact when we begin to nurture ourselves with the same tenderness we offer others. The ripple effect is powerful.
So today, I invite you, whether you’re in a moment of quiet peace or private chaos, to pause. To breathe. To check in. Your mental well-being matters. Not just for those around you, but for you.
The car moment I had years ago was humbling. But it also marked the beginning of healing, a reminder that even those who guide others need space to be guided. And that it’s never too late to return to yourself. Dr. Ritu Goel is an integrative child and adolescent psychiatrist and the founder of MindClaire, a mental health platform offering holistic support for women and families. Her work has been featured in Forbes, The Epoch Times, and other notable publications. Learn more at www.mindclaire.com.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Individuals experiencing mental health concerns should consult with a licensed healthcare provider for personalized support and guidance. Results from mental health practices may vary, and seeking professional help is recommended for specific issues.
