How to Survive the Emotional Rollercoaster of Mental Health (Without Screaming in Fear)

Let’s talk about something we all pretend doesn’t exist: the emotional rollercoaster that is mental health. And no, I’m not talking about the Disney version where you get on the ride, feel a little nervous, but then enjoy the cool music and beautiful scenery. Oh no, I’m talking about the real-life rollercoaster—the one that feels like it’s going off the rails and you have no idea if you’re going up or falling straight down.

First of all, can we just agree on one thing? Life is wild, and the emotional ups and downs are a lot to handle. Some days you’re on top of the world, thinking, “I’ve got this. I’m a badass, I’m crushing my goals, and no one can stop me.” Other days, you’re curled up in bed with a pint of ice cream, questioning every decision you’ve ever made (we’ve all been there).

If you’re a high-achiever, you probably feel like you’re constantly riding this crazy rollercoaster, trying to hold on tight while also pretending you have everything under control. Spoiler alert: You don’t. And that’s totally okay.

Let’s dig into this, shall we? Here’s a little reality check for you, and trust me, you’re not alone in this ride.

First Things First: Mental Health Is Not A Linear Journey

If you’re waiting for that magical “eureka” moment where everything finally clicks into place and you float through life like a zen master—well, spoiler alert: it might never happen. But that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means you’re human.

Mental health is a journey—often one with sharp turns, unexpected drops, and the occasional upside-down loop. The truth is, it’s messy. You don’t get on the rollercoaster and magically stay at the top for the entire ride. No one stays happy, calm, or perfectly balanced all the time. Life doesn’t work that way.

And guess what? It’s okay to feel like you’re all over the place. It’s okay to have days where you feel like you’re on top of your game and other days where you feel like your brain is a warzone. This rollercoaster ride? It's part of the process.

Let’s Talk About The “Good” Days vs. The “Bad” Days

You know those days when you feel like you’re totally crushing it? The ones where you wake up early, meditate, knock out your to-do list, and feel like a superhero? We love those days. We want to bottle them up and live in that bliss forever. But here’s the thing: those days don’t define your mental health.

Those days are the rare sunshine between the cloudy ones, and you’ve got to celebrate them when they happen. But the rest of the time? It’s about surviving (and sometimes thriving) during the bad days.

On those “bad” days, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just plain meh, remind yourself that it’s temporary. And hey, it’s also a sign you’re doing something right. Because growth isn’t always pretty, and the messy stuff is where you learn the most.

What I Want You to Know About the “Struggle”

I know it can be exhausting to feel like you’re constantly managing your mental health. Between therapy, self-care, the million ways we try to “fix” ourselves, and the expectations we place on our shoulders, it can feel like you’re running a marathon without knowing where the finish line is. But here’s the truth: the struggle is part of the process. It doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re growing.

I’m not going to tell you to just “let it go” or “breathe through it” when you’re having a rough day. That’s not helpful. But what I will tell you is this: the struggle is normal. It’s okay to feel like you’re not always 100% on your A-game. It’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to be messy. In fact, that’s how you know you’re doing the real work.

You are allowed to feel like crap sometimes. You are allowed to need a nap, to cancel plans, or to sit on the couch and watch Netflix for hours. (Seriously, no judgment here—sometimes that’s exactly what you need). Your mental health journey isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, even when you don’t feel like it.

Stop Pretending to Have It All Together

Here’s the thing: if you think everyone else has it all figured out, I hate to burst your bubble—but they don’t. They’re just as messy as you are. We’re all figuring it out as we go. Sure, some people might seem like they’ve got their life perfectly curated on Instagram, but behind the highlights, they’re probably struggling just like you.

We’ve all been there. So, if you’re feeling like you’re the only one who’s a little (or a lot) of a mess, just know you’re not. I’m right there with you. And so is everyone else who’s brave enough to show up for themselves, even when the rollercoaster ride feels like it might take them to hell and back.

Humor Is Your Secret Weapon

Listen, if you can laugh at yourself during the tough days, you’re already ahead of the game. Humor is the secret sauce that can make even the darkest days a little brighter. Yes, mental health is serious, but you don’t always have to be serious about it.

The next time you feel like your brain is doing backflips in the middle of a mental health crisis, try to find the humor in it. Sure, you might be spiraling, but can we just admit that some of the thoughts we have are hilarious? (Anyone else ever have an existential crisis while eating pizza at 2 a.m.?)

Laugh at the chaos. It’s one of the best tools you have for surviving this crazy ride.

The Bottom Line: You’re Not Alone, And You’ve Got This

At the end of the day, mental health is a ride. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, ups and downs, highs and lows. But here’s the thing: you’re not in this alone. There’s a whole bunch of us out here trying to figure it out, too.

And if you’re struggling today, I want you to hear me loud and clear: you’ve got this. Even on the worst days, when it feels like the ride is about to go off the rails, you’ve got the strength to hang on. You don’t need to have it all together. You just need to keep showing up.

So go ahead. Buckle up, take a deep breath, and know that you’re going to get through this. And hey, if you need a little more support, or a reminder that you’re not alone, check out my poetry book Poems for When You’re Falling Apart (and Still Showing Up). It's full of raw, real, and funny insights into navigating mental health with a little humor and a lot of heart.

Final Thoughts

The rollercoaster of mental health isn’t about perfect balance. It’s about finding moments of peace in the chaos and laughing through the tough times. So don’t hold yourself to impossible standards. Embrace the ups and downs, and know that you’re doing just fine, even when it feels like you’re not.

You’re human. You’re messy. And most importantly, you’re showing up every single day—and that’s all that matters.

❤️

Sarah