Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith, it is the price of love. And within that pain lies the quiet strength to heal, to carry on, and to honor what was lost by how we choose to live.
Struggles and Strength
As we pass the halfway point of the year, many of us begin to feel the emotional weight of the months that have already unfolded. July often serves as a quiet checkpoint, a time when the momentum of the new year has slowed, and the reality of our daily lives sets in. The goals we set in January may now feel distant, and the challenges we’ve faced along the way start to catch up with us emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually.
This mid-year period can stir a mix of reflection and fatigue. It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by unprocessed grief, lingering stress, or a sense of burnout from simply trying to hold everything together. Whether you’re navigating personal loss, struggling with motivation, or quietly managing your mental health, know that you are not alone. These feelings are part of the human experience, not signs of failure, but signals that it’s time to pause, reset, and care for ourselves more deeply.
At our Mental Wellness Chat Club —often referred to as our “Support Group” – we recognise this season as an invitation to gently reconnect: with ourselves, with community, and with the practices that nourish and restore us. Let July be a month of
softness and self-compassion, a time to honour both how far we’ve come and what within us still needs care and attention.
Our Mental Wellness Chat Club returns online on August 11th. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to welcome you. Please reach out through our website: atheniesangels.org.au.
Below is a suggested Wellness Practice: “The Mid-Year Self Check-In”
Take 30 minutes this week to pause and do a gentle check-in with yourself. Find a quiet space, grab a journal or simply sit in stillness, and reflect on the following questions:
1. What have I been carrying emotionally these past six months?
2. What am I proud of, no matter how small?
3. What do I need more of — rest, connection, clarity, support?
4. What can I release or reframe to move forward with greater ease?
This practice isn’t about judgment or productivity – it’s about listening to your inner landscape with compassion. Sometimes, simply giving yourself permission to feel and acknowledge where you are is the most powerful form of self-care.
In Loving memory: The Selwood Family’s Courage
Our hearts go out to the Selwood family, who have faced unimaginable heartbreak this year. In February 2025, Troy Selwood tragically lost his life to suicide, leaving a community of loved ones devastated. Only a few months later, in May 2025, his twin
brother Adam Selwood also passed away. The pain of losing one child is beyond words. Losing two, in such a short time, is a grief few can comprehend.
The Selwood family’s story is a painful reminder that mental health struggles can often remain unseen. It speaks to the importance of connection, checking in, and holding space for grief, both of our own and others’. These losses ripple through families, friendships, workplaces, and communities.
We share their story not to sensationalise tragedy, but to honor their lives and bring light to the very real struggles many people face behind closed doors. It is also a call to each of us to be gentle with one another, especially during times like these.
Unifying as a community
Grief and personal struggle can feel isolated, but they are deeply human experiences that we all encounter in different ways. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the weight of depression, burnout from daily responsibilities, or a quiet sense of disconnection, no one should have to face hardship alone.
Here are some meaningful ways we can support ourselves and each other during difficult times.
1. Be a Safe Place for Someone
Sometimes, people don’t need advice, they just need someone who will sit with them in their pain. Offer a listening ear without judgment. Let them share what they’re going through, even if it’s messy or uncomfortable. Phrases like “I’m here for you,” “That sounds hard,” or “You don’t have to go through this alone” can go a long way.
2. Check In, Even When You’re Not Sure What to Say
People who are struggling often isolate themselves or mask their pain. A simple message like “Thinking of you today” or “Want to go for a walk?” can make them feel appreciated. You don’t need perfect words, just showing up matters. It reminds them
they’re seen and valued.
3. Honor Their Process
Grief and healing don’t follow a timeline. Resist the urge to push people to “move on” or “look on the bright side.” Instead, validate their emotions and recognise that healing is nonlinear. Respect how each person copes. Some may cry openly, while others withdraw or stay busy.
4. Gently Encourage Professional Support
While friends and family play a vital role, some struggles require professional help. You can say, “Have you thought about speaking to someone? I can help you look for options.” Support doesn’t mean fixing someone, it means walking alongside them as they seek the help they need.
5. Take Care of Yourself, Too
Supporting others can be emotionally taxing. It’s okay to set boundaries and seek your own support when needed. Self-care isn’t selfish, it strengthens your capacity to care for others. That might mean taking breaks, talking to a friend, journaling, or seeking your own therapy.
6. Building a Culture of Compassion
Let’s create spaces where it’s okay to not be okay. At work, at home, in our communities, let’s normalize conversations about mental health. When we model vulnerability and compassion, we help others feel safe to do the same.
Taking Small Steps Forward
When the weight of life feels heavy, it can be hard to know where to begin. But even the smallest steps like getting out of bed, going for a walk, or sending a message to someone you trust can be acts of strength. These small efforts are not insignificant, they are signs that you’re still showing up, even when it’s hard.
If you’re supporting someone else, remember that you don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes your steady presence is enough. Healing is not linear, and neither is coping. Be patient with yourself and others. Together, taking small steps can lead us forward.
Struggle is part of being human, but support is what makes healing possible. By standing together either through quiet presence, kind actions, or simply being there, we create a community where no one must suffer in silence.
If you or someone you love is in need of support, our team at Athenie’s Angels is here. Let’s keep showing up for each other.
If this resonates with you, please know that you are not alone. Reach out!
We are a safe place!