Why Healing Can Feel So Hard—And Why It’s Not Your Fault

By Susan Ahlstrom, Healing Arts Practitioner & Wellness Educator

If you’ve ever set out to feel better—maybe you booked a therapy session, started a new medication, or tried a meditation app—but then stopped showing up, stopped taking the pills, or just lost the motivation altogether... I want you to know this:

You are not broken. You are not lazy. You are not alone.

Healing from anxiety, chronic stress, or trauma isn’t just about following a treatment plan or pushing through discomfort. It’s a deeply human process that requires compassion, safety, and support. And if you’ve struggled to stay “on track,” it’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that the system wasn’t meeting you where you are.

Let’s talk about what really gets in the way—and how we can move through it, together.

The Barriers No One Talks About

1. Overwhelm and Exhaustion When your nervous system is stuck in survival mode, even small tasks—like making a call or showing up to an appointment—can feel impossible. Your brain is doing its best to protect you, but healing can’t happen when you’re running on empty.

2. Shame and Silence Many of us have absorbed the message that struggling with mental health is something to hide. If you’ve been the caregiver, the provider, or the “strong one” in your family, asking for help might feel like failure. But it’s not. It’s an act of courage.

3. Confusing Systems and Jargon The world of mental health can be full of big words, clinical labels, and complicated options. It’s no wonder many people feel overwhelmed and give up. You deserve clear explanations, honest conversations, and care that feels human—not transactional.

4. Side Effects and Setbacks Maybe you tried medication and didn’t like how it made you feel. Maybe talk therapy opened up wounds that you weren’t ready to face. These are real experiences. It’s okay to pause. It’s okay to reevaluate. Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all.

5. Money, Time, and Logistics Let’s be real—therapy can be expensive. Transportation can be hard. Life is already busy. These very real barriers can make it feel like healing is out of reach. But with the right support and flexible options, wellness can become more accessible.

You Don’t Need to “Comply”—You Deserve to Collaborate

In many traditional settings, mental health care is framed around “compliance”—as if healing is just about checking boxes and doing what you’re told.

But that’s not the world we’re building here.

At Lighter & Brighter Wellness, we take a collaborative, heart-centered approach. We listen first. We create safe spaces—both online and in person—where your story, your pace, and your needs come first. We integrate holistic tools like:

• Reiki and Energy Work to calm the nervous system

• EFT Tapping and Mindfulness to reduce anxiety and restore clarity

• Psychoeducation that’s simple, clear, and empowering

• Creative Healing through expressive arts, movement, and storytelling

  
  

You won’t be rushed. You won’t be judged. You’ll be met with warmth, flexibility, and real support.

You Are the Author of Your Healing Story

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’ve tried and failed too many times,” let me gently interrupt that thought:

You haven’t failed—you’ve learned. You’ve survived. And that strength is still with you.

Healing is not about perfection. It’s about connection. And when you’re ready, I’m here to walk with you on this path. You don’t have to navigate it alone.

Let’s begin again. One breath, one step, one conversation at a time.

💛 If you’re ready to explore gentle, personalized healing support, visit Open Path Healing Arts or contact me directly to schedule a discovery call. Together, we can move toward a life that feels lighter, brighter, and more whole.