By Tina Smith, LPC, M.Ed.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”
— Psalm 34:18

In honor of World Mental Health Day, recognized each year on October 10, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on something I witness often. It shows up in the therapy room, in quiet conversations, and in the lives of people who are trying their best to carry heavy things without falling apart.

Sometimes, what people need most is not a solution. They need a safe space to speak the unspeakable, to cry tears that never had permission, or to say, “I’m not okay.” Healing begins in moments like these. Not because everything is fixed, but because they are no longer alone.

Holding Space Is Sacred Work

In therapy, we often talk about holding space. It means being fully present with someone. It’s about listening with your whole heart, without trying to control, correct, or change their experience.

It’s the kind of moment when someone finally exhales. They realize they don’t have to explain everything perfectly, and they’re not being judged for how they feel.

That kind of support does not always change the situation, but it can change the person experiencing it. And while this kind of care is common in therapy, it belongs in our everyday lives too.

Who Helps You Feel Safe?

One of the questions I often ask clients is,
“Who feels safe to you?”

Who lets you show up without pretending?
Who listens and allows you to be real, even if your story is messy or hard to put into words?

Healing takes connection.
It takes safe people who offer presence, not pressure.
It takes moments where our pain is held with gentleness, not judgment.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 tells us,
“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

This is part of God’s design. We were meant to walk with each other.

Real Listening Isn’t Passive. It’s Compassionate.

Too many people have learned to silence themselves.
They’ve heard phrases like:
“You’re too emotional.”
“Other people have it worse.”
“You just need to be stronger.”

But true listening sounds different.
It says:
“I hear you.”
“I believe you.”
“You’re allowed to feel this.”
“You’re not alone.”

Listening well isn’t about fixing someone. It’s about helping them feel safe enough to be seen and heard.

For Those Who Show Up for Others

If you are someone who holds space for others — whether as a friend, a parent, a leader, or a counselor — thank you.

Your presence makes a difference.
Even when you feel like you aren’t doing enough, your willingness to sit with someone in their pain is a gift.

Psalm 34:18 reminds us that God draws near to the brokenhearted. He does not turn away. He does not shame. He stays. That is the kind of love we are called to reflect.

A Gentle Invitation

On this World Mental Health Day, take a moment to reflect:

– Who makes you feel safe?
– Who could use your quiet support today?
– Have you allowed yourself to receive the care you so often give?

You do not have to carry everything by yourself.
You are worthy of support.
You are allowed to rest.
You are still becoming, and you are not alone.

With compassion,
Tina Smith, LPC, M.Ed.
Co-Founder, Branches of Hope Wellness