Even Supergirl has feelings.

What grief, loneliness, and

mental health can teach us about healing.

I recently went to see the new Supergirl movie, expecting an entertaining superhero film. What I didn't expect was to leave thinking about the emotional journey woven throughout the story. As I watched, I couldn't help but notice themes that felt incredibly human: searching for a place to belong, longing for safety and home, carrying grief, experiencing loneliness, and trying to make sense of overwhelming sadness. Two main characters were navigating similar emotions, yet each coped in very different ways.

It was a reminder that while our stories may be different, our emotional experiences are often more alike than we realize.

Sometimes Even the Strongest People Feel Lost

Watching the movie made me think about the people I sit with every day in my office.

When I think of "Supergirl," I don't just think of a superhero. I think of my patients, friends, family members, coworkers, students, parents, caregivers, and maybe even you.

• Supergirl represents anyone who has ever felt lost.

• Anyone who has carried grief that others couldn't see.

• Anyone who has questioned where they belong.

• Anyone who has experienced sadness or loneliness and wondered if they would ever feel like themselves again.

If I'm being honest, there have been seasons in my own life when I've related to those feelings, too. One of the most comforting things I've learned both personally and professionally is that these emotions don't make us weak. They make us human.

Why We Hide Our Feelings

As a counselor, I've had countless conversations with people who tell me they feel overwhelmed by their emotions. They worry their sadness is "too much." They wonder if they should be handling things better. Some fear that if they allow themselves to fully feel their emotions, they'll never find their way back out.

These are incredibly human fears.

Like Supergirl, there are times when we believe we have to hide our emotions to present ourselves a certain way or meet the expectations we think others have of us.

So instead we:

• smile when we're hurting.

• We tell everyone we're "fine."

• We stay busy.

• We distract ourselves.

• We convince ourselves we'll deal with it later.

Often, we hide our emotions because we're afraid that vulnerability will make us appear weak.

But what if vulnerability isn't weakness at all?

What if it's one of the bravest things we can do?

What Happens When We Try to Numb Emotional Pain?

One of the themes that stood out to me most in the movie was Supergirl's attempt to escape emotional pain. Rather than sitting with grief and loss, she repeatedly looked for ways to numb those feelings. While the setting is fictional and the coping methods are galactic, the message felt surprisingly familiar. Many of us have our own ways of avoiding emotional pain.

• Sometimes it's overworking.

• Sometimes it's staying constantly busy.

• Sometimes it's endlessly scrolling our phones.

• Sometimes it's isolating ourselves or turning to unhealthy coping habits.

The behaviors may look different, but the purpose is often the same: to avoid feeling what hurts. The challenge is that numbing doesn't only dull painful emotions—it often dulls joy, connection, and healing, too.

Healing Begins When We Share Our Story

The moment that stayed with me the most wasn't an action scene. It was a conversation.

Healing didn't begin when the pain disappeared. Healing began when Supergirl finally shared her story. She spoke about losing her mother, saying goodbye to her father, and losing the place she called home. For the first time, someone else was able to witness the pain she had been carrying. That moment reminded me of something I often share with my patients:

Our stories become a little lighter when we no longer have to carry them alone.

I've seen this over and over again. Healing doesn't require pretending everything is okay.

It begins by acknowledging what you're feeling and allowing someone safe to walk beside you.

Three Ways to Care for Your Mental Health Today

If you're struggling today, here are three gentle reminders:

1. Give yourself permission to not be okay.

You don't have to have everything figured out today. Your feelings are valid, even when they're uncomfortable.

2. Reach out for professional support.

Whether it's a counselor or a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you don't have to wait until you're in crisis to ask for help. Support is available, and seeking it is a sign of strength—not failure.

3. Share your story with someone you trust.

Healing often begins in safe relationships. If there's someone you feel comfortable with, let them know what you've been carrying. You might be surprised how much lighter things feel when someone simply listens.

You Don't Have to Carry It Alone

Just like Supergirl, we all experience and process emotions differently.

There is no "right" way to grieve. There is no timeline for healing.

There is no award for carrying the heaviest burden by yourself.

Whether you're navigating grief, loneliness, sadness, anxiety, or simply feeling lost, you deserve support. There is hope. There is healing. And there are people who want to walk alongside you.

Because even Supergirl has feelings.

And so do we.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, sadness, anxiety, or simply carrying more than you can manage alone, you don't have to navigate it by yourself. Whether you're interested in medication management or simply exploring your options, we're here to help.

Reach out today to schedule an appointment with one of our providers and take the first step toward healing. Get started by clicking here.

Thoughts from your admin,

Mickey Aviles MA. NCC. LPC. ACS