Wear Your Pearls Day
Every December 15th is National Wear Your Pearls Day in the United States.
Do you ever wonder what people don’t tell you? What’s hidden beneath their smiles, their busy lives, or the masks they wear to get through the day?
Have you ever felt this way?
Sometimes, we only see part of someone—the half they’re comfortable showing. The other half, the part that’s hurting, overwhelmed, or lonely, stays tucked away, unseen and unspoken
"I know that feeling—sometimes, I only have half to give."
I’d love it if you’d take a moment to read through this—it might brighten someone’s day, bring them comfort, save a life, or offer hope to a soul in need.
December 15th is National Wear Your Pearls Day here in the United States. It’s an annual depression and anxiety awareness campaign.
Mental Health Awareness Campaign for National Wear Your Pearls Day - December 15th (Campaign creation by Shelly Buettner, Shelly B. Copy)
December 15th is National Wear Your Pearls Day here in the United States. It’s an annual depression and anxiety awareness campaign.
But it’s probably not exactly what you might think—it’s not really about pearls or fashion. Well, maybe a little, but it’s so much more than that.
It’s about finding strength in life’s challenges and uncovering the beauty within.
Founded in 2015 by best-selling author, motivational speaker, and mental health advocate DeAnna Bookert-Heard, MBA, National Wear Your Pearls Day is an annual campaign celebrated every December 15th to raise awareness of depression and anxiety.
National #WearYourPearls Day is about how the adversities we face in life make us more valuable and beautiful—just like the pearl.
But it’s also about what’s hidden: the struggles we don’t let others see.
As the photo in the above awareness campaign suggests, we often only see half of our fellow humans. The other half is hidden, and we rarely see the whole picture.
It’s about the layers we pile on to keep others from seeing inside—to mask our hurt, uncertainty, overwhelm, and fear. For so many, what's hidden is dark, painful and deeply isolating.
Just like the pearl, what’s hidden inside helps create our most beautiful qualities and radiant glow.
You never truly know what someone is going through unless you ask—but even asking isn’t always a sure bet. Sometimes, laughter and jokes masquerade as happiness, concealing what's really going on.
In recent years, much-needed conversations and awareness around mental health challenges like anxiety and depression have begun to emerge. Slowly but surely, these topics are becoming less taboo and easier to discuss, admit, and seek help for. Yet, there’s still a long road ahead.
For everyone struggling with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, grief, or overwhelming stress, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Talk to someone you trust—whether it’s a family member, friend, coworker, healthcare provider, spiritual leader, teacher, or community volunteer. Reach out to anyone who will listen.
I know how incredibly challenging and overwhelming this can be. I’ve been there, and I’ve seen loved ones struggle too. But we need you here—fully here—because there’s only one you in this world, and you matter.
#WearYourPearls-December 15th
Maintaining good mental health isn’t always easy, but it’s essential—and it’s worth the effort.
As DeAnna says, "I wear pearls as a reminder that I have purpose and value."
We all have value and purpose, even during times when we feel uncertain, confused, or deeply depleted.
Start a genuine conversation with the person next to you. Take a moment to let those in your life know how much they mean to you and the positive impact they’ve had on you.
Ask them how they’re doing—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Then, truly listen. Phones down, mind focused, heart open—listen with intention.
It feels good to be seen, appreciated, valued, and loved—imperfections and all. Just like a pearl.
On December 15th, please wear your pearls to honor how our imperfections help us glow from the inside out.
Seeing others wear pearls on National #WearYourPearls Day sparks meaningful conversations and fosters a sense of community and commitment to mental health awareness.
Together, let’s help those around us recognize their beauty and importance in the world.
If you need to talk with someone, visit https://988lifeline.org/get-help or dial 988 in the United States. This free, confidential mental health hotline is available 24/7, connecting individuals with counselors across the U.S. and its territories. You don’t have to be suicidal to call—support is available for anyone in need.
Here are a few other resources throughout the world where you can seek help and/or talk with counselors or medical professionals:
World Health Organization (WHO)
Website: WHO Mental Health
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)
Website: IASP
World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH)
Website: WFMH
World Alliance of Crisis Helplines (WACH)
Website: WACH
Lifeline International
Website: Lifeline International
These organizations provide valuable resources and support networks for mental health and suicide prevention worldwide.
Please share your stories of love and healing. We all need to hear them.
Together we can lift each other up, support one another and help each other heal.
And like the Pearl, when we share our beautiful soul with the world, we GLOW!
Sending you all peace and love.
Cheers,
Shel
