“After every storm, there is a rainbow. If you have eyes, you will find it. If you have wisdom, you will create it. If you have love for yourself and others, you won’t need it.” – Shannon L. Alder
Some of the most successful folks in our community thrive despite experiencing mental health challenges. We are inspired by their strength and honored that they would share their stories with us below.
Kimberly Thomas
I overcame depression after battling with it for many years. I am so grateful to say that I am healed from depression by the grace of God. When you focus on your spiritual health, mental health, and physical health you will become a more healthier version of yourself mind, body, soul, and spirit. Read more>>
Mandi Dunn
For years now I have struggled with depression, anxiety and panic attacks. It has been a long journey, and I don’t think it will ever *not* be a part of my life. But through therapy, medication and leaning on my loved ones, I have been able to figure out how to live life around these mental health issues. Read more>>
Gayla Parks
When I was feeling down or depressed about situations that were occurring, I would keep in the back of my mind that I have a purpose. I believe that God has a path laid out for all of us. When things seemed negative, I would turn it around. I would think to myself, “it could be worse”. The rough patches in our lives will pass. Read more>>
Gwennetta Wright
As a child, I struggled with depression, a challenge that intensified when I became an entrepreneur. Although I was viewed as a successful and inspiring figure, I battled with intense loneliness and sadness privately. At night, I’d return home and cry myself to sleep, but by day, I had to maintain a facade of strength in various roles—as a friend, sister, aunt, mentor and business leader. Read more>>
Shalena Ali
Overcoming and persisting through mental health challenges We often hear the words “Be Kind”, as you never know what someone else is going through internally. That’s because we’ve all been conditioned to wear an emotional and energetic mask as we move through life and interact with people. Read more>>
Tim Rutherford
The mental health challenges faced by first responders are a critical issue that demands attention. By openly addressing these challenges, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, and providing support, we can help first responders find the light on the other side of their struggles, ensuring their well-being and the safety of the communities they serve. Read more>>
Alexis Lombre
Despite this past year being one of the most successful years in my career, I’ve suffered from severe depression which makes it all the more confusing. I’m sharing this because while I’m here on this earth I want to help people understand the things that I’ve gone through and have my story be a testimony to how it is possible to get better even in the thick of it. Read more>>
Diazhane Warren
When it comes to mental health and being an esthetician you definitely need to find a balance , as early on in your career as possible . When I was just getting started in this field I wouldn’t eat for hours , drink water , or even step outside . I would just be focused on my tasks at hand but I realized in order for me to be at my best for my clientele I had to take care of me first. Read more>>
G Sandmire
When it comes to mental health issues and the challenges related to them I have had to learn to cope and overcome in new ways. I have bipolar disorder on top of severe anxiety and depression and have had to at times force myself out of my comfort zones to be able to focus on myself and my business. I’ve always coped by drawing and have turned that into something that I enjoy doing but also share with others. Read more>>
Corey Frank
As cliche as it may sound, mental health is wealth and five years ago, I had lost my worth and wasn’t aware of it. I was experiencing an identity crisis and it took one of my close friends to bring it to my attention. The journey began with major adjustments and sudden transitions as I leaned heavily into my personal relationship with Christ. My spiritual connection continues to be the source that connects me to the success story and testimony I am today. Read more>>
Elizabeth Torres
I have suffered from anxiety since I was a child. I remember being about 5 years old and already suffering with severe anxiety. As I got older it came in waves. Certain situations would trigger anxiety attacks. Yet, for the most part my anxiety was silent and controlled my thoughts 24-7. Read more>>
LoveLi
Growing up as a teenager, I found myself engulfed in an environment where self-harm was distressingly normalized. It became my unfortunate remedy, a desperate attempt to navigate through a whirlwind of emotions for which I felt ill-equipped to handle in a healthy manner. Amidst this struggle, I grappled not only with my own internal turmoil but also with the sense of being different and ostracized within my family dynamic. Read more>>
Tyler Carpenter
I give myself grace! I feel like we are so hard on ourselves and very critical of how our mental well-being should be, that we don’t give ourselves the time to feel the emotions that we’re having. About 3-4 years ago, I came to the conclusion that it’s perfectly okay to not want to get out of bed and just watch Grown-ish all day, but that comes with its limitations! Read more>>
Stefanie Julia
About 7 months ago, I made the hard decision to end my romantic relationship and move out of my home. I knew it would be hard and take a toll on me mentally and financially but I knew it was time. I had location freedom as I was well into the world of full-time entrepreneurship as a business strategist and coach in the online space so I moved to Atlanta in the hopes of finding stability in a well known city for black women in entrepreneurship. Read more>>
