Eight years ago, I told the story of my son’s battle with his mental health. In light of the recent deaths of Regina King’s son, Ian Alexander Jr., and 2019 Miss USA winner Cheslie Kryst, I felt this story needed an update.
Mental illness is a journey not just for the person battling it, but also for all those who know and love them. My son is now 26 and still suffers from breakthroughs of mental illness, which seem to be more frequent during the pandemic. In the past two years, he’s made numerous trips back to the hospital and been given new medications. But when you have no source of income or state Medicaid, your resources are limited, only adding to what seems like a never-ending nightmare.
We are starting to talk about mental illness in the African-American community, but we are still not fully accepting of this disease that is taking our loved ones from us.
You’re not alone. If you feel like you need someone to talk to, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
My prayer in sharing this story again is that it will enlighten you about the struggle of African-American children and young adults suffering from depression.
You can read more here: A Son’s Journey to Mental Health
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