When I first began navigating my own mental health challenges, I realized quickly how hard it can feel when the people closest to you don’t understand—or even dismiss—what you’re going through. As a Black woman, I know the weight of stigma and silence in our communities around mental health. Family and friends may mean well, but when support is missing, it can leave you feeling isolated and unheard. I had to learn how to honor my truth, even when others weren’t ready to. That meant finding safe spaces to talk, educating myself about my diagnosis, and practicing radical self-care while setting boundaries with those who didn’t know how to support me. Through this process, I discovered that healing isn’t about convincing everyone else—it’s about affirming yourself and connecting with people who do understand. Now, I walk with others who are on this journey, offering support and strategies to help you stand in your truth, even when it feels like you’re standing alone.