ST: My name is Susan L Taylor. Editor-in-chief Emeritus of Essence Magazine.

My sadness and depression grew out of giving myself to my career before I would give myself to myself. And then I am out there speaking in front of thousands of people with a smile pasted on my face, but dying on the inside. Hiding sadness makes you more and more sad, because it closes you off. Giving voice to what you are feeling is part of the healing. We’re dying, and the most revolutionary and healing thing that black people can do right now, is to love one another.

TW: This is Terrie Williams, co-founder of the Stay Strong Foundation. Mental illness is devastating our community, and it’s up to us to stop it. It’s time for us to wake up, stand up, and speak up. What I know is – together we can do this. Search online for Stories That Heal.

We must share ourselves…healing starts with us.