Everyone Hurts NOT Everyone Heals
A New Resource for
Mental Health Support
men·tal health
noun
a person’s condition regarding their psychological and emotional well-being.
Mission Statement:
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To provide AWARENESS to those suffering from as well as the loved ones of anyone that has been diagnosed or is undiagnosed with Mental Health issues.
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To provide EDUCATION on the behaviors and the triggers and most importantly, the avenues that are available to promote self healing.
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Lastly, to remove the STIGMA that has been associated with Mental Health in the African American community.
2017 was an intense year for Li Milan Without permission, 2017 unapologetically jump started her need for a journey towards healing. Diagnosed with extreme anxiety, Li Milan struggled silently using writing as a mechanism to cope. Unfortunately, during the year of 2017, there were far too many breaking points that caused her to finally address the elephant in the room.
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As the years moved forward, instead of healing, it seemed as though Li Milan moved in the opposite direction. Interactions with family and peers were in jeopardy, her relationship with her daughter took a turn for the worst, and most importantly her belief in God hearing her prayers was lacking. This combination began a journey of unhealthy eating, anxiety, and depression.
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In Spring of 2021, Li Milan decided she was tired of the un-addressed mental health issues controlling her outcomes. “Each day felt as if the walls were closing in!!! I was afraid of having a mental breakdown. Between anxiety and hypochondria, I wasn't sure which one would cause my demise, but I knew if I didn't change some things soon, the walls would suffocate me.” says Li Milan.
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Her journey towards transparency was now at the forefront. Helping others by exposing her personal battles became the top priority. A wise man once told her, “Your trials are NOT for you, but instead a Testimony for someone else.” This was indeed the beginning of Li Milan’s next chapter.
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By using her trials as a testimony, Li Milan has decided to focus on the stigma around Mental Health in the African American community. When asked what she would say to the African American youth that are currently struggling in silence, due to feeling they wouldn’t be accepted and judged, her response was, "People are always going to judge you. I hate that I hid my experiences for years to avoid people having opinions about me. I’ve heard it all from “anxiety is not real” to “she’s crazy.” Fortunately, none of those individuals were in the Mental Health field nor did they have a clue. If I can be frank, as I look back on their hurtful assessments of me and fast forward to where many of those individuals are in their personal lives today, I can honestly say that many of them needed a therapist and an action plan then and now.”
This campaign is dedicated to EVERYONE who has been misunderstood and suffered silently through the hurt before finding their healing. Everyone Hurts but Not Everyone Heals.
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Today, we HOPE to change that…
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Indicators of Mental Health Struggles
Li Milan, Founder/Activist
And Above All Things, A Work In Progress
Philippians 4:13
Resources for Mental Health Struggles
TwoZero17
Everyone Hurts but Not Everyone Heals
2017 was an intense year for Actor R. Marcus Taylor. Without his permission, 2017 unapologetically jump started his need for a journey towards healing. Diagnosed with ADHD, Extreme Anxiety, Clinical Depression and Bi-Polar Disorder, Marcus struggled silently using Martial Arts and Acting as a mechanism to cope. Unfortunately, during the year of 2017, there was a lapse in treatment, and Marcus spiraled. The incidents from that spiral were highly televised causing him to sink deeper into depression.
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As the years moved forward, Marcus moved in the opposite direction. Relationships with peers were in jeopardy, the number of acting jobs took a turn for the worst, and most importantly his belief in God was lacking. This combination began a journey of unhealthy eating, anxiety, and depression for Marcus.
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When asked to join the TwoZero17 campaign, Marcus quickly agreed. “I am ready to feel strong and confident. I want to live a long time with my family. I am ready to be the best version of myself!!!” says Marcus.
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But First… God. After dedicating his life to God through Baptism and life changes, Marcus knew his purpose was to help others through his flaws.
Also using his trials as a testimony, Marcus immediately hopped on the campaign ready to focus on the stigma around Mental Health in the African American communities. When asked what he would say to the African American youth that have struggled and hid their mental health diagnosis due to feeling they wouldn’t be accepted and judged, his response, “I felt like that my entire childhood. Nowadays, more people are seeking help through therapy and that’s a good thing! Just make sure you seek that professional help to ensure you receive the proper treatment, and if medication is needed, please take it so that you have what you need to function. Don’t be ashamed. Black people have been dealing with depression and anxiety disorders since slavery.”
This campaign is dedicated to everyone who has been misunderstood and suffered silently through the hurt before finding their healing.
Everyone Hurts but Not Everyone Heals. ​Today, we HOPE to change that…
R. Marcus Taylor, Actor/Activist
TwoZero17
Everyone Hurts but Not Everyone Heals
For years Tina Varner suffered with substance abuse as a result primarily of a mentally abusive relationship. To Tina the substances were a coping mechanism. After suffering a psychotic break and receiving proper treatment at a mental health facility she learned where her mental health issues stemmed from. Tina was advised to be brutally honest with herself and the people who were there to help her. She was diagnosed Bi-Polar with a nice side dish of PTSD.
Some of Tina's lingering memories from past experiences attributed to her PTSD, events that occurred decades ago she had forgotten. Having the knowledge of the source of her struggles, or better yet, her battle to survive, opened a new World and granted her a self awareness she did not know she needed. This self awareness is what allows her to understand and function day to day with these illnesses.
Her outlet to cope now, versus alcohol and other substances, is creating her artwork. When she feels a moment of spiraling down she turns to her creativity. It is a powerful tool to maintain balance.
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Tina has experienced similar psychotic breaks since the initial episode. It is a day to day, life long journey. She is constantly aware and reminded by people who love and support her that her path is not easy and to be careful in all life decisions.
"It is not a journey for the faint of heart. Having a supportive tribe around is priceless. We all have a unique experience and we all heal differently. But ultimately, we can heal."
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When asked what Tina would say to anyone who has struggled and hid their mental health diagnosis due to feeling they wouldn’t be accepted and judged, her response, "Have no fear. You are likely not alone on this journey. You may be surprised by the support you receive. It just takes courage to share your truth. Have no fear."
Tina Varner, Artist/Activist