There’s an unfortunate stigma around mental illness, which results in a culture of silence around the subject. In the black community, that culture of silence is twofold, thanks to narratives and stereotypes that place black men and women in boxes of strength and invulnerability that leave little room for reaching out.
Luckily, in recent years, more and more black people, including those in the public eye, have opened up about dealing with and overcoming the struggles of mental illness.
In honor of Minority Mental Health Month, which is recognized in July, below are some prominent black celebs, from Alicia Keys to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, talking about how they overcame mental illness.
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Michelle Williams
Raymond Boyd via Getty Images
Brandon Marshall
Cindy Ord via Getty Images
Alicia Keys
Phil McCarten / Reuters
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Wayne Brady
Paul Archuleta via Getty Images
Metta World Peace
Jason LaVeris via Getty Images
Lisa Nicole Carson
S. Granitz via Getty Images
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Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
Miami Herald via Getty Images
DMX
John Lamparski via Getty Images
Janet Jackson
JC Olivera via Getty Images
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Jennifer Lewis
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin via Getty Images
Kid Cudi
Andrew Chin via Getty Images
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