Honoring Mental Health Awareness Month with Artist Glenneisha “G” Darkins

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to shed light on the often unspoken struggles we face and to celebrate the strength found in vulnerability, healing, and resilience. One individual who embodies these themes with authenticity and artistry is Glenneisha “G” Darkins.

In honor of this month, G shares a powerful reminder: healing isn’t always linear, and seeking help isn’t a weakness—it’s a courageous act of self-preservation.

Through her art and lived experience, G opens the door to conversations about mental health, trauma, and personal transformation. She reflects on a pivotal chapter in her life, following a life-altering accident and the emotional toll of adjusting to a new reality.

“I didn’t feel like myself and was resistant to help,” she recalls.

During her rehabilitation at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, G was required to participate in one-on-one therapy sessions—something she initially resisted. Like many, she didn’t realize how valuable therapy could be in processing the guilt, anger, and grief she carried.

“I struggled with suicidal ideation, PTSD, depression… it was a lot to carry at 19.”

Today, G continues to navigate waves of sadness, anxiety, and grief—but she does so with tools she’s cultivated through therapy, the support of loved ones, and her art. Her story isn’t just about recovery—it’s about redefining what it means to live fully, even when life looks different than expected.

“There’s no one way to look or live—it’s how fly you make it, even at your lowest.”

As we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, G’s story reminds us of the importance of showing up for ourselves—and for each other. Healing takes time. Asking for help is brave. And creating space for those conversations can change lives.

If you or someone you love is struggling, you're not alone. Visit NAMI.org or call/text 988 for free, confidential support.