I have been dealing with mental health issues since I was 12 years old; it’s an integral part of my life. It has made my life really hard, but also really beautiful. I’m super introspective and empathetic to people, and I think that has a lot to do with my own experiences with mental health.

My ability to intuit people’s struggles has made it even clearer that many people of color struggle with mental health issues. The mental health space is predominantly white and often lacks resources for people of color. On top of that, stigmas surround mental health issues in nonwhite communities. I think the relationship Black communities in particular have with therapy and mental health is affecting us for the worse. When we ignore how we feel, it manifests in our bodies and detrimentally affects us in both the short and long term. That’s why it has been my life’s goal to advocate for people, especially people of color and especially Black people, to take care of their minds.

Mental health isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue. Everyone is different, and finding the right treatment takes trial and error. I wanted to share a selection of resources—organizations, people, apps and books—that have helped guide me through my own mental health journey, in the hope that they might help others too.

Playboy provides links to third-party services for informational purposes only, and does not take responsibility for the information or services such third parties provide. Please conduct your own research and make your own decisions about whether to use any of these services. Providing these links does not imply an endorsement by Playboy. You should always consult your physician or other health care professional before starting any mental or physical health program to determine if it is right for you.