Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyia Flowers.
Hi Kyia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Mental health has always been important to me. Like many people, I’ve experienced my fair share of trauma. In March of 2017, I lost my mom to cancer, it was my senior year of high school. Suddenly, I was lost and heartbroken.
In my freshman year of college, my uncle died of liver failure. I found myself hopeless again. I never understood why I had insomnia at 10 years old, or why I’d just exploded in disagreements. Last May, I was diagnosed with Bipolar II. During that time of being hospitalized, I felt alone.
I had one close friend, my boyfriend, and my family. The people I expected to show up for me did not. I had to start over. Not just with my friendships but with myself. I took a new medication to manage my illness and experienced mostly lows.
As time went on, I started to lose hope. I always knew my purpose was bigger than me so I kept going. I found a balance with my medication. I kept my faith in God and dug deeper into spirituality. I practiced self-love and love and encouraged others to do the same!
I fell in love with myself again and started working on my health and working out! I found a second family (new friends). I also recently partnered with a mental health organization called MCW Hope for life with Marie Christie Willams!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been easy at all. I’ve struggled with sexual assault, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, mania, depression, and anxiety. I’m still here and standing and it reassures me that I have a purpose!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a mental health advocate, if you follow me on IG @kyiaflowers you’ll see motivational posts and messages daily.
I am currently creating a mental health clothing line dedicated to mental health illnesses such as anxiety, and depression. OCD, BPD, etc. Breaking the stigma is my life’s mission.
My goal is to break the ice about our personal struggles and create a conversation. I believe by talking about we will feel stronger together.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I want to give a big shout-out to my dad Robert Flowers. He has been my hero since I was a little girl. He has supported me through all the tough times in my life, especially my mental illness. He never fails to remind me how proud my mom would be of me.
I believe I get my passion for people from both him and my mom. I owe my mom and him all credit. They are the reason I am the motivated young woman I am. Big shoutout to all of my 13 siblings I love you all you all motivate and inspire me to be better and do better every day! Also, to my team Tia and Trent. Whatever I’ve envisioned for my brand they’ve brought to life!
My high school counselor Ms. Shannon Harting. You walked me through such a dark time in my life. You’ve turned into a forever friend, and my favorite cheerleader as I keep triumphing through life! Also my friends for always supporting me and cheering me on!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.curethestigma.com/
- Instagram: @kyiaflowers
- Facebook: @kyiaflowers
- Youtube: @kyiaflowers
Image Credits
@paulsleet
