Mental illness is often described as an invisible battle—but for many, including Jaida, the fight becomes overwhelming long before anyone realizes they’re struggling.
In a recent episode of the Global Impact Podcast, host Ali Mehdaoui sat down with Sonnie Price, Program Supervisor at Global Impact Wellness Group, and Jaida Collins, who courageously opened up about her journey through crisis, shame, honesty, and healing.
This is more than a conversation about mental health.
This is a story of survival—and the moment a breaking point became a turning point.
When Mental Illness Collides With Real Life
Jaida spoke candidly about how her mental illness began creating issues that weren’t really there—distorting relationships, intensifying emotions, and pushing her into isolation. Eventually, the challenges became so overwhelming that she was asked to leave her home.
“I couldn’t live there anymore.”
Those words marked both the lowest moment of her life and the beginning of her transformation.
With nowhere to go, Jaida’s godmother helped her get a hotel for the night. What happened next was a moment many people silently fear but few openly discuss: she decided to give up.
A Night That Changed Everything
Jaida described the night she took multiple pills, believing it would be the end.
But instead, she woke up—violently sick, purging not just the pills, but years of pent-up emotion.
“I regurgitated all of it.”
And in that moment, something unexpected happened.
“What came out of me was more than just the pills.”
It was the embarrassment.
The shame.
The pain she had been swallowing for years.
The crushing weight of pretending she was okay.
For the first time, she felt ready to be fully honest with herself—and with others—about how deeply she had been struggling.
The Power of Honesty and Connection
Sonnie Price helped unpack that moment of emotional release with compassion and clinical insight. Mental health crises don’t always look like what movies show us. Sometimes they’re quiet. Sometimes they look like a tired young woman in a hotel room, finally letting the truth come out.
And sometimes, they become the moment someone decides to live.
Jaida’s honesty became the first step toward rebuilding her sense of self and reclaiming her voice.
As she shared her story, Sonnie affirmed something many people need to hear:
Struggle is not failure. Honesty is strength. Healing begins the moment you reach for help.
Why Stories Like Jaida’s Matter
Every day, countless individuals move through the world carrying invisible pain. Stories like Jaida’s help break the silence surrounding:
- Depression and emotional isolation
- Fear of judgment
- Self-hate, shame, and embarrassment
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- The pressure to appear “fine” when you’re not
Her story reminds us that being overwhelmed doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human. Asking for help is not a burden—it’s an act of bravery.
A Message for Anyone Struggling
If you’re fighting your own internal battles…
If you’re hiding your pain because you’re afraid no one will understand…
If you’ve ever felt like giving up…
Let this episode be your reminder:
🌱 You are not alone.
🌱 Your story isn’t over.
🌱 Your honesty can save your life.
🌱 Help is here.
And healing—even in the smallest form—begins with telling the truth.
Listen to the Full Episode
The full conversation with Ali Mehdaoui, Sonnie Price, and Jaida Collins is available now on the Global Impact Podcast.
It’s raw. It’s honest. It’s life-changing.
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help
Please reach out.
Call or text 988 for 24/7 emotional support.
Your life matters. You matter.
And your turning point can start today right HERE.