Hello everyone, my name is Latecia Chinn, but my friends call me Tecia—like Tisha Campbell. I want to share a deeply personal part of my journey with mental health, not just for my own healing, but to inspire hope and understanding for others facing similar struggles. By profession, I am a Compliance Risk Manager at one of the nation’s largest banks. But who I am goes far beyond my job title: I am a mental health advocate, a community supporter, a storyteller, a life coach, and a public speaker. My mission is to give hope to the hopeless and to show others that even in our darkest moments, there is a way forward. Mental health challenges are often invisible, yet they impact millions. Workplace suicide has increased by 39% since 2000, and many struggles go unspoken because of stigma. Studies show that 1 in 4 executives admit to battling mental health issues but don’t feel safe asking for help. My own story is one of those struggles. In the fall of 2022, I was pushed to the brink after months of workplace abuse, discrimination, and harassment. Despite reaching out for help, my concerns were ignored. The stress and depression became overwhelming, and in a moment of despair, I made a tragic decision—to end my life during a team call, on camera. It was a cry for help I didn’t fully understand at the time. Thankfully, I am here today because of the support of my therapist and psychiatrist. They helped me develop a treatment plan that allowed me to rebuild. I live with mental health challenges, but I refuse to let them define me. I stand before you as someone who has faced darkness and found light, someone who has learned that seeking help is a sign of strength. My journey has been difficult—fighting shame, stigma, and the feeling of being misunderstood. There was a time I went four months without pay because I had to fight for my mental health benefits. During that time, friends stepped in to support me—flying across the country to help with my household, reminding me I was not alone. That’s why I am proud to be a member of Mental Health America’s 1933 Society. I’ve committed financially to their work because I believe in their mission to support mental health for all. I want to emphasize that no amount of money can fully address the urgent need for awareness, compassion, and access. I share my story because mental illness does not have a face. It can affect anyone—regardless of age or background. Most days, I don’t look like someone living with mental health challenges. But I am living proof that recovery is possible, and that seeking help is a sign of strength. This chapter is a testament to the power of support, faith, and perseverance. As I approach my 46th birthday on April 27, I want to celebrate by giving back. I am asking for your support to help me reach a fundraising goal of $4,600—$100 for each year of my life. This will go directly to Mental Health America, supporting programs that raise awareness, provide resources, and offer hope to those who need it most. Your support helps break down stigma, fund vital services, and remind someone battling in silence that they are not alone. Together, we can create a world where mental health is prioritized and everyone has the opportunity to heal and thrive. Thank you for visiting my page, for your kindness, and for helping me turn my pain into purpose. Let’s make this birthday a celebration of hope—because mental health matters, and everyone deserves support.