Rapper’s mother creates crisis text line after son’s death

JACKSON, Tenn. — Around one in four adults struggle with mental illness.

Linked closely with substance dependency, these issues create a complex web of pain and loneliness.

But there is also hope, healing, and change.

The stigma surrounding mental health also excessively affects black communities, especially black men.

When rapper Jarad “Juice WRLD” Higgins died of an accidental drug overdose, his mother Carmela Wallace turned her pain into purpose in honor of her son by creating a crisis text line and website.

“The purpose and goal is to normalize the conversation around mental health and to let people know that they are not alone,” Wallace said.

If you or someone you know is in need of urgent support, text LF999 to 741741 to speak with a compassionate and trained crisis counselor. Click here for more information.

You can also call the Suicide & Crisis lifeline at 988.

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