My name is Amy Union, and I am a 17-year-old black girl. I wanted to write this letter to share my experiences as a black teenager dealing with depression. I hope that my story can help shed light on the struggles that many black teens face and inspire others to seek help when they need it.

Growing up, I always felt like I was different from the other kids in my school. I was one of the only black students, and I often felt like I didn't fit in. As I got older, I began to notice the subtle ways that racism and discrimination impacted my life. I was constantly being stereotyped and judged based on the color of my skin, and it was exhausting.

As a result of these experiences, I began to feel isolated and alone. I didn't feel like I could talk to anyone about what I was going through, and I started to withdraw from my friends and family. It wasn't until I started experiencing symptoms of depression that I realized I needed help.

At first, I didn't want to admit that I was struggling. I felt like I should be able to handle everything on my own, but eventually, I realized that I needed to talk to someone. I started seeing a therapist who specialized in helping black teenagers, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Through therapy, I was able to explore my feelings and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. My therapist helped me learn coping skills and strategies for managing my depression, and I began to feel more hopeful about my future.

One of the hardest things about depression is feeling like you're alone in your struggles. But through therapy, I realized that I wasn't alone. Many black teenagers struggle with depression, and it's important for us to talk about it and seek help.

There are a lot of unique challenges that black teenagers face that can contribute to depression. For example, we may feel pressure to succeed academically and professionally to prove ourselves in a world that often doesn't value us. We may also experience discrimination and racism, which can impact our mental health.

I also think it's important to talk about the impact of social media on mental health. As a black teenager, I see a lot of negative messages about black people on social media. Whether it's racist memes or negative stereotypes, it can be really damaging to see these messages day after day. It's important to be mindful of the impact that social media can have on mental health and to take breaks when necessary.

One of the things that has helped me the most in my journey with depression is self-care. Taking care of myself physically, emotionally, and mentally is essential for my well-being. This includes things like exercise, getting enough sleep, spending time with loved ones, and doing things that bring me joy.

Another thing that has helped me is connecting with other black teenagers who understand what I'm going through. Whether it's through social media, support groups, or just talking to friends, having a community of people who understand can be really helpful.

It's also important to have allies who support us and advocate for us. Whether it's teachers, family members, or friends, having people who stand with us and fight for our rights can make a huge difference.

Of course, there are still days when I struggle with depression. But now, I have the tools and resources I need to manage it. I want other black teenagers to know that they're not alone. This is my story.