Amanda Seales is opening up about one of the darkest chapters of her life, sharing a candid account of her struggles with suicidal thoughts.
During a recent live video, the actress, comedian and cultural commentator also opened up about the pressure of public criticism, and the decision to seek psychiatric treatment despite stigma surrounding mental health care.
Her live video, which has been shared by entertainment platform LiveBitez, reflected on a period in 2020 when she seriously questioned whether she wanted to continue living.
“Y’all almost made me take my own life because you almost tricked me into thinking that I wasn’t a likable broad and that I didn’t deserve to live,” Seales said. “You almost got me.”
The television personality described feeling disconnected and overwhelmed during that time, recalling how online criticism and feelings of isolation intensified her mental health struggles.
“In 2020, I really, really, really thought I don’t belong here,” she said. “I really thought, okay, well, you know, it’s time to go.”
Seales spoke openly about the reality of suicidal ideation, describing it as an internal battle between conflicting thoughts and emotions.
“Anybody here who’s ever had suicidal ideations knows that it’s a very out-of-body kind of experience,” she explained. “Part of you is like, ‘Nah, you good,’ and the other part of you is like, ‘This ain’t good.’”
One of the most striking moments in her reflection came when she discussed her decision to seek professional medical help. Seales said she listened to her instincts and consulted a psychiatrist, ultimately beginning treatment with medication.
“I had again listened to my intuition when it said, ‘You need to get a psychiatrist because you need to get on meds,’” she said.
The entertainer also challenged attitudes she believes contribute to mental health stigma. Recalling a conversation with a friend after revealing she had started medication, Seales said she was told prayer should have been the solution.
“I remember I told a homegirl that I had to get on meds and she was like, ‘Oh, you should have told me. I would have prayed for you so that you didn’t have to,’” Seales said. “We’re not homegirls anymore.”
Instead, Seales stressed that faith and medical treatment are not mutually exclusive. She said that while she believes in a larger spiritual purpose, she also recognizes the importance of addressing mental health through professional care.
“My soul is not meant to stay here forever,” she said. “But while it is here in this space, in this particular part of this planet, it needs some help. And so I be on my Lexapro.”
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a prescription antidepressant in the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) class. It is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. By increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, it helps regulate mood, sleep, and energy.
Her comments have resonated with many supporters online, particularly as conversations around mental health continue to evolve within Black communities, where stigma surrounding therapy and psychiatric medication has historically remained a barrier to treatment.
“Hopefully listening to her journey will encourage others to seek help too when they can’t seem to find their way🙏🏾,” someone commented.
Mental health advocates have increasingly encouraged open discussions about depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, arguing that transparency from public figures can help normalize seeking help and reduce shame associated with treatment.
