The mask of strength many single mothers wear every day was stripped away in a heartbreaking Instagram video posted by Dominyke Lesha (@queennuniqueee), a young woman who says she is exhausted, overlooked, and on the verge of breaking.
“I’m tired… I just want peace. But I can’t give up because I have a whole child looking up to me,” she says through tears.
In the emotionally raw clip, Dominyke opens up about her struggles with homelessness, rejection, and the crushing weight of single motherhood—an experience she says is often misunderstood and overlooked by society.
“People keep saying ‘just pray about it.’ I am praying. When is He going to answer me?” she pleads.
A Cry Many Understand—But Few Acknowledge
Supporters say Dominyke’s vulnerability is not just her own—it’s a reflection of countless single parents who hide their suffering behind smiles. An accompanying message posted by an advocate on Instagram urges the public to show compassion, recognizing that many, like Dominyke, are forced to mask their fears and pain just to survive.
“So many times we put on masks to walk out of the house,” the post reads. “Masking our insecurities, masking our emotions, masking our troubles… trying to live up to societal expectations.”
Dominyke says she’s tried every avenue for support—attending job fairs, calling helplines, applying for assistance—but found only dead ends.
“We called every number on the list they gave us at therapy,” she said. “Nobody could help. I went to every job event. Nobody hired me. What am I doing wrong?”
No Friends, No Family, No Shelter
In one of the most devastating parts of the video, Dominyke reveals she’s currently living in her car. She feels completely abandoned by those she once supported.
“My friends, family—everybody said f*** me,” she says. “I let everyone use me until they couldn’t anymore.”
Her story has struck a nerve online, with followers and strangers expressing support and urging others to extend a hand—offering resources, kind words, or even financial help.
“If you have anything, let’s reach out to this sister and show her some love,” the original post encourages. “Just because you’re up today doesn’t mean you’ll be up tomorrow.”
A Call to Action, Not Just Sympathy
While Dominyke’s video is a personal cry, it’s also a social indictment. Her situation underscores the systemic barriers that many single mothers—especially Black women—face when seeking employment, mental health care, and housing.
Her story reminds us that empathy is not enough. Community, advocacy, and real structural support are essential.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. For housing and social service assistance in your area, dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org.
