Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anthony Abram Jr. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Anthony, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I want people to spread love and take care of their Mental Health. Growing up into my 20’s not being properly educated on what Mental Health is, then experiencing traumatic events, it’s only right I do my part and spread awareness the best way I can amongst our community. Therapy changed my life; I believe it can help change others as well. Date therapist until you find that one. Our generation has the resources to do better. Just like the great Lauryn Hill says, “How you gone win if you ain’t right within.”

Anthony, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Anthony Abram Jr, born in Gary, IN raised in Indianapolis, IN, for the past 9 years I’ve lived in Metro Atlanta. I am a Mental Health advocate, a speaker for the National Alliance on Mental Illness and two-time Amazon bestselling author.

Living Always, Inc is a Nonprofit Organization that is dedicated to normalizing talking about Mental Health after experiencing postpartum trauma amongst men and their families. On Wednesdays we provide a free virtual  Mental Health support group for men and women to come and be a part of different weekly discussions.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

It’s really something that’s always going to be work but unlearning how men are supposed to feel. I’m sure by now everyone knows the backstory; men aren’t supposed to show weakness because we’re strong. After being taught that way of thinking we navigate throughout life suppressing all types of feelings and emotions. Like many other households as well, I never truly knew what it was like to be able to express myself. If we were frustrated with school and needed to talk about it, it was always,” what are you stressed about, you don’t have any bills! You just have to focus on school and sports!” There is so much childhood trauma we’re all trying to unlearn and heal from.

I say this all the time, therapy is the main reason why I am married today. The place where the unlearning and unpacking has led to continuation of healing. Communicating and expressing how I truly feel without feeling as if I am being “weak” or “soft” literally opened my eyes to the bull society paints a man should be. I feel more of man by expressing how I truly feel. You have to love yourself enough first to even have the confidence. For me personally, unlearning what I was told as a child on how to express myself correctly without feeling judged has been so beneficial.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I can be very generic and say my whole life has illustrated my resilience. Honestly, overcoming suicidal ideations really illustrates my resilience.  I’ve had really serious thoughts about suicide a couple times, more recently earlier this year. If those that follow me on IG noticed I didn’t post for months because I was telling the world what not to do regarding suicide and here, I am contemplating taking my life. Like I mentioned with the unlearning part, it’s always going to be work involved with anything. I do a lot of overthinking about things that’s really not in my control with life, you know, plus I consider myself the “strong friend.” I let myself split into a very depressive state. Thinking I’m not where I’m supposed to be in life, when in reality I’m right where I’m supposed to be.  The scariest part about it is that I wear a great poker face masking it all, for real. Feeling like I’m repeating cycles I told myself I would break. Way too hard on myself for no reason, instead of just enjoying MY life’s journey everyday. Big shout out to my wife who will really check me, no matter what, along with my close friends. We all need folks in our corner to check us or check in with us on the Mental Health side of things. I hope those that’s reading this that’s struggling Mentally find that light to keep pushing forward. Don’t give up, you have so much more to live for! The Marathon Continues!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: livingalwaysinc
• Other: https://linktr.ee/LivingAlwaysInc