Achea Redd makes mental health awareness her mission—because for Redd, it's personal.

In early 2016, Redd was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Terrified and ashamed, the mother of two hid her condition from the world, but she quickly realized it was only getting worse.

Her GAD, combined with her history of depression and past eating disorder, affected her both mentally and physically, culminating in a full-blown nervous breakdown. It wasn’t until she acknowledged the situation with her loved ones and sought treatment from her therapist and doctor that things finally started to get better.

As a form of self-expression and healing, Redd created her own blog, sharing her feelings about mental health and authenticity. The support she received from the community compelled her to create Real Girls F.A.R.T., a space to empower and equip women with the necessary tools to use their voices and become their best, most authentic selves.

Redd uses her own life experience and mental health disorder to help women find their voice and let it out—and most importantly, to let women and girls who are suffering, struggling and stressed know that they are not alone.

Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorder, Overcoming Adversity, Women's Empowerment, Women,