DISQUS

Guest · 2 months ago

Thanks for caring and telling the truth.

Anthony Farrior · 2 months ago

#MaiasTruth thanx for finding the truth Robin...

Guest · 2 months ago

Thank you Robin!

Guest · 2 months ago

thank you for posting this...the video disturbed me but now I understand the dynamics behind the situation.

-Vaughny

Curvatude · 2 months ago

My Uncle is a schizophrenic and i totally understand what you mean. I love twitter but there are times when the kids and the ugliness just gets out of hand. I rarely pay attention to the trending topics exactly because of moments like this.

Its sad.

AroundHarlem.com · 2 months ago

Great read.

Guest · 2 months ago

i see the truth;

dj_diva · 2 months ago

thank you

Guest · 2 months ago

Thank you for posting this... Although I have never known anyone with this illness it saddening I have been tweeting for the cruel jokes to stop... Many people are out there with many problems and we dont laugh at them but when people find some one that use to be in the spotlight who has the same problems as someone down the street you laugh its not right... Bless you and all should pray for her and if you are her friend please try and help her get out of this situation of drugs abuse and God knows what else... God bless you all
www.twitter.com/xblaqu3barbii3x

Shanita Webb · 2 months ago

Thanks for posting this! As a sister of a schizophrenic, I know all too well Maia's story and hate for people to make fun of such a serious and debilitating illness.

Guest · 2 months ago

I just find it sad that when someone is suffering people get so excited about adding to the hurt.

Guest · 2 months ago

thanks peeps need to understand that her illness is serious and that she needs help but yall on twitter say help her help the neighborhood schizo and crackheads they need it also!!

Zanade · 2 months ago

Thanks for the information, I am a huge fan of Maia she is beyond beautiful and talented and I am glad to hear that the horrible rumors are not true...

I hope she gets well..

Zanade
www.twitter.com/zanade :*

Guest · 2 months ago

Well said. Thanks for posting, for rising above the idiocy, and for using the opportunity to educate people and to provide links so others can help.

Azimuchi · 2 months ago

Thanks for enlightening me....and sharing the truth.

Precious Williams · 2 months ago

Thank you for posting this! How can so many people be gleeful about somebody's obvious pain and torment?

Guest · 2 months ago

Thank you for this.
Baylis

Guest · 2 months ago

so what yall saying yall saying shes not really on drugs?

Guest · 2 months ago

yes she's on drugs, she's addicted to crystal meth

hypothyroid37 · 2 months ago

i will tweet this web page!

TIm Kenney · 2 months ago

thanks SO much for your kind, compassionate and penetrative blog post. think I'm gonna have to subscribe

Guest · 2 months ago

I am saddened that a majority of our society laughs, jokes and makes fun of people hurt and pain. The reality is that Maia is HUMAN... She has issues just like evryone else. Mental illness is something that I think our society has yet become mature enough to deal with yet.... I pray for Maia... She is in need... Why would people joke about such a serious matter?? Makes you take a closer look at the world we live in... Please guys....lets be more mature about this... she is already going through so much.

Also, to the girl who spoke up about her mental illness... Thank You... That definitely opens my eyes a bit more.

God Bless you all!!!

Guest · 2 months ago

My sister isn't schizophrenic but has battled mental illness and it is no laughing matter. I appreciate your compassion and pray more people will follow ur lead!

Guest · 2 months ago

Thank you for posting this because clearly there is a majority of BP who have lost all compassion for other human beings. They're in so much pain themselves and it's so sad when they find joy in seeing someone else's demise. The gossip bloggers don't know what the truth is, theyjust hope that they can get hits to possibly generate some ad revenue and the fools who follow them don't even have a clue. There was a time when bloggers were leading the pact, they havenow become vicious with their lies and are quickly becoming unreliable.

Guest · 2 months ago

Someone linked to you on twitter, thanks for the real story. All I could find was smack talk. I pray she finds help and support. Thank you again.

Guest · 2 months ago

Thank you Robin for such an important post. Mental illness in the black community is often hidden and overlooked, leaving sufferers with their families to endure decades of hurt. We don't discuss it; we don't acknowledge it. If the young lady is on drugs it's most likely for the same reason as other patients - it's typically a way to drown out the noise in their heads. This is such a delicate topic. Depression, mania and schizophrenia are hard on families. Just pray for the young lady and her family.

Guest · 2 months ago

thank you - thank you - thank you. my thoughts and prayers are with maia and her family.

Guest · 2 months ago

I liked Maia, but the other part of this truth that you speak of is that she IS on drugs. Sad but true. What we saw in the video is not just someone with schizophrenia. She is also an addict. Yes her disorder is part of the problem. But it's not the entire problem.

Felicia · 2 months ago

Wow thank you for this because I couldnt figure out what the heck was going on. And you're right she needs prayers and not to be the butt of today's jokes.

Guest · 2 months ago

thank you so mych for posting this. i happened to see a tweet and had no idea what was goin on. when i looked for more information all i saw were people jumping on her and calling her a drug addict. i didnt even know that she had a mental illness and this is the first time that i saw someone talk abiut it. people are always quick to throw stones but slow to help heal wounds. thank you for truely informing me.

Holly G · 2 months ago

We prefer mental disorders, not illness thanks. And I like to think of my self as Anamaria and I have a bi polar disorder, not Amaria and Im bipolar.

I do not allow the disorder to define who I am. I am the only person who defines me.

It is important to separate the two. Here is a quote from The Soloist by Steve Lopez

"[Stella] March writes me encouraging notes about Nathaniel and my efforts on his behalf, but seldom offers specific advice, although she is the one who has taught me Nathaniel is not a mentally ill musician, as I've been referring to him, but a musician with a mental illness. It's a subtle but significant difference, recognizing the person before the condition." Pg 81

"[Tom] Cruise has brilliantly bolstered all the primitive thinking about mental illness, making it out to be a choice born of moral and spiritual weakness. Stigma, March says, keeps families from accepting a loved one's illness and seeking treatment for them, and marginalizes those who are afflicted. Why else, she asks me, would it be socially acceptable for them to sleep on filthy and dangerous streets? Would anyone tolerate an outdoor dumping ground for victims of cancer, ALS, and Parkinson's?" Pg 83

This is a great book, a definite read.

Guest · 2 months ago

I Also Wanted to find the Truth behind this Trending Video and Could Not Watch Most of it. You have provided a Compassionate blog on this Topic and I am Grateful for That. I would Also Appreciate some kind of Resource Regarding the Certainty of this Diagnosis. A Statement from the Family etc. would Seal the Deal and I would be able to Forward this link in Clean Conscience. As it Stands Now, You are the Only One Mentioning Schizophrenia and I cannot cite as a Clean Resource.

I wanted to Send you My Love and Empathy Regarding Your Aunt and the Abominable Treatments that the Western/European Doctors have Exposed so Many too. I am Glad for your Beautiful Memories and the Resources you have directed people to Regarding the Disorder.

@LanguidGypsy

blackboxoffice · 2 months ago

Thanks for this. Although, we should always be trending with truth. There's so much gossip referred to on twitter and other social nets that gets ignored because we are entertained. The gossip culture has gotten completely out of hand. It's easy to forget that these are human beings.

Guest · 2 months ago

I Also Wanted to find the Truth behind this Trending Video and Could Not Watch Most of it. You have provided a Compassionate blog on this Topic and I am Grateful for That. I would Also Appreciate some kind of Resource Regarding the Certainty of this Diagnosis. A Statement from the Family etc. would Seal the Deal and I would be able to Forward this link in Clean Conscience. As it Stands Now, You are the Only One Mentioning Schizophrenia and I cannot cite as a Clean Resource.

I wanted to Send you My Love and Empathy Regarding Your Aunt and the Abominable Treatments that the Western/European Doctors have Exposed so Many too. I am Glad for your Beautiful Memories and the Resources you have directed people to Regarding the Disorder.

@LanguidGypsy

PS- The Trending has been Changing to one of Pray and Thought...I thought You Might Like To Know-

Guest · 2 months ago

This was beautifully written Robin. Great way to educate people on a topic that so many of us (African Americans) don't want to talk about.

LindsayDianne · 2 months ago

Thank you so much for this post. It is heart wrenching, and I'm so glad to see someone speak out about mental illness.
Kudos to you.

Guest · 2 months ago

Very well written there........enjoyed reading that post opened up my mind to what i saw . didnt really see it as funny but more as a dose of reality behind the scenes in Hollywood !

Guest · 2 months ago

very informative

I been there and done that. · 2 months ago

I suffered from ecstacy induced Schizophrenia episodes due to having someone who was the low down scum of the earth put something in my drink. By the grace of God and with my own self determination I haven't suffered any since. But I have permanent nerve damaged so when I lay down my body jerks at times. It took over a year for the hallucinations and sensations to go away. It is not wise to take the medications prescribed if your schizophrenia (hallucinations) are coming from drugs because your brain is already off balance because it is saturated with "foreign" chemicals. I been through it so I know it can kill you and if you survive it do permanent brain and/or nerve damage where you can't control sensations or hallucinations. I damn near fried to death in the hospital from overheating. I was convulsing and tremoring uncontrollaby and went blind for a short period of time had a seisure and damn near had a heart attack! Understand that schizophrenia is a chemical imbalance in the brain so if it is brought on by drugs taking more drugs will only make it worse or could kill you! What she needs is to be able to go to a place where they can keep a watch on her while she is having hallucinations and for her family to be patient with her and trust that she knows what is going on with her mind and body. It's not funny. Its heart breaking you can't control what you see or what you hear or the sensations in your body. I was in so much physical pain I wanted to die! To have the people you love or people who don't understand lash out on you or force you take the very thing that you know could kill you only makes things worse. A person like that if they don't have a strong will can kill themself or others so it is a very delicate situation and should be treated as such. If your brain returns to its norman balance after the drugs have left your system the meds will bring on hallucinations. Try taking antipsychotic meds when you are sober for your self and you will find out for yourself and you better pray to God you have the will to survive the "trip". I thank God I did and I pray that Maia will to. Listen to people when they have issues and have some compassion because one day you made need someone to do the same thing for you. :-[

Guest · 2 months ago

Thanks to the Author

Logic · 2 months ago

Thanks for setting people straight, while I was reading the post and watching her on youtube it made me really sad. Black people tend to judge first and ask questions later when it should be the reverse. Please people get the facts first, pray for those that have fallen and remember you never know what can happen to you or a love one. Let's stop the hate! I would never want someone to walk in my shoes if they have holes... Let's think of her family and how they must feel Pray for her and help her if you can.....Put a little love in your heart.

Guest · 2 months ago

One thing I would like to note. You really shouldn't say someone is schizophrenic. The person is not the illness. You should say person with schizophrenia. It sounds trivial, but there's a world of difference... At any rate, this is a great post.. I wish Maia luck in dealing with this...

YVONNE · 2 months ago

THANK YOU FOR THIS STORY I COULD ONLY WATCH PART OF THE VIDEO IT WAS TO SAD. I JUST WISH THERE WAS SOMEONE IN HER LIFE THAT COULD HELP HER. IT'S NOT HER FAULT SHE HAS A MENTAL ILLINESS. WHAT EACH PERSON THAT LOOKS AT THE VIDEO NEEDS TO DO IS LIFT HER UP IN PRAYER. THERE BY THE GRACE OF GOD GO I THAT'S ALL ANY OF US CAN SAY. WE COULD WAKE UP TOMORROW AND BE WORSE OFF THAN SHE IS RIGHT NOW. NONE OF US CAN PREDICT THE FUTURE THAT'S WHY WE SHOULD NEVER REJOICE IN SOMEONE ELSE'S SORROW.

I TRUELY HOPE & PRAY THAT THE SORRY EXCUSES FOR MEN THAT TOOK THE VIDEO GOD HAS SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR THEM.

Guest · 2 months ago

Well said. Great post.

trina@style-root.com · 2 months ago

Thanks so much for taking the time to write this. Fantasy is what we want but reality is what we need. You definitely Blog with Integrity... www.blogwithintegrity.com. So do I (www.style-root.com).

Guest · 2 months ago

I'm so happy to see that there are still a few people left who'd rather do the research and discover the TRUTH rather than go on what's being said or shown. Maia's story saddens me and I only that more people will wake up and find out what's really going on rather than continuing to judge her based on accusations and speculations. Excellent post!

Guest · 2 months ago

I too know the horror and joy of living with mental illness, I am a manic depressive. Mental illness does not discriminate, it can strike anyone. Mental illness often strikes just as adult life begins taking down some of the best and brightest. While great strides in treatment are being made, mental illness is an often misunderstood and feared disorder.

Many of us with mental illness try to self medicate, often without knowing why we are drinking or taking drugs. The mentally ill sometimes do not have the best reasoning skills, it seems totally logical that if we are feeling better we don't need meds any longer. Once off of them the symptoms return, however somewhere in our brains we don't connect the change in how we feel to the absence of medication. We start drinking, drugging etc to feel better. to not feel how we do. Because it just seems like a good idea at the time.

Many, like me, go 20+ years getting the wrong diagnosis, wrong medications, giving up on finding out what is wrong with us. Eventually something will go so very wrong that a doctor or therapist finally sees what the problem is and are able to address it. This happened to me. I was 36 when I was told, "you are a manic depressive. Don't worry its treatable!" they were some of the happiest words i've ever heard. The drinking, the drugs, the binges, all gone. My life changed. In some ways better, in some ways, well lets just say it was calmer, if not always easy. We figured out that I'd been cycling since I was 17.

People don't want to understand about mental illness. if they know too much about it someone may think there is something wrong with them. some are just afraid of us. To many we are just someone to make fun of and someone to blame when things go wrong. If we were there it must be our fault, we're nuts they are not.

living with mental illness is not easy. None of us would have chosen this for ourselves. We try to live as best we can. Some make out better then others. No matter, please remember we are all human too.

The Comeback Girl · 2 months ago

I actually met a woman a couple of years ago, who schooled me about DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) now the "correct" term for schizophrenia. Additionally I find it sad, that mental health is still so widely ignored in the black community.

Guest · 2 months ago

word i feel that

Kim · 2 months ago

Wow! That's horrible. I saw Maia's name trending on Twitter, but got side tracked w/ the kids and forgot to check. After reading your post about what's happening I'm glad I read yours first and not a bunch of foolishness. Like you, my Aunt died a couple of yrs ago after suffering from schizophrenia, I have another Aunt suffering from Dementia and now my Dad, their youngest brother, is in a nursing home suffering from Dementia. So my family has been truly affected by mental illness and IT IS NOT FUNNY. Thank for trying to bring civility where often there is none.

Guest · 2 months ago

I will pray for Maia as well as everyone who has shared their experiences as I have a brother with schizophrenia and know what this illness can do. God Bless!!!

Kiwi · 2 months ago

I, too saw the trend topic on Twitter and decided to view the video. I was in tears. I don't know anyone personally with Schizophrenia, per se...but, my grand aunt has been mentally ill for years. I know people right now who probably suffer from one mental disorder or another. Either way, even if I hadn't known a soul...it's wrong to continually discuss and over-discuss someone's illness the way it had been. I so appreciate this post because people need to learn how to be sympathetic and show concern for their fellow brothers and sisters...not this disdain and detachment from the mental field and it's medicine. Again, thanks for the positive information.

Guest · 2 months ago

I want to thank Angela and Markus for letting me have my say. And I want to thank all of you who have shared your thoughts and stories. If the photos have uploaded properly then you will see my Aunt Alice Doss Parrish as a child and sitting w/ her brothers including my granddad and fave Uncle Milton, who was her primary custodian. And that was taken on a good day. I need to correct something, she was 86 when she died as my uncle reminded me (he's 89). I'm sorry that I don't use the terminology correctly but trust that I lived with this. As for Maia, I've read enough and know enough people to know that she is not well. I know a man who has been on and off crack for over 20 years and he doesn't sound like Maia. Do I think she is on drugs? Perhaps, but that wasn't the point of the commentary. The point was simple: Crack addict or not it would be nice to use something as powerful as the Internet for more than to destroy or make fun of a life. Right? At any rate, I am grateful for all of the email messages and kindness. I'm awestruck. But I really want Maia and all of the Maias of the world to be treated with more dignity than a set up with a running camera. Now that was jacked up.

Junia J · 2 months ago

Robin thank you for this post. When I first saw Maia as a trending topic on Twitter I was curious as to why she was even trending. After reading quite a few tweets and watching the video I started to wonder about the authenticity of the claims. Thank you again for this post, and with your permission I'd like to reference this post in blog post I'm literally creating now.

Guest · 2 months ago

wow, thank you so much. My heart really hurt for her when I saw the video. And while it's still horribly sad, it's good to know the truth. It just explains alot.

Guest · 2 months ago

thank u for setting some truth to the story. I will pray for her and her family, hopefully she will recover and turn her life back into the positive beautiful life it once was.

www.twitter.com/diamonddiior

Guest · 2 months ago

I am so proud of you for writing for help of another spirit and soul as opposed to profiting from another's pain and anguish. God Bless you. God bless the sick, suffering, and dying (by all means) and God bless their caregivers. Thank you for knowing the world is bigger than you.

Guest · 2 months ago

You're welcome to reference it and thank you for asking.

Guest · 2 months ago

very well said!! thank you : )

Guest · 2 months ago

it affects more familes than only african american families...

Guest · 2 months ago

crack dont make it better!!! life is about decisions

Twitter.com/Whew_LiLmamaBAD · 2 months ago

OMG...THANK you soo much for posting this. My brother is schizophrenic AND Bio Polar & b/c of my family are ashamed....we dont talk about it & he is getting worst! I swear I think he may go off & kill someone one day!He acts JUST like Maia did in the vid. Talkin fast...rumblin on & on & on about NOTHING!!

Im sooo happy to know were not the ONLY family that suffers from this! :-E = O:-)

Twitter.com/Whew_LilMamaBad · 2 months ago

Girl I have to think you AGAIN! The Wikepedia of Maia's mom & that vid is profound!! Girl Im getting her books ASAP!! This has touched my soul...I wish there were more help...again Im just scared my brother is going hurt someone!

Guest · 2 months ago

Well written
There was no humor in that clip
My prayers are with Maia as well as others struggling

Guest · 2 months ago

Maia Campbell is bi-polar. Her actions are exactly what happens when those suffering from the disease do not take their meds. Bi-polar people don’t believe that they have a problem, they refuse their meds causing them to be even more erratic. They often use street drugs and alcohol to self-medicate and are extremely sexually active. Bebe Moore Campbell provided a lot of information in her book 72-Hour Hold, and as you can see Maia is suffering from all of the symptoms described. She definetly needs medical counseling and intervention, but unfortunately she is being taken advantage of by those around her and exploited (as seen in the taping of her). She is not in her right mind. Please pray for her, because if something does not change, she’ll end up dead =-O

@joymh · 2 months ago

Bravo. Bebe died with a broken heart; knowing she couldn't help her child. I'm praying for Maia

thaknow.com/blog · 2 months ago

love this.

will definitely link & tweet.

todaysdrum · 2 months ago

Thanks Robin. Unfortunately, these gossip sites she a lot of traffic when they promote this nonsense. The only other unfortunate part of this story is that all the positive stories we published yesterday were probably over shadowed by this garbage.

Dominique · 2 months ago

Thank you so much for this article. As a erson who suffers from mental health issues, it was painful to see and hear people writing such harsh and ugly things about Maia. I've been at my lowest point. I neevr want to go back there. People have to understand that these are not things you can control. Thank you so much for seking the truth.

Guest · 2 months ago

You going over board slow your role ...ppl are entittled to their opions just like you are ...I will have her and every other person with illlness in my prayers ...

Guest · 2 months ago

Thank you so much for the article, I assumed like others that she was on drugs and sent a email actually to celebrity rehab to try to help her. This is so said and I know she's a parent as well. I will pray for her and make sure to pass the truth along to others... I'm almost in tears, and am also wondering if any of her remanding family members can have her institutionalized for her own safty. If is very clear from the video that she's being taken advantage of. Does anyone know where I can start to help her, I am a mother and wouldn't want this to happen to my child.

Guest · 2 months ago

I too believe she will end of dead if she doesn't receive the help she needs.

Guest · 2 months ago

ignorance...

Guest · 2 months ago

Thank you for writing on this. It shocking to see Maia in this condition because, I didn't know about her illness until yesterday, 09/03/2009. I have kept her in my prayers all night. I pray that she gets the help that she needs and will come through victoriously. I am sure many people have tried to reach out to her but, I hope they don't give up because, one day they will break through. She will be ready to accept the help. It may take her going through even more than what was displayed in the video but, there comes a time in a persons life when they get fed up with themselves. I pray that she will soon get to that point.

Robin Caldwell · 2 months ago

I'm not sure who you're referring to, but it's great that you're praying. Mission accomplished.

Guest · 2 months ago

I almost cried when I saw this yesterday. Especially at the end when that dude got in the car and she kept saying "I'mma get beat up but you're alright." It hurt my heart so bad, because she was fully aware that this dude was going to beat her azz because the fools behind the camera were taunting her. Those guys all need their azzes whipped. The disrespect they showed her....I know she's probably no picnic to deal with, but dayum. All I could do is pray.

The sad part is, this is where we are as a country-apathetic to . This video is akin to reality shows that only highlight the negative, pimp it for ratings, and then become the highest rated show on tv. That's why I watch dvd's and cartoon reruns. SMH

vyb · 2 months ago

Great piece. When I watched that video, my heart sank. I see nothing funny about what Maia is going through. A good friend of mine has also asked me to post his piece on Maia who also mirrors your sentiments on the topic. You can read it here: http://tinyurl.com/mvfsyq

Guest · 2 months ago

Its great to read this article and see that someone has a heart regarding Maia Campbell. Initially I didn't want to watch the videos but eventually clicked on the video and only watched maybe 30 seconds of it. Its definitely not a laughing matter. We need to uplift people more and not be so quick to point and laugh like children when we see things such as this. Continue to spread truth.

Guest · 2 months ago

Thank you saying this. i watched heartbroken that those scum boys were taping her and taking advantage of her situation. She needs help not ppl making fun of her

Guest · 2 months ago

You're right on target with your comments. So much good could come out of this situation and many others if people weren't so eager to watch someone's life fall apart.

Guest · 2 months ago

Seeing the video of Maia absolutely broke my heart. I really didn't know her sitaution was that bad. I mean, I'd seen photos but this video says it all. I really hope people - ESPECIALLY OUR PEOPLE- take heed and not use it to further degrade her like the idiots who made this video have already done.

My prayer is that God uses what was meant to harm her (the video), for her good so she can get help. And then further turn it around and exploit the fools who made this video.

My prayers are with Maia. I really hope that she gets some help.

Yolanda · 2 months ago

I looked at the video and it's sad that they would defame her in the manner they did. It's really nothing to joke about. Some of the things she said was funny but when she was in one part of the video she turned looked over sher shoulder and said hello and you can clrearly tell she hear voices. Instead of luaghing at her help her.

Muriel · 2 months ago

I feel so sorry for Maia. I've heard stories about her being on crack and other things. I does not matter what she is on or what illness she suffers from, people should want to help not attempt to humiliate her or anyone else. I saw the video that was posted and it's horrible. The guy she was with is not about anything. He allowed his family members to approached his car and confront her with a camera in an attempt to humiliate her. They should be the one feeling ashamed. I hope she gets help soon.

Guest · 2 months ago

This is so heartbreaking, how people exploit this female. She's sick, and she needs love and compassion, not humilitation. I will certainly be praying for her safety and that someone reaches out to her and helps her. Thanks for putting her truth out there for others to see.

Guest · 2 months ago

Yea I watched the video and could tell it wasn't right and she just prob wasn't in the right state of mind. I had a family member that had alzheimers and that vid hit so close to home. I remember other kids making fun of my family member because she would go on cussing rages and they would taunt her to get a laugh. Just like in the video with Maia. It hurt then and it hurts to know that theres Evil people out there today. I will def keep her in my prayers.. Someone needs to step in and take care of her..

Guest · 2 months ago

Im wondering if there is a chance that Dr. Drew will get to her. This is so sad. She seems in so deep. Those men treat her like a toy. Its xtra amusing to them bc of WHO she is.

Guest · 2 months ago

People love to see people fall from grace. Its sick.

Jude · 2 months ago

thank you. my mom is schizophrenic. this is nothing to joke or gossip about. let's get real and talk honestly about the impact of this awful illness on our families. let's get rid of the stigma.

Guest · 2 months ago

I read the book by her mom 72 Hour Hold before she passed, and it was good for me, my own mother has suffered from mental illness since I was 9 yrs old so I can identify, I’m 37 now and so I know 1st hand the trials and tribulations and my heart goes out to all those who suffer, they are good people that need medication from a doctor to function. Unfortunately some resort to drugs to hide from the disorder or cope but instead it magnifies the problem, alot of alcoholics and other drug users all suffer from some form of mental condition but are in denial or don’t realize without a proper diagnosis and unless they get professional help they fall victim to these false aids (drugs)and ridicule from people who don’t understand, but I do and awareness needs to be brought to the black community that these are our own family and friends and with some help, guidance, understanding they too can live successful lives, the road is hard and confusing but I can attest, my mother is doing well with the help of medication, but it took nearly 20 yrs because of the lack of knowledge within my family and sadly she had to figure it out alone and on her own but all things are possible through God, please don’t look down on her but learn of the plight that she has faced due to no fault of her own and which affects many others. No one asks for mental illness and because they behave differently and attract undesirable characters in their lives, people tend to take advantage of their weakness instead of lifting them up. My prayers are with her and all those who suffer either directly or indirectly because it can be heartwrenching to watch or deal with…….

#1257

Guest · 2 months ago

Thank you for your blog, a lot of people just don't know. This is not funny.

Guest · 2 months ago

Thanks for the info! I must admit that i was one of the ones that thought it was funny at first but when I really started to look up info on her I found this blog.

DJ NITTI · 2 months ago

Thank you for this post. The tragedy of Maia Campbell's story is nothing to laugh at, it is very serious and should be sad to anyone that considers themselves human.

Shame on everyone who turned this into a joke and just remember that mental illness can strike anyone and at any time. I've seen totally normal people snap and literally lose their mind. So when you look at her remember it could be your sister, your aunt or maybe even yourself someday.

May God bless us all.

PRProPam Pam Purifoy · 2 months ago

Robin, thanks for posting this much needed message. Mental illness is glossed over in our country and is not taken seriously as other diseases are. I, too have known people close to me with mental illness, and it is a very painful thing to watch. Unfortunately Robin, those individuals making such crude statements about Maia aren't readers, and have little to no knowledge of mental illness. Keep publishing truth! Peace & love sis! :-)

Guest · 2 months ago

I am the daughter of a drug addicted mother and father. That situation wasnt funny nor a joking matter and Maia's shouldn't be portrayed as one either. I only watched the video to see if it was actually her. I believe none of what I hear in the media. However I was hurt more than a little, I remember looking up to her as a young girl. I would always say how pretty she was, and how i wanted to be on t.v. just like her. This is a hurtful situation for her and I think that we as Americans need to understand that making a mochary of someones misfortune can only lead to more problems. I am almost certain that Maia will get some help. She will be in my prayers

Guest · 2 months ago

Thanks for your comment...i share the exact views. God Bless

Guest · 2 months ago

Great information Robin. I met Bebe in NY a couple of years ago at a symposium on Mental Illness in the Black Community sponsored by BET. We all received copies of her book recounting stories presumably about Maia. It provided me a new found respect for individuals suffering from mental illnesses. Because they are just that- illnesses - like diabetes, cancer, or other physical maladies. They need meds to control the highs and lows. I've friends that suffer and as a people we need to stop hiding it and face it.
Thanks for addressing this :-D

mel · 2 months ago

where is hollywood? where are the people that made money off of this young lady, she is still that same beautiful young lady from in the house... she just need help right now. if no one elseis willing to try i bielive i can because i know how i had to lean on jesus to get through my struggles with depression and anxiety when in 3 consecutive yrs. my mom and 2 older sisters passed from cancer.....if need to please get my # to this beautoiful young lady 713-298-9487

Guest · 2 months ago

Hi All,

My name is Ronda. I too, was saddened to see this beautiful Woman in such distress. I have a question...why is is that some of our people (mainly men) think it's so funny when they see this? Is it to further degrade a beautiful Woman that they know they'd have never had a chance with were she not in this horrible predicament? I just say I pray for Maia day and night since I heard of this and have in fact considered trying to find her and help her in any way I can. The problem is what if she doesn't want to be helped? She's an adult and certainly has the right to not get help if she wants.

My Mother has mental illness and it took me two years to get her to go and see a Doctor and get medication. I completely understand all that goes in to helping someone get better. I pray that Angels surround Maia and that she gets around people who care enough to help her get help. God please be with her. Thank you. Amen.

Guest · 2 months ago

I am a mother and wife living with mental illness IT IS REAL! I have done everything to manae my illness just as a diabetic manages diabetes. Counseling, meds, prayer, and the support of family. The side effects are major and it takes a LONG TIME! to get use to them and see that the meds are working. I have been praying for her since the first vids came on the net 2 years ago. I read Bebe More Campbells book and saw myself in the daughter's character.
Whats even sadder is that the men in the video are prostituting her and thinks its funny. GOD WILL REIGN JUDGEMENT ON THEM!! We are continually praying for her. She could be any one of us
R.Hoosier

Guest · 2 months ago

Robin,
Thank you for being compassionate. As someone who knew Bebe and watched Maia grow up, this is very difficult. Maia is a child of God. Her mom was determined to write works that helped uplift the human race, particularly Black peope. Those of us who have loved this family for years are in great pain not only because Maia is sick but also because of the way so many have reacted to her illness. Bless you and the others who comment here with love and compassion and prayers.

JERKMAN · 2 months ago

U CAN CALL OTHER KREWS OUT.

Tell Other, Jerk, Regrats, Stanky Legg and Freeze Dance Crews ........the GETOFF! On WWW.SickNJerk.com ......there are lots of prizes available including cash and Gear........ The more profiles & Videos Uploads the bigger the prizes ....... spread the word. THE NEW OFFICIAL GETOFF SITE IS OPEN......SICKNJERK.COM
8-)

Guest · 2 months ago

I thank you for this blog....rarely is the topic of mental health discussed in our community - yet alone our families. We tend to walk around the subject and accept things for the way they are BUT the reaklity of it is ....it does not have to be. Both of my brothers have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. It is a diagnosis it is not who they are.....in other words it does not define them. The video was insensitive not just because she is Maia Campbell BUT because she is a person- a hurting person.

My prayer is that she begins to address the issues that are causing her so much distress- then she can begin to heal. Healing is a process that begins with being truthful to yourself and the others around you that may or may not have caused your hurt. Tech site or not....I appreciate your compassion.

Guest · 2 months ago

THANK YOU for providing the family and Maia dignity in this time of pain and peril.

Guest · 2 months ago

THANKS TO YOU AND THE GOD YOU SERVE . I FELT SO BAD FOR THIS YOUNG BEAUTIFUL TALENTED GIRL THE PEOPLE WHO RIDICULE HER BETTER BE CAREFUL KARMA IS A BITCH!! O:-)

Guest · 2 months ago

Maia u have my prayers! stay strong.

Olalah Njenga · 2 months ago

Robin, you've made an awesome point. Since when did the need for prolification of information supersede the need for truth? We have a responsibility to discuss, blog, text, tweet and share only what is relevant and truthful, especially when a person (not their behavior) is the topic.

Thank you for sharing and bringing clarity to this issue.

Guest · 1 month ago

Support of the Lou Zhu, Lou Zhu worked hard
Signature--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nothing is impossible for a willing heart.
ugg classic cardy

Michelle · 1 month ago

I recently saw the you tube tape. I was shocked and pained by her obvious diseased state. As a nurse I have worked with countless patients with mental illnesses, it takes an army to fight this war. Her mother was a strong women and it is beacuse of her I began reading novels as an adult. She shed light on the topic of menal illness in the black community when it is not discussed. We need more education and understanding as a community. Thank you for this blog.

Anonymous · 1 month ago

I saw that video and it broke my heart. I'm glad she is now getting the help she needs. When I saw that video, I thought it was only drug abuse that contributed to her irratic behavior but, now I see that it was mental illness. My family has a history of schizophrenia as well but, I'm still ignorant as to how it becomes hereditary (especially in the black community) in the 1st place.

Doreen · 1 month ago

Sad, we need to help not hurt.