In a heartbreaking turn of events, 22-year-old Kyaria Elizabeth Rochelle Arceneaux recently posted a video celebrating her birthday alone—singing “Happy Birthday” to herself, blowing out candles, and drinking from a bottle of Don Julio. Just weeks later, she tragically took her own life.
This devastating loss has shaken her family, friends, and community, and her story is a painful reminder of how depression can hide behind smiles, celebrations, and social media posts. Too often, the signs are overlooked, or we assume someone is “okay” when they’re silently fighting battles no one can see.
After her passing, Kyaria’s mother shared an emotional message online:
“I WANNA THANK EVERYONE FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR ALL THE LOVE AN PRAYERS YALL I NEVER THOUGHT ID BE PLANNING A FUNERAL FOR MY BABYGIRL KYARIA ELIZABETH ROCHELLE ARCENEAUX MOMA LOVED U SOOOOO MUCH BABY ID GIVE U MY HEART TOO KEEP URS BEATING (crying face emoji/ broken heart emoji),
KEEP ME LIFTED YALL IM A NEED IT NOW TOMORROW AN TWO WEEKS FROM NOW!!!! WE JUST NEVER KNOW WHEN SOMEONE IS GOIN THRU THINGS AN IM STILL GONNA BE THERE FOR ANYONE WHO I CAN REACH… IM LOST IM NUMB BUT GOD WILL SEE ME THRU ALL OF DIS (praying hands emoji)
ME AN MY KIDS CANT THANK EVERYONE ENOUGH”
Her words echo the grief of countless mothers and families who never imagined they’d be saying goodbye so soon.
Kyaria’s story is tragically familiar. Social media often shows us curated glimpses of people’s lives, but it rarely tells the whole story. Many who battle depression become experts at masking pain with laughter, selfies, or even birthday celebrations.
But behind the posts, there may be silent cries for help. When someone withdraws, begins isolating themselves, or suddenly behaves in unusual ways, it could be a sign that they are struggling. Too often, these small signs are brushed off, leaving loved ones wishing they had asked more questions or checked in one more time.
Why We Must Pay Attention to the Signs
Depression does not always look like sadness. Sometimes it looks like:
- Isolation – celebrating or spending big moments alone.
- Sudden Changes in Behavior – drinking heavily or acting out of character.
- Goodbye Messages – leaving notes, posts, or final words to loved ones.
- Overcompensating with Joy – laughing, joking, or celebrating while silently in pain.
It’s important that we don’t dismiss these signals as “just a phase.” Checking in, asking the tough questions, and truly listening could save someone’s life.
We do not know the details behind Kyaria’s suicide, but it seems she may have been planning this for some time because it appears (based on several social media posts) she left behind suicide letters for her family.
Check On Your Loved Ones
Kyaria’s passing is more than just a tragedy—it’s a wake-up call. Mental health awareness is critical in our communities, especially among young Black women who often carry heavy burdens in silence.
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please know that help is available. In the U.S., dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone, and your life matters.
>>> Click here for the signs of depression.
Kyaria Arceneaux’s story is a sobering reminder that tomorrow isn’t promised and that love, kindness, and support should never be withheld. Her life, though cut short, should inspire us all to take mental health seriously and to be present for those around us.
Let’s honor her memory by checking on our friends, our siblings, our parents—by making sure nobody has to suffer in silence.
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This is so sad prayers up to her family and friends
so so sad. This really broke my heart
This broke me to read… she was only 22. To have to carry that kind of pain in silence is something nobody should ever go through. It shows how cruel depression can be—it hides behind smiles, behind moments that look fine on the outside, while inside it’s eating you alive. The fact that she had to face her birthday like that and then be gone right after… it’s haunting. My heart hurts for her, for her mom, for her family. Rest in peace, Kyaria your story is heavy, but it’s a reminder to love harder, check in more, and never take life for granted.
So true… you knoww the saying “be sure to check on your strong friends,” a lot of times we just assume everything is okay or they will be able to handle it because they’re s strong.