"I was resorting to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain," she told MAKERS. "People from the outside looking in would think everything was great, but I was in hell. I was spiraling down, I didn't think I would make it."

However, Blige was able to channel her pain into her music.

"I didn't think anybody would pay attention to my call for help, but my fanbase did," she said.

And once they did, Blige came to a realization about the impact she could have on people.

"I realized that I can't do this anymore. I can save lives," she said. "I had to figure out a way to uplift us and be a woman of empowerment and strength."

 

Source: Refinery29