Black Mental Matters

Have you ever paid attention to the fact that often when you are upset, afraid, or angry, that you are also holding your breath creating even more stress on your mind and body? This episode we talk with Nina Rose Bailey, founder of The Rose Project on how using yoga and other self care techniques can improve your mental health outcome during this Covid 19 pandemic and other stressful times..

Scientific research shows that stressors that impact Black Americans are chronic and repeated through their whole life course. The term "Weathering" is a metaphor, first to illustrate the sense of physical erosion by constant stress. But also, "Weathering" describes the ways that the Black Community has coped with the constant drumbeat of big and small stressors that has marked their lives. Both d...

COVID-19 has serious implications for the mental health of LGBTQ youth. Even prior to the pandemic, LGBTQ youth have been found to be at significant increased risk for depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide... We talk with Mr David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition about advocating and supporting LGBTQ+ young people always but especially now

This episode we talk with Mrs H. Kathy Williams, a wife, mother, and advocate for saving lives. After the tragic loss of her son, she dedicated herself to helping communities understand depression and come to grips with the tragedy of suicide. She refers her transformation as "Turning Lemons to Lemonade" and "Loss into Love". Together we share the mission to eliminate the stigmas and myths associa...

Inspiration Alert! Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble (Dr. Alfiee) is a gifted media personality, public speaker, researcher, consultant and fully licensed psychologist who has realized her passion for helping young people with research and care for depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. Learn more at www. DrAlfiee.com

For a lot of folks, the uncertainty surrounding coronavirus is the hardest thing to handle. We don’t know how exactly we’ll be impacted or how bad things might get. And that makes it all too easy to spiral out into overwhelming dread and panic. But there are many things you can do—even in the face of this unique crisis—to manage your anxiety and fears.

Like it or not, the medical community has some glaring issues with race. Many Black people have difficulty trusting the Mental Health care system, but being able to sit down with a therapist that looks like you and speaks your language can revolutionize your Mental Health Care. We talk with Asia Jones, an up and coming Mental Health Professional and celebrate the future for more Therapists of Colo...

As many of us are being told to hunker down in our apartments and houses, and limit trips outside and social contact, things are feeling pretty “real” at this point. Concerns of fear, job uncertainty, family dynamics, finances and more can have a huge effect on our personal psyche... Vince and Makeba discuss various ways to help maintain your Mental Health during this Coronavirus Lockdown

As if the shame, resistance, cost, and lack of professionals that look like me wasn't enough, now we gotta social distance, quarantine, and stay at home because of the coronavirus! But guess what? Telemental Health is here, and now you can STILL get your mental health needs met via technology and innovation that benefits both patients and therapists. Join Vince and Makeba and learn more as they ta...

Depression isn’t a choice or a little case of the blues. It’s a physical illness as serious and life-altering as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis. An estimated 19 million Americans are currently going through depression, many who are married or involved with a significant other. A depressed spouse can’t just “snap out of it” or “get on with life,” and that can cause serious problems in relati...

The term PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) gets thrown around a lot... But do we really understand what it is and how devastating it can be to those who truly suffer from it. This episode we talk to a specialist, Dr Felicia Berry-Mitchell whose practice is dedicated to revolutionizing trauma treatment.

Whether as a boss or employee, workplace stress isn’t uncommon, but when left unchecked, it can lead to bigger problems, such as depression and anxiety. When this happens, stress not only creates negative emotions, but it also results in lower productivity, the inability to concentrate on work and strained relationships with colleagues. Makeba and Vince discuss ways to have better days at work thr...

Blacks, Asians, and Latinos each have differing beliefs regarding the causes of mental illness when compared to White Americans... Black folks tend to view mental illness as caused by stress and loss. For Asians, family issues, medical illness and cultural differences... Latinos? Loss of family and friends, family issues, and moving to a different place... Vince and Makeba discuss some of the diff...

When you are involved in activism, community organizing, or social justice work, caring for yourself is tough. The emotional demands can quickly drain your energy reserves. People who pour themselves into advocating for the less fortunate forget to prioritize their own needs. Vince and Makeba are here to teach you that with a consistent regimen of self-care strategies, you can stay sustained over...

Many parents grapple with what it means to have a kid with mental illness. Am I a bad parent? Have I failed my child? Is there anything I could have done differently? Join Vince and Makeba as they tackle this tough topic. You are not alone! There are many resources there to help you and your child. Ultimately the most important thing you can do is to love and support your child. Just remember: it’...

In the Black American community, many people misunderstand what a mental health condition is and don’t talk about this topic. Some may think of depression as “the blues” or something to snap out of. Spiritual beliefs, finances, the lack of therapists that look like you etc., all adds up to folks not getting the help they deserve! Vince and Makeba discuss the barriers and provide some solutions to...

Whether young or old, the verdict is still out if social media is having a detrimental effect on our mental health. While social media platforms can have their benefits, using them too frequently can make you feel increasingly unhappy and isolated in the long run. On this episode Vince and Makeba tackle this subject and uncover ways social media could be negatively affecting your mental health wit...

On this episode, Makeba and Vince attend a Therapist Mixer in the Atlanta area where they meet Mother and Daughter Licensed Professional Counselors Donna Wade and Magaen Harris of CEO Professionals Services LLC. We spotlight this unique dynamic duo and learn what a rewarding career can be had for those that work to help others in the mental health arena!

We talk with Dr. Katrina Pittman, owner of A Paradigm Shift, LLC, a Counseling, Psychotherapy, Coaching and Consulting practice located in East Point, Georgia. With over a decade of diverse experiences and a terminal degree in Counseling Psychology, Dr. Pittman works with young children, adolescents, and adults providing an array of services. Her professional experiences reach across educational,...

Depending on the data source, the statistics for divorce in the Black Community has been placed as high as 70%! Many reasons abound, however that number is truly mind blowing... On this episode we discuss with Dr. J Parker Griffin Jr., a behaviorally-based approach designed to help couples thrive in their relationships. Let's start this new year with Renewed Love Relationships!!!

On the next #BlackMentalMatters Podcast... Holiday-related stress and the ‘holiday blues’—feelings of disappointment, sadness, fatigue or frustration—are not unusual” during this time of year. The Holiday Blues are often temporary, but for many the holidays can be immensely stressful and emotionally taxing... Listen in as Vince and Makeba provide some tips and advice on how to make this Season bri...

Georgia-based teen entrepreneurs Hannah and Charlie Lucas are the creators of the notOK App™, a digital panic button to get immediate support from a trusted group of pre-selected people. Whether you’re a teen or an adult suffering from loneliness, anxiety, depression, stress, suicidal thoughts, or anything else, immediate help is only the tap of a button away. Hear Hannah's story and learn how thi...

Most of the time when we think of the holiday season, we think of joy and good tidings. However for many, the holidays can bring stress, anxiety, or reminders of a lost loved one. The holidays can be stressful, but they can also be a time to reflect, shed the past and look forward to the future. In a podcast replay, Vince talks with Health and Wellness Educator and Mental Health Advocate Makeba Re...

In the Black Community, many people don't understand what a mental health condition is and don't talk or want to talk about the subject. Folks are reluctant to discuss mental health issues and seek treatment often because of the shame and stigma associated with it. For those that do seek help, due to the huge shortage of Black Mental Health Professionals, the lack of cultural awareness, financial...

Eating foods that are "good for you" is a good thing! It also helps reduce your risk of developing some chronic diseases. New research finds that your food choices also affect your mood and mental health. Vince and Makeba discuss the Food-Mood Connection in the Black Community and the impact our diets are having on our minds!