Black People Die By Suicide Too Podcast

On this week's episode, Kea is joined by Rwenshaun Miller, a therapist, social entrepreneur, change agent and author of Injured Reserved: A Black Man's Playbook To Being Sidelined By Mental Illness . Rwenshaun speaks about living with bipolar disorder to black boys being misdiagnosed, why he became a therapist and the importance of changing our language when we talk about mental health d...

In this episode, Kea encourages us to be mindful of how we support those who are grieving. She offers tips on what's helpful and what may cause more pain to someone. References/Resources: Grief 101 Article : https://www.firefliesunite.com/post/grief-etiquette-101-please-stop-asking-what-happened Get your Fireflies MERCH (t-shirts, mugs, bags, cell phone cases, etc.): https://www.etsy.com/shop...

In this mini-episode, Kea shares how the death of a family member and other family challenges are taking a toll on her mental health. She challenges you to be proactive verses reactive with your mental and physical health when you feel things are breaking down. References/Resources: ENTER THE GIVEAWAY! Here's How To Enter: Kea is giving away two copies of JacQuan's books! 1. Tag as many...

After losing his sister to suicide, JacQuan Winters birthed the Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation to honor his sister and prevent suicide among children. In this episode, he shares signs of suicide, tips for parents and how his faith in God has led him to continue to educate communities. References/Resources: To Learn More About The Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation Visit The Following Site and Soci...

In this episode, Kea is joined by her baby sister, grandma and cousin for a brief discussion how her journey has impacted their view on mental health. References/Resources: Where to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation? Twitter: www.twitter.com/firefliespod Instagram: www.instagram.com/firefliespod “Like Us” on Facebook: www.facebook.com/firefliespod   Join the Fireflie...

In this episode, Kea briefly recaps her experience at the Minority Mental Health Summit by No More Martyrs in Birmingham, AL, and shares upcoming events this weekend in New Jersey. References/Resources: July 27, Book Signing & Panel --- Heal The City: $30 Admission includes a copy of book and refreshments https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heal-the-city-book-signing-with-t-kea-blackman-mental-health...

Inspired by a training, Kea explores common thinking styles that limit us from reaching our full potential. She also offers suggestions on how to combat negative thoughts that will help build confidence, have healthier relationships, and better manage depression and anxiety disorders. References/Resources: SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT: Minority Mental Health Summit In Birmingham, AL https://www.eventbrite....

The most popular method of therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) also referred to as  'talk therapy' which can be beneficial to one's healing process. But what happens when it does not work? Davia Roberts of the AFFIRM Podcast joins Kea to discuss different methods of therapy that can assist with healing from trauma, becoming self-aware and learning new coping skills.  Meet...

Birthed out of his pain, Anthony Duncan founded Dead The Silence with his friend Osadeba Omokaro to end the mental health stigma and provide a safe space for people to talk about mental health after losing his sister to suicide. Osadeba shared how he struggled with suicidal thoughts and says that his work with Dead The Silence afforded him the opportunity to connect with others and educate the com...

Are questioning if your therapist is right for you or want to know what you should consider when looking for a therapist? This episode is for you! Kea is joined by Brandi Lewis, the owner and therapist of Reach Counseling Solutions based in Charlotte, NC and New Orleans, LA. Educator. Therapist. Speaker. Writer. Brandi loves all things travel, food, and books. She also has a passion for helping pe...

Did you know that employment helps to reduce symptoms for people who live with a mental illness and/or substance use disorder? Many may not see the benefits of employment in their recovery and/or are fearful of losing their SSI and//or SSDI benefits. Yes, people who live with a disability such as a mental or substance use disorder, or intellectual disability can work and are reliable. Kea is joine...

Are you a parent or caregiver who supports a loved one with mental illness? It can be extremely challenging and scary when supporting someone with a mental illness. In this week’s episode, Kea is joined by the Nikita Powell-Cottman who nearly lost her daughter over four times to suicide. She shares the peaks and valleys of caring for her daughter who battles with bipolar disorder. She is also the...

Are you constantly thinking about what others think of you? Do you allow it to cripple you? If you find that you can't be your authentic self around people in your life you may want to reevaluate them. In this episode, Kea shares things to look for in people to determine if they are holding you back. References/Resources: GET YOUR COPY OF KEA'S BOOK! Saved & Depressed: A Suicide Surv...

In this week's episode, Kea shares how she leaning toward remaining childless and does not have the desire to start a family. She challenges you to define success, motherhood, womanhood and fulfillment for yourself, and to let go of society's expectations.  References/Resources: GET YOUR COPY OF KEA'S BOOK! Saved & Depressed: A Suicide Survivor's Journey of Mental Health, H...

In this week's episode, Kea is joined by one of her closet friends, Jazmine Turley of the Beautifully Boss Blog . They share challenges they've overcome and how it strengthen their friendship, identify each other's stressors, what they value in each other, and how to "check" one another when needed. Jazmine even shares a side of Kea that many podcast listeners and social m...

Can veganism help your depression? Have you considered having a plant-based diet or simply including more veggies in your diet? You may not realize how the foods you eat play a role in your mental health and while it does not cure mental illness, it certainly impacts your mood---good and bad. Monique of BrownVegan.com joins the podcast to share easy tips on having a plant based diet, how her diet...

Why is some happiness so fleeting? What makes us want more; more sex, more likes on social media, and more money? Did you know there is a chemical in our brain that drives us to want more and feeds our creativity? In this week’s episode Kea is joined by Michael Long & Dr. Daniel Lieberman, authors of the book, The Molecule of More. They explained what forces us to crave more and why we do the...

It is with a humbled heart and excitement that Kea announces her book, Saved & Depressed: A Suicide Survivor’s Journey of Mental Health, Healing and Faith will be available on May 14, 2019 on Amazon and Kindle. Kea also shares updates on future speaking engagements and more! References/Resources: Episode On The Stages of Change: https://www.buzzsprout.com/132572/892702-where-are-you-the-stages...

In this episode, Kea shares her growing pains in recovery and the challenges she's experiencing in relationships during this infancy stage of her glow up. She shares how she's navigating these challenges with the help of her therapist and reflecting on the four agreements. The Four Agreements: Be Impeccable With Your Word Don't Take Anything Personally Don't Make Assumptions Al...

Do you allow a specific family member to be in your life even though they are disrespectful? Do you continue to allow people to abuse you because of a title such as brother or mother. In this episode, Kea spoke with Anita Washington about childhood trauma, sibling abuse and estranged relationships with family. Anita shares her healing journey and what you can do to become self aware and emotionall...

Meet the Pulse of Perseverance, Dr. Maxime Madhere, ​Dr. Pierre Johnson and ​Dr. Joseph W. Semien Jr. who are changing the narrative of success for black men. The doctors formed a brotherhood in medical school. In this episode, they share their mental health struggles and how they overcame fear and failure. In many black communities, the images of success are limited to an athlete or rapper and of...

Are you operating from a scarred place and projecting it onto others? Kea came to educate and shutdown stigma about taking medication for mental illness. This episode was inspired by a conversation she had with a friend after she left the conversation feeling ashamed. It's okay to disagree with someone but it is not okay to shame someone. References/Resources: Mental Health News: What to Keep...

Do you know the connection between obesity and mental health? Mental health isn't the only stigma as weight loss surgery is also stigmatized. Even though, obesity in the United States that increase the risk of certain types of cancer, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke, we are more accepting of cosmetic procedures such as boob and butt enhancements. In this episode, Kea speak...

Are you a teacher, nurse, therapist, police office, pastor or a profession that requires you to take care of others? Do you drag yourself to work and have trouble getting your day started at work? Have you become irritable or impatient with co-workers, customers or clients? Do you lack the energy to be consistently productive? Do you find it hard to concentrate? If you answered yes to any of these...

Are you using people or things to distract you from dealing with your hurt? In this week's episode, Kea talked about how she was triggered last week by someone from her past who reached out to her and what the triggered represented, and shared how she worked through it. She challenges us to remove the distractions, sit with our emotions, thoughts and experiences despite how uncomfortable it m...