Black People Die By Suicide Too Podcast

In this episode, Kea dives into self-care and encourages us not to limit it to superficial things such as manicures and pedicures. She openly shares her experience of how being in the psychiatric unit made her realize the true meaning of self-care which is working toward wholeness. What good is a manicure or pedicure if you are broken and depressed?  References/Resources: How Being Admitted Into T...

We learn as children to never judge a book by its cover but for some reason, we tend to do just that as we scroll through our news feed. In this episode, Kea tackles how social media brings out insecurities when posts are only demonstrating the highlight reel of someone's life. She also talks about when social media was a trigger for her and how she's worked on healing, and not allow soc...

In this week’s episode, Kea talks about giving trust away too fast before letting people earn it, and her triggers with the phases “I’m busy” or “I have a lot going on.” She shares how therapy is helping her getting to the root of why those phrases are triggering as it often brings feelings of disappointment and rejection. She uses the research of Brene Brown's 'BRAVING' to help us...

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a life coach and therapist? Patrice Douglas of Empire Counseling breaks it down for us. Learn who is right for you. Patrice received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Brandman University, and an MS in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. She also h...

This week’s episode may rub some people the wrong way but that’s okay. It’s time to set the record straight and provide another prospective. Kea talks about the story of Elijah and how he reveals signs of depression. She encourages us to stop using faith and prayer as a crutch and be an active participant in your mental health. Praying about your mental health does not mean suppressing your though...

Have you ever wondered if there is a difference between depression and depression? Depression affects about 19 million Americans. It is more than being sad. It is not the blues and people can’t just snap out of it. Dr. Amber Thornton of A Different Prospective podcast joins me to discuss the difference between sadness and depression. She is a licensed clinical psychologist  and received a Bachelor...

It’s a “Cole” world. Listen as Kea discusses and analyzes J.Cole’s performance at the 2018 BET Awards as he highlights addiction, trauma and mental health. Kalyn also stops by to school us on the benefits of essential oils and shares her story of living with bipolar disorder. References/Resources:J.Cole’s BET Performance: https://www.bet.com/video/betawards/2018/performances/j-cole-daniel-caesar-w...

Have you ever wondered how to help someone with mental illness but don't know how? The Buddy Project maybe for you. This week’s episode features Gabby Frost of the Buddy Project, a non-profit movement that aims to prevent suicide and self-harm by pairing people as buddies and raising awareness for mental health. The Buddy Project is an awesome resource and has many ways for you to support tho...

What would you do if you were offered a recording contract with one of your favorite celebrities/producers but were recently diagnosed with a mental illness?  Would you neglect your mental health for fame and fortune, or choose your mental health? Our guest singer and songwriter Jermaine “Nate” Tolbert is no stranger to the music industry and making sacrifices and has an amazing story. After being...

In the words of Pretty Ricky for all of us from the era of B2k & Bow Wow..."let’s talk about sex baby." Did you know that sex and love addictions are real? On this week’s episode, Kea is not cutting corners. It gets juicy as Kea speaks with Shena Tubbs a therapist who specializes in love and sex addiction, and codependency. Shena is the creator/host of The Love Junkie Podcast and off...

“#Securethebag” is what we constantly see and hear on social media yet so many of us are unfilled and putting on a facade. Did you know that there is a connection between your finances and mental health? So, if you want to really secure the bag, make sure your mental health is in check! In fact, some individuals with bipolar disorder go on shopping splurges when they are in a manic episode. 86% of...

Keeping up with the faith and mental health theme, this week's episode discusses resources for those of the Christian faith with Faith & Wellness Influncer & App Creator Brittney Moses! This week's topic also serves as the mind, body and soulness segment. Brittney Moses is passionate about seeing this generation live on purpose. The Los Angeles native is currently a Clinical Psyc...

What do you do when prayer is not enough? In this episode, Kea dives into her recent experience of how doing a devotional was triggering for her and offer suggestions on how those a part of the Christian faith can help people with a mental illness. During the mind, body and soulness segment, Kea shares a new podcast she discovered as a resource for those who are first generation college graduates...

This week’s episode features Grammy Award Winning Gospel duo "Mary Mary" baby sister Shanta Atkins. After overcoming her person struggles with depression, being a support to her peers who overcame suicide and providing counseling to teen girls, Shanta’s shares why she birthed her new single “God Sees You” that tackles mental health. The words to the song are powerful and needed for such...

In this potluck episode, Kea dives into a lot from hip-hop and mental health where she discusses J.Cole, Charlamagne and Kanye West. Oh yes, it's about to go down! Kea also interviews social worker and Nia Noire founder Jessica Gaddy. Jessica shares her experience with being biracial (Asian and Black), battling suicide ideation, overcoming her fear of seeking treatment as a mental health prof...

This week's episode was requested by one of the fireflies (listeners). This episode addresses how to break-ups and divorce impact your mental health. Chautè Thompson joins the podcast and shares ways to take care of your mental health during this time. During the mind, body and soulness segment, Kea discussed four tips to push past fear. This week's episode was requested by one of the fi...

Why do we tell our black boys to stop crying or acting like a girl? It diminishes their voice and forces them  hold everything inside. It is time we allow our black boys and men to cry and express their thoughts and feelings. In this episode, Kea speaks with book coach and motivational speaker Kenny Jones. Kenny shares his story with coming out as a gay black man, battling depression and being ove...

Are you a mom who wants to start a business or already have a business and driving to find balance? This episode shares the story of founder of Brown Sisters Speak Myisha T who was diagnosed with cyclothymia that later turned into bipolar disorder. She also experienced and postpartum psychosis. Myisha T shares her story, tips on finding balance, mental wellness as a mom and entrepreneur. Reference...

Following up on last week’s episode, Kea spoke with a member of TEAM KEA, Liz, who is a huge support to her in her mental health recovery. In part two, Liz discussed how family and friends can help those who live with mental illness. Kea also share her thoughts on the recent killing of Saheed Vassell who was killed by the police and lived with bipolar disorder. During the mind, body and soulness s...

Many people may look at Kea on social media and say "She looks so happy" but it did not happen overnight. Those in her support system (TEAM KEA) will tell you that it has been a rocky road. She still have rough moments but they are NOTHING compared to her previous dark days. She has healthy coping strategies to get her through, an amazing therapist and of course, TEAM KEA!In this episode...

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive, persistent and unrealistic worry, and caused by genetic factors, brain chemistry and personality. In fact, 40 million people in the United States are affected by an anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. This week's episode discusses generalized anxiety disorder verses experiencing a n...

With recent stories such as Ashawnty Davis (10) and Imani McCray (8) dying by suicide, it is time to talk about our beautiful black princesses. While social media has the benefit of allowing us to stay connected, it has been shown to increase symptoms of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among girls. This episode is so necessary! Meet the expert! Marline Francois-Madden is the owner of Hea...

This Is My Brave Founder Jennifer Marshall says, “One day, we're not gonna have to call talking about mental illness brave, we will simply call it talking.” This week, Kea speaks with Jennifer and Kate of This Is My Brave. Jennifer and Kate share their personal stories, the mission of This Is My Brave, talk about the upcoming show and tell you how to get involved. This Is My Brave, Inc. is th...

How do you respond when your mother has a mental illness that causes her to hear voices? Schizophrenia it is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves. According to a study on race and risk of schizophrenia, it was found that African Americans are about three more likely than whites to be diagnosed with schizophrenia. Kea explores the mental illness o...

Kea interviewed Emmy Award-winning and I Live For founder Nikki Webber Allen about millennials of color impacted by mental illness. Unfortunately, Nikki lost her nephew Paul R. Webber V to suicide yet found her strength by starting an organization I Live For (ILF) and its mission is to end mental health stigma in communities starting with millennials of color. Through short films, live events and...