RallyUp Mental Health Magazine Winter/Spring 2021

#RallyUp2SaveLives

Mental Health

Magazine

BLACK WOMEN CONNECTING THRU

Warrior Zone XI:

MENTAL HEALTH

EVANGELIST TAMIKA

By: Tyi Flood

STRICKLAND

DR. NICOLE

CAMMACK

DR. DANA

CUNNINGHAM

BLACK Special Feature: CZARINA LYNELL Survivor, Author and Mental Health Advocate Winter/Spring 2021

$10.99

DR. DANIELLE

BUSBY

Mental

WELLNESS CORP

DR. JESSICA

HENRY

Features:

LAURYN NICHOLE YOUTH ZONE COVER FEATURE ALISHA WHITE Founder of Sexual Wellness Advocacy Group CLIFTON BRIGHT JR., LCPC Founder of Bright House Counseling and Coaching

WINTER/SPRING 2021

OUR FIGHT WOMEN MAKING HISTORY

RESILIENT WOMEN

NORMALIZING MENTAL HEALTH

SELF-CARE IS HOW

YOU TAKE YOUR

POWER BACK

RALLYUP & See What's INSIDE 06 Founder’s Letter 07 Meet the Contributers 09 Fashion Section Do you know You Rock???

13 Poetry Corner D. A. Kelley Melena Saddler

CREDIT: IRIS MANNINGS PHOTOGRAPHY

16 YOUTH ZONE Youth Cover Feature: Lauryn Nichole Me as in, Me | Nina Hollingsworth Nature | Caleah Henneghan Skin | Caleah Henneghan Feast | Lailah S. Learning in a Pandemic | Deja Smith YOUTH ZONE FASHIONS 24 COVER FEATURES 25 27 29 31

Black Mental Wellness Corporation| The Mecca of Black Wellness Dr. Nicole Cammack Dr. Danielle Busby Dr. Jessica Henry Dr. Dana Cunningham

33 Faith & Mental Health Strength During Difficult Times | By: Andrae Hayden Fear & the Overcomer | By: TJ Woodard 36 Therapy Is Dope:

Mental Health, Entrepreneurs & By: Amanda Fludd, LCSW-R Work-Life Balance Finding A THERAPIST | KeErica Brown

24

42 LOVE & MENTAL HEALTH

Is Love Good for Your Mental Health?

By: TJ Woodard 43 BEAUTY

Self-Care versus Self-Maintenance

By: Nekesa J. Smith

45 Returning Back to Work and Navigating TOXIC WORK RELATIONSHIPS! By: Kendra Hathaway 46 Black Women Connecting Thru Mental Health

By Tyi Flood 48 The Things We Do Not Say | By: Lex Morgan 49 MHCA Mental Health Change Agent CLIFTON BRIGHT JR. LCPC 51 MAKING A DIFFERENCE Alisha White 52 SPECIAL FEATURE Czarina Lynell

38 Dear Amanda

55 HEALTH & WELLNESS Are You Sabotaging Your Wellness Journey?

By: Coach Beverly

39 PAIN in the Pews | By: Talona Y. Smith

57 The Green Pages

40 WARRIOR ZONE XI

Evangelist Tamika Strickland

MENTAL HEALTH MAGAZINE

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Vol. 4 Num. 1 Winter/Spring 2021 Founder & Editorial Director Nikita Powell-Cottman Managing Editor: TJ Woodard Asst. Managing Editor: KeErica Parker-Brown Associate Editor: Paul Cottman Fashion Director: Kena'I Hollingworth Beauty Editor: Nekesa Smith Beauty Assistant: TJ Woodard Comic Illustrator: RJ Sterling Therapy is Dope Editor: Amanda Fludd, LCSW-R Contributer Writers: Jada Carrington Vanity Dawson Andrae Hayden Denise A. Kelley Marisa Jones Kendra Hathaway Melena Saddler

Lex Morgan Talona Smith Tynesha "Tyi" Flood Kena'i Hollingsworth Torre "Tor" White KeErica Parker-Brown TJ Woodard

Youth Contributing Writers: Lorelai Symmes Nina Hollingsworth Jada Sherffield Calaeh Henneghan Copyright © 2021 RallyUp Magazine No portions of the publication can be transmitted, reproduced, or distributed in any form without contacting Editorial Director Nikita Powell-Cottman.

All articles have been reviewed and approved by Nikita Powell-Cottman and her editorial team.

FOUNDER'S LETTER Well Hello Family & Friends,

We are embracing women's history throughout this issue, along with other mental health change agents and warriors! Many of us were told we cannot. Well, it empowered me to go harder to do that very thing “they said” we cannot do. I reflect often on being told to reconsider starting this magazine; to start a blog instead. What if I would have listened to “man” and not God… my Holy Spirit? You would not be reading this Ultimate Guide to Mental Health! Our magazine is not only normalizing conversations about mental health, but we have also created a platform for change!

See, everyone experiences various levels of mental health and well-being but not doing what it takes to take care of themselves. Too many people suffer in silence, ashamed to talk about it, and a lot of times, do not get the care they need because of the lack of knowledge, fear of discrimination or cannot afford it, whether it is the copays or no medical insurance at all. We hope to change all this using our platform.

I am so happy to be on this mental wellness journey with all of you! Your reviews, thoughts and ideas mean so much to me because it is YOU we are serving! I would love to hear from you, please send your thoughts to me at info@rallyupmagazine.com I Fight, You Fight, We Fight Together!

Blessings & Love, Founder & Editorial Director

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 06 | Winter/Spring 2021

Meet The New CONTRIBUTORS Melena Saddler Contributing Writer

A word people often use to describe me is: Admirable.

One thing I'll never change about myself is: My willpower to promote change.

When I look into the mirror I see: A beautiful young woman who is passionate about her community.

I’m most my authentic self when: Alone with my favorite music on.

I maintain my mental strength by: Attending therapy weekly and setting clear boundaries with those in my life.

Caleah Henneghan

Youth Contributing Writer 12 years old I want to change the world. Everyone has their own story, mine being adopted, and not knowing my dad, but how we choose to live our story, is what makes it worth telling. Keep writing and add a paragraph to your life each day. Let's change the world together. ~ Caleah

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 07 | Winter/Spring 2021

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You Are Entering....

THE BODY POSITIVITY ZONE POSITIVITY ZONE

NO Negative Self Talk Allowed NO Negative Body Image Talk or Excuses Allowed

10 SELF LOVE DAILY AFFIRMATIONS

1. I Am a Queen 2. I Am Resilient 3. I Am Confident 4. I Am Beautifully and Wonderfully Made 5. Life Does Not Have To Be Perfect To Be Great.

6. I Am Worthy of Love & Joy! 7. I Am More Than Enough 8. My Life is A Gift 9. I will do my Best With What I Was Given 10. TODAY, I Choose Me!

Do you know You Rock?

Photo by Cash Captures

RALLYUP FAVORITE LOOKS

A HINT OF ROSE

Don't be into trends.

Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.

—Gianni Versace

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RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 10 | Winter/Spring 2021

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RALLYUP FAVORITE LOOKS

RETRO LOVE

Beauty is power; a smile is its sword. ~ John Ray

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RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 11 | Winter/Spring 2021

STORMY STREETZ

RALLYUP FAVORITE LOOKS Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself. ~Coco Chanel

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RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 12 | Winter/Spring 2021

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POETRY CORNER

Therapy Is Dope By: D. A. Kelley

No matter the situation I had everything under control No matter the circumstance, I could handle it…I was bold.

The small things were easy, Nothing bothered me, Had no worries…had no anxiety.

But the problems got bigger, I could no longer cope Overwhelmed and I lost hope.

I struggled within myself, My culture says I should let it go My culture says I shouldn’t seek help.

My issues are now bigger than me, I’m blinded, The light has diminished A way out, I can’t see.

I threw all caution to the wind, Made that first call,

Denise Kelley Denise A. Kelley (Pen name D. A. Kelley) is a published Urban Christian Fiction author, playwright, ghostwriter, and spiritual life coach. Denise is founder/CEO of #SOS She Overcame Suicide, LLC. Denise started this foundation to help women and young girls, of all ages, tap into their GOD given purpose.

Denise’s literary projects can be located on Amazon, and other book sites.

Scheduled that first appointment.

The first visit was awkward, good thing the hour flew by, But I decided to stick with it, and give this therapy thing a try.

Questioned by my culture, “Why you going to therapy?”

But I’m determined to stay on this road to becoming a better me.

Three months in - I have only one regret, What took me so long to make this step?

Now I’m hooked, therapy is my drug and like any addict I have to do it I have to have it.

So when days get hard, and I can’t cope, I just pick up the phone...

Make an appointment, Because therapy Is dope.

Therapy is Dope is a trademarked and should not be replicated for merchandise, services or marketing without written permission.

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 13 | Winter/Spring 2021

SPOKEN WORDS

She Was Destined To Keep It By: Melena Saddler

The vessel shattered. She desperately wanted to put the pieces together but didn’t know how. There’s no tape or glue in this world that can put her back the way she was. As she looked at the many pieces scattered on the floor, she recognized pieces of her that once were. Her only plan at this time was to clean up the mess and start over. She handled the broken fragments with care ensuring not to cut herself. Although the pieces were jagged, they were still beautiful pieces that came together to define who she is. Or should I say who she was.

She was never the same again after that day. It took her some time to make sense of the loss. To grieve the pieces of her that were not seen as damaged goods. She didn’t recognize herself anymore when she looked in the mirror however she was determined to make sense of everything that took place. She was determined to connect with this new vessel. Just as the old vessel did before it broke, it had a purpose. Just because it’s broken doesn’t mean it’s any less valuable. It was still valuable to her even though she had to learn to appreciate this new vessel.

She reminisced on the past pieces and decided to carry over some of the same beautiful attributes. She took time over days, weeks, months and years to rebuild. Pulling pieces from the past and the present together to create a work of art that she was proud of. She may not have found tape or glue to patch up the old pieces but that didn’t mean those parts of her weren’t worth saving. Giving the pieces new meaning gave her new meaning also. She cultivated what she wanted for the future. Her new meaning was her truth, and she was destined to keep it. ~ Melena Saddler, NCC, LMHC, LPC, BC-TMH~

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 14 | Winter/Spring 2021

Take Suicidal thoughts seriously and Get Help!

I did and I feel Much Better!

Photography : Tinisha Curl

We Fight Foundation, Inc. : www.wefightfoundation.org

Platform for 18 and under

LAURYN NICHOLE

OUR VOICES MATTER

Lauryn Nichole

Resilient 17 year old upcoming Artist, Singer, Songwriter, and Dancer from Pontac Michigan who learned Early the Importance of Self-Care

If you can see it before you have it, it’s already yours songs to share with the world. Considering all the enthusiasm she has for expressing her deepest emotions, be prepared for Lauryn to take Generation Z by storm with more heartfelt, hopeful and authentic music that reveals her beautiful spirit.

RUM: What does mental health & wellness mean to you?

LN: Mental Health & Wellness has always been a huge part of my life. Growing up I had some pretty traumatic experiences at a young age and didn’t really know how to navigate through them. Me and my mom have always been close so she encouraged me to go to therapy. I used to be so ashamed of going but am now so grateful that therapy was an option, I don’t know where I’d be today without it in addition to music and putting all my pain into my craft. I strongly encourage others to go if they’re experiencing issues of any kind because it’s so important to make sure we’re always taking care of ourselves and coming together as a community to help one another.

RUM: How are practicing self care & taking care of your mental health?

LN: I’m constantly making sure I’m okay first, constantly making sure I practice self love and self worth. I stay in therapy because I believe there’s always room for growth and I always wanna make sure I deal with my issues upfront so they don’t affect me later.

RUM: What's next for Lauryn Nichole?

L

auryn is a master at creating space and content for the coming-of-age teen who feels misunderstood but remains resilient. Lauryn’s transparency and relatability makes her palatable to this core demographic, as she talks about the everyday struggles of fitting in, finding your passion and battling mental health.

Born in Pontiac Michigan, Lauryn Nichole is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and professional dancer, who self-proclaims her genre as moody R&B. She’s always had a passion for music, and has been composing since she was 9 years old. Her biggest contribution to the world in her young career so far has been the music video for her debut single “Cope” where she outlines the duality between her awkward public side and her private cryptic side, all while intertwining a 2020 version of the Alice in Wonderland theme.

During the pandemic, Lauryn Nichole met artist development coach, Brandon Smith, who would end up being her manager. Brandon saw the potential in Lauryn and was adamant about challenging her in ways she never imagined. From there a strong partnership was formed and Lauryn began to restore faith in her life's path. Along with her debut single “Cope” released on October 22, 2020 Lauryn has many other

LN: Big big hopes and dreams are what’s next for me! I’m working on a huge project right now and have been working very hard behind the scenes to make sure this project really connects and touches the consumers. I plan to achieve a lot of long term goals this year as far as really popping off and putting myself out there and exposing myself to new opportunities. Stay on the lookout ! I can't wait to share all I have planned with the world.

Contact Info: : LaurynnicholeOfficial : Lauryn Nichole : Lauryn Nichole : www.laurynnichole.bigcartel.com

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 17 | Winter/Spring 2021

Downloadable from PINTEREST

Me as in, Me

POETRY CORNER

By: Nina Hollingsworth

I'm in 8th grade. . .13 years strong I’m thankful for the family and friends. . .that helped me get through it all Music and Books. . .always made me feel my best Even if I was in a bad mood it made me feel at rest Singing and doing things I loved helped me break free From the broken part. . . that tries to consume me Caring and Resilient. . .is what people described me as Minus the people that describe me as bad This is who I am and I can’t change what people think I should be Which leads me back to the title. . .Me as in, Me

Nature

By: Caleah Henneghan Green grass- blanketing the wide fields.

I lay down with the bright sun- gleaming.

On my brown skin Nature isn’t like the world.

It dœsn’t judge us.

It’s the most subtle yet extravagant thing before us.

Nature dœsn’t kill people because of color, Or limit people because of culture It sits there, quietly.

You can’t hear its voice, yet it has the most to say.

Nature may seem dull.

But have you thought of how much it dœs?

Nature would be there for us, but how can it help us if we do the things we do Treat nature as if it were human.

Would you throw trash on people, or cut them down?

Nature is there for us, So, we should be there for it.

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 19 | Winter/Spring 2021

Skin

POETRY CORNER

By: Caleah Henneghan

Golden, brown- tan, peach Light, dark- black, white Skin comes in a variety of colors and Color is a beauty, so why is negativity shown towards it?

There shouldn’t be discrimination between skin color.

Our skin dœsn’t tell our story, although it may show it.

Our story comes from inside us.

Our skin just gives the world something to look at.

Don’t get me wrong, your skin can tell and show great stories.

The scars- birthmarks- bruises, they make up who we are.

But being who we are shouldn’t be a bad thing.

So, neither should color.

To say that skin is bad, is not true.

Skin is Love, Skin is Life So, don’t be ashamed if you’re really dark, really pale, or somewhere in between.

Skin is Skin.

And no one can change that.

LIP GLOSSES, LIP SCRUBS & BODY SCRUBS

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Natural Products made with Love by hand CEO "Teenprenuer " Nina Hollingsworth ***Proceeds goes towards building business & college funds.

NAME THE LOOK

YOU'RE NOT ALONE! Overseer: Lex Morgan

This is a place for young people to connect with one another using authenticity and courage. In a world where its easy to feel like you must figure things out alone and no one understands, we’re here to remind you that you matter, and You Are Not Alone! #BeScaredDoItAnyway

WE WELCOME         

All Races and Ethnicities All Religions All Countries of Origin All Gender Indentities All Sexual Orientations All Abilities and Disabilities All spoken languages All Ages Everyone.

WE STAND HERE WITH YOU YOU ARE SAFE HERE

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 21 | Winter/Spring 2021

Feast By: Lailah S. “Welcome to the feast” a woman or more so everything I wanted to be said. In the room there was a large box, table and window. There was so many people and things. My mom, my father, and a younger version of my sister. My old friends, the first boy I had a crush on, people from my old summer camp, my exes, as well as monsters. They all were holding something in their hands. But the biggest person there was a version of myself with a straitjacket on with a bag in her teeth. The feast was a wonderful display of meats baked, fried, roasted. Vegetables galore and delicious cocktails but there was this large tray that was covered in the middle everyone seemed the most excited for what that beheld. As the people and monsters walked in, they each wrote what was in their boxes and bags. It seemed the people had things they took from me or did to me. The monsters had what they are doing to me but they were given nametags so we could tell them apart. Depression, bipolarism, anxiety, social anxiety. Little old me had a nametag reading self-hatred.

Outside the window I saw my therapist, my friends, my sister, my pets trying to break it down but unfortunately there wasn’t enough of them. As everyone was standing waiting, they each placed their bearings in the box and soon sat down. Once everyone was seated the woman lifted the tray and it was me in fact the whole feast was me. The woman rang a bell, and everyone started to eat away at my sanity and health. As they were leaving, they looked at the name of my room it was called “Mind” everyone seemed joyous to come back tomorrow and eat once again.

LearningBy:in a Pandemic Deja Smith No one could have expected the pandemic and regrettably the educational system would still be majorly affected due to the ordeal. With no previous guidance for the situation, students were thrown into a new learning system and expected to fit a standard that was made like “one-size-fits-all,” and that is never the case with children and young adults. Research shows that there are mainly three different ways for a person to grasp and comprehend a subject: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.

Unfortunately for homeschool students who have only known auditory and kinesthetic learning, the rapid changes in environments, daily routines, and social lives left some students absolutely lost and confused. It is quite common for students, especially teenagers, not to know how to approach this overbearing situation. The largest struggle for students has been schooling and its impact on grades, but there are easy ways to manage this situation by finding out what works only for you.

Learning what type of learner that you are is extremely important to best understand how you need to learn. Of course, Zoom is around, but it is known for students slacking off, not paying attention, or just giving up knowing they will never get the learning experience they truly need. Schools have forced Auditory learning onto students which is understandable for Zoom environments. On the other hand, they have offered little resources and it is showing not everyone has the characteristics of an auditory learner. Auditory learners usually learn through listening, and those that have highly developed auditory skills are generally good at speaking and presenting. These learners also tend to think in words rather than pictures. Furthermore, they learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say. Finally, auditory learners have skills that show in listening, speaking, writing, storytelling, explaining, teaching, using humor, remembering information, arguing their point of view, and

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 22 | Winter/Spring 2021

analyzing language usage. Unfortunately, a lot of students are too shy, antisocial and get anxiety thinking about speaking on the Zoom calls to attempt to get help from a teacher. Although it is designed like a school environment, you can never recreate the true connection a student has with a teacher one-on-one. Therefore, students should try to put effort into learning so they can grasp the concept to the best of their ability. Even if this means studying a few extra minutes or taking notes, which is easily overlooked since everything is online.

Technology although it is advanced, is just not able to recreate such a human experience.

want to create a personal quiz using the vocabulary words before an important test date? Taking steps to further better yourself will reflect positively with your teachers. Likewise, being active in your education helps them grasp a better outlook of you as a student. Start considering whether you want to personally call your teacher and talk about a topic to ask for help with gaining a clearer understanding.

The worst you can get is a no, but there are still other options to obtain knowledge. It is important to have goals and steps you will create to achieve your goals. Speaking it into existence will help you all the way.

Some students are kinesthetic learners who tend to learn through moving, doing and touching. They may express themselves through movement, have a good sense of balance and eye-hand coordination and find it hard to sit still for long periods. Sitting in on long Zoom classes may result in a kinesthetic learner becoming distracted by their need for activity and exploration. These types of learners excel in crafts, acting, miming, using their hands to create or build, dancing, and expressing emotions through the body. In the online environment we have now, it is best to go back later and go over your teacher's presentation while teaching yourself at your own pace, this will help you with being comfortable and relaxed while learning. Also, it allows you to rewrite your notes, write down questions and ask your teacher afterwards to fully grasp the lesson while using your known resources to your ability. Sometimes students need to step up and take initiative for their education to become successful.

This pandemic has no known end yet so we must incorporate it into our lives by adapting and overcoming our challenges. It is important to manage your work life and free time while being the most comfortable that you can be. After all, this is our new normal and unwanted stress is not necessary. Although this change was not needed or wanted, it has helped people to grow. There are easy ways to manage this situation by finding out what works only for you.

Another thing is once you figure out the type of learner that you are, another helpful thing would be, setting personal goals for your education. How far do you want to be in the assignments by the end of the week? Do you

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CASUAL CHIC RALLYUP FAVORITE LOOKS

BLACK MENTAL WELLNESS The Mecca of Black Wellness 4 Black Women Psychologists Working Together to Break Down the Stigma About Mental Health Services in the Black Community

CREDIT: IRIS MANNINGS PHOTOGRAPHY

B

lack Mental Wellness, Corp., was founded by licensed clinical psychologists (Dr. Nicole Cammack, Dr. Danielle Busby, Dr. Dana Cunningham, and Dr. Jessica Henry) who are passionate about addressing mental health and wellness concerns in the Black community. The mission of Black Mental Wellness is to provide access to evidenced-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective (To access our free mental health and wellness resources, www.BlackMentalWellness.com), to highlight and increase the diversity of mental health professionals, and to decrease the mental health stigma in the Black community.

Four clinical psychologists working together to break down those systematic barriers that impact mental health; creating relatable resources and addressing mental health issues that are common and unique to the

experiences of Black People.

They are passionate about creating long-lasting change in the Black community.

Black Mental Wellness Corp., lead training and workshops for corporations and community agencies, develop culturally informed curriculum, provide consultation services, and they are available for a range of speaking engagements. In addition, they launched the Authentically Me t-shirt collection as a way to normalize conversations about mental health in the Black community through sharing our personal authentic experiences with mental health and wellness.

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 24 | Winter/Spring 2021

Each founder designed a unique shirt (Resilient. My Peace is More Important., Pain. Passion, Purpose., Get Over it. Deal with it.) which is connected to a personal piece of their stories. Black Mental Wellness Corp., hopes that this collection will continue to motivate and inspire others to share their stories. Shop their collection today (www.blackmentalwellness.com/shop) and let them know which shirt most relates to your story.

CREDIT: IRIS MANNINGS PHOTOGRAPHY

DR. NICOLE

Cammack have a ton of resources that look at mental health and wellness through a cultural lens. We identify and describe what different mental health disorders are, and ways that Black people may experience symptoms. We also have resources on different informational topics about mental health issues specific to the Black community. And then we have fact sheets related to coping and wellness strategies and resources such as podcasts, books, videos, etc. Users can download all of our resources for ease of use.

In addition, we use our social media platform to provide information about black mental health. Our goal is to provide information about mental health and wellness through different means, use simple language that people can understand, and make it relatable so that Black people feel like it applies to them, all to start to break down some of the barriers that currently exist in our understanding of mental health..We also facilitate Black Mental Wellness programs and develop and lead workshops and trainings for other corporations and organizations.

D

Lastly, I promote change and wellness in my work with veterans. I work in a primary care clinic and the benefits to that setting is that when veterans are coming into the office for their annual visits, or for other medical concerns, if there's a mental health concern as well, the primary care provider is able to easily connect me to that person. I look at that interaction and oftentimes, it's the veteran’s first experience with a mental health provider. It’s important to me during this interaction to make their experience feel safe, to help them not feel stigmatized in the room, and to normalize some of their experiences, so that they will believe in therapy, if that is something that they need. I do this by being mindful of the language that I use, incorporating cultural references and learning about the person, their values, and where they draw strength. I promote change and mental wellness by creating safe spaces for black people in therapy.

If you're always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be. ~Maya Angelou

R. NICOLE L. CAMMACK is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Maryland. She received her bachelor’s degree from Howard University and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University.

Throughout her career, Dr. Cammack has focused on identifying ways to address the cultural and systemic issues that impact Black mental health and wellness. This passion led to the development of Black Mental Wellness, Corp. of which she is the President and CEO. In addition, she serves as the Program Director of a Primary Care-Mental Health Integration clinic, where she provides mental health services to veterans.

RUM: It's just a blessing to be able to connect with our awesome group that's doing great things for the black mental health community.

Outside of your profession, the CEO and president of such an awesome corporation, Who are you? What defines you?

DR. CAMMACK: Oh, that's a good question. Well, first, I'm a woman, I'm a black woman, I am a mother, and I am a psychologist. I'm a person and I love to enjoy life and to have fun! Also, it’s really important to me, especially now during this pandemic, to prioritize taking care of myself.

I'm also trying to be in this space of being more intentional about how I show up for other people and making sure they're good.

RUM: How do you promote change and mental wellness in the Black community?

DR. CAMMACK: I think that's the whole premise and purpose behind black mental wellness which really is getting together to promote mental health, wellness. The main way that we do that is through our website, we

RUM: Awesome, all you’ve mentioned is what's important, especially when it comes to our males. You have to make it as comfortable as possible for them to start to express themselves. What are some of the greatest challenges that you find working with veterans who have mental challenges?

DR. CAMMACK: Exactly what you said. Oftentimes, when you think about our veterans, they have served in environments and under circumstances that the average civilian may not be able to navigate. Because of the physical and mental strength they needed to endure those experiences and to survive those different environments, work conditions, and/or dangers, there is thought, this energy where they feel as if, “I should be able to handle this.”

Oftentimes, veterans may wait until their symptoms feel really out of their control. There's this guilt or shame about how they should be able to get through those feelings. The reality of it is, they have experiences that most civilians will never understand. A lot of my role really comes down to normalizing their responses to traumatic experiences in combat. Not judging them, or saying how they “should respond,” but providing the tools to help veterans navigate those challenges.

I see a lot of veterans who experience PTSD, depression, and anxiety, substance use, and general life stressors. When you think about Vietnam vets, mental health services were not as readily available, or we didn't know as much about the impact of those events on mental health during that time.

And so for many veterans, when they came back, they felt isolated and really tried to figure out, “how do I deal with everything that I just saw and went

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these difficult stressors over the last year. So that has been really cool.

We also had our first virtual conference, which was something we were planning in person for 2021, but we held it virtually in November 2020. Now we want to think about how we can expand the conference to reach even more people this year. We're also leading a national training program, where we work with students, both undergrad and graduate students, with an ultimate goal of diversifying the mental health field. During the last application cycle the response from students was overwhelming.

This year, we are extending our program by also inviting additional mentors to work directly with students. So we're connecting to others in the behavioral health field, who want to be mentors, and bringing on people to mentor our students so that we can help even more students who are looking for that guidance as they navigate both undergrad and graduate school.

That’s a few of our projects, we also have our Authentically Me T-shirt line which aims to initiate conversations about mental health, so that we can continue to normalize this as something that we all experience.

through in this environment now?” Therapy is one outlet that helps veterans to see and understand the pathway between any untreated mental health condition and maybe how that may have even led to a history of substance use as a way of negatively coping with their experiences. I love working with veterans. It is rewarding. Our veterans are our heroes. A lot of them have endured a lot. And it's an honor to be able to help on this end.

RUM: I am sure it is an honor, its even helping to reduce that suicide rate amongst veterans due to lack of mental health treatment.

Being able to help them find some sort of normalcy when they return back home to their families. A lot of families have become broken after they've come back from serving in different places, depending on what they’ve endured. I think what you're doing is awesome! So what's next for Black Mental Wellness Corporation?

DR. CAMMACK: Oh, I get excited about this question. Covid has required us to pivot many of the programs and things that we wanted to do in person, we had to shift and start thinking about what that looks like virtually. The beautiful part about the virtual space is that it expands who we can even reach. We've been doing a lot of work with corporations and companies and really being able to provide services to employees as they're going through

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RUM: Awesome! In closing, they're going to be readers or even listeners who have thoughts of giving up or having thoughts of harming themselves, what encouraging words do you have for them?

DR. CAMMACK: That's such a difficult one, especially during this time, we're thinking about just the impact and the stress of what so many people are feeling. And that isolation, it may feel like, you want to give up. Many times what you're feeling in that moment is temporary. Just know that it is not always going to be this way, and there is hope. There are providers who can help you manage what it is that you're dealing with. It doesn't mean that whatever that stressor is, will go away, or whatever that pain is will disappear, but what if there is a different way of managing it, or dealing with it, or coping through it? Lean into your support, lean into the people that you trust, and when you're ready to see a provider; I would say a licensed mental health provider who can help guide you in that process so that you're not doing it alone.

RUM: What are the ways we can encourage more people to seek mental health? We're gonna close with this question.

DR. CAMMACK: I think that we have to normalize mental health,like this magazine, right! Being able to spread the message that people, Black people, are receiving mental health treatment and they're coming out feeling good, they're healed, they're on a journey, they're on a pathway to taking control of their life. Talking about therapy also helps to normalize it. For

example, if you've ever been in therapy and you feel comfortable saying things like, “I learned this in therapy,” or “I learned this with my therapist.”

In doing so, you just expanded what someone's definition of therapy is and who should go to therapy. We often think of therapy as something either other people do, or you really have to be going through severe symptoms before you should seek therapy. The truth of it is, we all can benefit from therapy. So when you share that with your friends, when you open up about your experiences that helps to normalize therapy. You can also encourage people in your life to seek therapy if you notice that they're going through difficulties in life. You can say to them, “Have you considered therapy?,” or “Do you want me to help you find a therapist?”

Most importantly, in the same way that we would go to our primary care providers for our annual exams, or we go to our dentist twice a year, we all can use mental health checkups, right? Just think of it that way with everything that we're dealing with. Just being able to sort out your thoughts and feelings, learn how to cope with them in a healthy way and keep going so that you come out even stronger at the end. I would strongly encourage anyone to think about therapy. In addition, our Black Mental Wellness website has resources about questions that you can ask a therapist as you're trying to make that decision.

We also have resources about how to even start the search for a therapist because it can feel very overwhelming. So we just want to help you on that pathway. And again, that's on our website at www.blackmentalwellness.com.

RUM: Thank you so much Dr. Cammack! We appreciate all that you're doing for the mental health community, you are definitely a mental health change agent! Blessings to you and the future endeavors of Black Mental Wellness Corp. I hope our readers are blessed by this interview as well:) Everyone, make sure you stay connected to see all that Dr. Nicole Cammack and Black Mental Wellness Corp have in store for the mental health community.

DrCammack@BlackMentalWellness.com

DR. DANIELLE

BUSBY You are your best thing ~ Toni Morrison

D

r. Danielle Busby is a licensed clinical psychologist in the states of Michigan and Texas, and co-founder of Black Mental Wellness, Corp. She was born in Detroit, MI and raised in Southfield, MI. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, and her master’s and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas.Dr. Busby’s expertise is in trauma-informed assessment and intervention; evidence-based clinical practices; and suicide risk assessment and intervention.

She is passionate about decreasing barriers to mental health service use for underserved patient populations and is committed to continuously bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. Dr. Busby works with a team of change makers (www.blackmentalwellness.com) who are available to provide a range of services related to mental health and wellness including consultations; presentations, workshops, and trainings for corporations and community agencies; culturally inclusive trainings and content/curriculum development for company programs and retreats; and speaking engagements.

RUM: Here at RallyUp Magazine, we love to highlight all the mental health change agents, and all the great things they have or are doing in the communities. Dr. Danielle Busby, you are a part of an awesome group.

Tell us a little bit about your group.

DR. BUSBY: I am one of the cofounders of Black Mental Wellness, and that's alongside Dr. Nicole Cammack, Dr. Jessica Henry and Dr. Dana Cunningham and we are all licensed clinical psychologists. Black Mental Wellness was developed out of just a clear need for increased access to evidenced-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black

perspective, to highlight and increase the diversity of mental health professionals, and to decrease the mental health stigma in the Black community. Personally, as I was going through my training, I just consistently kept seeing the clear disparities that existed between black individuals versus other racial groups related to mental health services. There were clear disparities related to access- specifically, on who comes in treatment, and clear differences on when they come in for care and I just got really frustrated by it. In helping develop Black Mental Wellness, my thoughts were how can we have a platform and a method to create some kind of language that is not so confusing for many people around mental health and mental health treatment and make it relatable. We developed this online platform that provides free resources for people related to mental health and wellness and provide training and workshops that allow for a lot of the terminology around mental health and mental health treatment to be simplified, and for it to come from a Black perspective.

RUM: Outside of Black Mental Wellness and being a clinical psychologist, who is Dr. Daniel Busby,what defines you?

DR. BUSBY: Well, I'm originally from Detroit, Michigan, and was raised in Southfield, MI. I am the second daughter of Linda and Arthur Busby. When I think about what defines me, I would say authenticity. I really try to live in my truth, even when it is hard, especially when it is hard. I try to live in authenticity. The experiences I saw family members and friends deal with as a child, made me really just realize that a lot of times I think people are just trying to cope with things and they're not always

doing it in the healthiest ways and the problem is they are not being honest about what's happening for them. I always try to be my most authentic self and show up as I am, and name things as they are because I think that's how we can get to the real stuff quicker, or that's how we can be our truest self. On a more superficial level, I enjoy time with family and friends. I love to travel, this pandemic has been really tough for me because I love to see the world, I love to try new things and I love meeting new people, I love learning about people, I love hearing people's stories, because I'm always so inspired by them.

RUM: What is your expertise in the mental health field?

DR. BUSBY: My expertise areas really range around youth and families more globally.

However, my specific areas of focus are depression among adolescents, trauma, and suicide prevention and intervention work. So, I did my clinical internship at Duke University's Medical Center, with a specific focus on child trauma. I noticed there was an overlap with certain traumas people experience and suicide risk factors like past suicide attempts and suciidal ideation. In diving into that work, more specifically, it kind of grew into wanting to understand depression and suicidal prevention intervention work more closely. In my work, I felt like many times the people that had the most difficult experiences like trauma or suicide risk,

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experienced the most difficulty in receiving treatment. This grew my interest in barriers to care work. Like, how do we decrease barriers to care, particularly for Black individuals since we know there are racial disparities related to treatment and access. That's where my real passion lies, and I'm just so blessed to be able to continue to do that work with youth and families and to be able to do that work within black mental wellness, taking that expertise, and shaping it to fit the needs of whatever audience we're working with.

RUM: If you had to give some advice to a parent or caregiver of someone who cares for a youth or young adult, what advice would you give them on how to support them if they was experiencing suicide ideation?

DR. BUSBY: I work with so many families that have experienced this range of severity as it relates to ideation and attempts. I also have my own personal experiences in my family where someone really close to me has had their own attempt history, so whenever I answer that question, I have to carry both parts, I cannot separate the two. It's a lot of heavy emotions that come with trying to make sure that your child is staying safe. A lot of times I meet families where I can see it all over their face and I feel their energy. This is hard for both people involved when a kid tells me they have had thoughts about no longer wanting to live. I encourage them to take it one step at a time, because you're going to approach it one step at a time. Then I break it down, from a safety perspective to help figure out what we can do.

We got to name it. This is hard. This is tough. I try to remind them that lots of kids struggle with this. There are steps that we can take to at least feel like we can stay safe, and that's when I really encourage families to be really intentional and serious about making a safety plan.

Identifying: What are those things for your child that are their triggers?

Helping your child know, what are their triggers?

What thoughts do they typically have, when they get to a place of not wanting to live anymore?

If they're thinking about an attempt, what situations might have occurred?

Is it a family conflict?

Did you get into it with a peer?

Is it a romantic breakup? Because those things feel huge to kids.

Next, working with the child and the parents to say, what are the things that the child can do by themselves internally. These are the first things that they can do when they don't have access to anyone or maybe they don't know if they are ready to have access to anyone: Deep breathing Go for a run Call a friend Identify, who are your people...your team of support? This person is ready to listen to you.

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This can be a religious leader, a godparent, a close family friend who's been through something similar, your coach at school, along with a parent.

Identify one or two reasons for living. What makes this worth it? What are you looking forward to? so they can anchor themselves in that thought because if they let the other thoughts win , it gets really difficult.

Also, I like to let families know there are resources if it gets to the point where you feel like you can't help keep your child safe, or I tell the child if you can't help keep yourself safe. You can call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at1-800-273-8255. You can also text TALK to 741741 because a lot of our kids today don't want to call but they'll text somebody and you can text with a counselor about what are some strategies or next steps. And if all else fails, although I know there can be some complications, you can call the police. I care more about the youth or young adult staying safe. Call 911 or go to an emergency room where a professional can help you assess your suicidal risk.

Additionally, I know for a family this feels really technical and may be feeling overwhelmed by the emotions but we have to limit access to means in the home too.

Do you have a firearm in your home? If so, do you mind locking it up? Or giving it to a family friend to hold until at less risk?

What do you need to lock up, medicine?

Do you need to remove sharp objects?

You want to make those intense moments that they’re feeling like they no longer want to live anymore, you want to make it really hard for them to succeed at that, so I want the parents to be thoughtful about what are all the creative ways my child could potentially do this? And how can I limit that? This may require you taking the door off their room, right? Because we can't have you locking yourself in your room, and not being able to get access to you when needed, if needed. I really walked families through what are all the ways that we can think about reducing harm in the home and reducing risk, and helped them be creative about what they need to do in order to make reducing those means.

I think it's important for people to be honest about what their barriers are, because I don't want to come up with a plan with a family that's not going to be realistically implemented. These questions are so hard, but my advice is to consider those things I just listed. If you're not already connected with a mental health provider, please do so because this is a lot to take in, and it's a lot to navigate. It's so much easier if you have an advocate, or you have a partner in this process, because I know for me from the personal piece, it is sometimes hard to think in this very strategic, logical way, when all the emotions are happening. I'm so concerned about my family being okay, and the thought

of them not being here can really take you out sometimes. Having a support system around you is really important.

RUM: Thank you so much for that rundown. I know all this information will be very helpful for many parents. In closing, there may be readers or listeners who have thoughts of giving up or harming themselves. What encouragement words would you leave for them?

DR. BUSBY: Yes, a lot of times when I work with my youth, they say things to me like, “I no longer want to live because I don't want to feel the pain anymore.” It's all about wanting “it” to just feel lighter. They say other things like, “I want to go to sleep and I don't want to wake up because I'm just struggling emotionally so much.” One, I want to say, it gets better, it will get better. A lot of times things can feel really big in a moment, but we have to figure out the strategies and skills to hold that for a while and let that moment pass. I encourage them to think a lot about what things that they want to accomplish in the future. What gifts are they going to give to the world? because I want them to know how important it is to be your most authentic self. I think everyone has an authentic self in them that the world needs.

So readers and listeners, I want you to know, the world needs you and the world needs your gifts!

You know, I've seen a lot of people who have been where you've been, and I've seen them come out of it. I'm hoping and praying the same for you. Sending all the positive vibes and intentions that you'll have that same experience too.

RUM: Absolutely, thank you so much Dr. Danielle Busby. There seems to be so much out there to help adults and their mental health, but we need so much more for our youth, so I thank you for all you are doing for our youth in the mental health communities.

We appreciate you and definitely support you in everything you do.

DR. JESSICA

HENRY My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ~2 Corinthians 12:9 Dr. Henry: Yes, I'm a licensed Clinical Psychologist. I got my PhD in clinical psychology. In 2014, I moved to Georgia, where I currently reside, I am a Clinical Director within a maximum security male prison where I oversee the clinical functions of the mental health unit within a prison setting. I also have a private practice, which is Community Impact: Consultation & Psychological services. I specialize in providing trauma-informed care and evidence-based, trauma-informed mental health treatment. Within Black Mental Wellness, I am the co-founder, and vice president of Program Development and Evaluation.

D

r. Jessica Henry, Vice President of Program Development and Evaluation for Black Mental Wellness, Corp., and Founder and CEO of Community Impact: Consultation & Psychological Services, received her B.S. from Howard University, M.A. from Columbia University, and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University.

Also, she is currently the Clinical Director of a level-5 close security male prison. Dr. Henry is dedicated to reducing and eliminating barriers to receiving mental health treatment for African Americans and minorities and increasing access to mental health care for individuals and communities impacted by traumatic events.

RUM: Dr. Jessica Henry, she is one of the co-founders of Black Mental Wellness Corporation. And I'm just honored to interview her. Outside of the Black Mental Wellness, who is Dr. Jessica Henry, what defines you?

DR. HENRY: I would have to say, what defines me first and foremost is my identity as a black woman, I am a black person first. That means a lot because our experiences in this world are different and that our experiences shape who we are. I will have to say, I largely identify as being a Black or African American woman in America, that alone speaks value.

RUM: What is your expertise in the mental health field?

RUM: That is awesome.

There are so many police officers that are not trained for situations, as it pertains to mental health. Counseling this population, do you feel that the numbers are high for those incarcerated, due to injustice?

DR. HENRY: Yes. Well, I will have to say that injustice plays a part in a lot of different factors. There is a difference in sentencing for African Americans or Black individuals, or minorities compared to their White counterparts, right? Minorities, Black individuals specifically, receive harsher sentences, longer sentences, and are more likely to be referred to juvenile detention centers at a younger age as opposed to white youth who are more likely to be referred to mental health or specialty care services.There is a disparity and inequities in health care services

and Black youth are more likely to get harsher sentences.It does increase for the school to prison pipeline. There are so many disparities that we can go on and on about. There's a lot of injustice that does go on within the prison and criminal justice system.

RUM: Do you feel like their mental illnesses are overlooked? A lot of times mental illnesses lead to some of the crimes that they commit.

DR. HENRY: Definitely, research shows that Black youth are more likely to get harsher sentences versus White youth who commit the same or equivalent crimes and who display the same behavioral problems. Black youth are less likely to get mental health services and get the care at a younger age. The truth is, yes, mental health plays a factor in it. One contributing factor is that there are fewer state mental health facilities for the underserved and lower income population and they're more likely, in turn, to funnel through the prison system or the criminal justice system. Again, because of the lack of resources and injustice that exists they are at an increased risk for them to become incarcerated. Again, that goes back to a lot of disparities that exist, the communities that they're in. You know, it's a lot of disparities that are in place that impact the reason why African Americans and minorities are more likely to be incarcerated.

But yeah, mental health is one. Yes, as a Clinical Director, I oversee direct care clinical services, which means I supervise my mental health counselors and provide clinical oversight of the program.

RUM: It is very important when you're in high risk and trauma populations to engage in self care.

What does self care look like?

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DR. HENRY: For me, I will have to say, it's tough. I'm an entrepreneur with multiple businesses and I am working full time. I do try to go hiking when I can. I try to work out as much as I can. This morning, I didn't go because I had a doctor's appointment, but I try to make a concerted effort to make sure I do those things and make sure I travel when I can, which I've done of course, a lot less during COVID. But I do try to take breaks. I try to binge on tv shows I like to watch on Netflix and on my Amazon Prime. I enjoy hanging out with friends and family.

So that's what self care looks like for me.

RUM: How do you promote change and mental wellness in the black community?

DR. HENRY: You can promote change on various levels, right, I think it's in the work that I do. I do it on an individual level by providing direct care to individuals and I do it on a systemic level, overseeing counselors, training and supervising mentors, and developing programs right? in providing advocacy and awareness. And so being a part of different boards, too. I've been on the board of directors of a couple of different boards. I'm currently on the board of directors for the Healing Justice Collective, which is based out of Colorado. That is really to help the BIPOC community really begin to receive services that they need. It's a nonprofit. I do a lot of different things, to, to provide, like I said, awareness and advocacy, whenever I can speak out, whether it's on my page, or social media, and just repost, I think that you never know how far I mean, social media can be very impactful. How people say you have to be mindful of what you say because it does, it can impact people's thoughts overall. I think on multiple levels, I try to create change, like I said, whether it's individually working with an individual, speaking to family members, friends, or systemically advocating and promoting awareness. It's really about the impact that we create in our community. That's what is most valuable, that's where your blessings live. I'm just keeping that at the forefront of just serving. Our goal with Black Mental Wellness is to provide resources and to provide information to the community and put out culturally relevant information and resources to community members. It's also to train, highlight professionals, and promote and provide awareness and education.

RUM: I'm going to end with this, we may have a reader or listeners who have thoughts of giving up or having thoughts of harming themselves. What encouraging words do you have for them?

DR. HENRY:I have so many words, because I work in a prison where the risk of suicide is high. I always ask my offenders to try and identify their reasons for living. I ask them to think about if they have a child or if they have someone whose life they can impact. I ask them what their purpose is, I help people to identify their purpose, and let them know there's a purpose that's bigger than them. And again, a quote that I like to live by is 2 Corinthians 12:9 that says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So I do believe personally that we do endure a lot.

But, you know, there is a higher being. I'm not necessarily religious, but I'm more spiritual and I believe I am guided by a greater force that is using me. There's a purpose in all of us that we just need to really find our purpose and we need to sit on that and rely on that.

Through our weakness, you know, we know that it's going to come through, it's going to prevail, you know, all things are made possible.

Keep the faith, keep going and know that through your weaknesses, your strengths will be made known.

RUM: Don't lose hope, don't ever give up. We need you in this world. Thank you so much Dr. Jessica Henry. This interview truly was a blessing.

Contact Info: : @blackmentalwellness @communityimpact_cp

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DR. DANA

CUNNINGHAM I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13 Dr. Dana Cunningham is a licensed psycholo-

gist and Faculty Consultant at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Cunningham is the Program Director of the Prince George’s School Mental Health Initiative, which is a school-based mental health program designed to support the emotional and behavioral needs of students in special education. Dr. Cunningham is also the Vice President of Community Outreach and Engagement in Black Mental Wellness. Dr. Cunningham obtained her bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and completed her doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Dr. Cunningham’s clinical and research interests include trauma, children of incarcerated parents, and increasing access to care for underserved youth.

RUM : We love to always start out with this question... outside of Black Mental Wellness Group, what defines you?

Dr. Cunningham: I am a wife and a daughter and a sister. I am an exercise enthusiast. I enjoy quiet time to decompress and just relax, enjoy being outside and getting out in nature when I can. I also enjoy spending time with my new puppy.

RUM: What is your expertise in the mental health field?

Dr. Cunningham: I'm trained as a clinical psychologist, with expertise in working with children and adolescents and families. Pretty much all of my work experience has been with youth and families and working with schools in some capacity, doing consultation, training, and providing clinical care.

RUM: Are there any regrets on your journey of becoming a psychologist?

Dr. Cunningham: No regrets, you know, just lessons learned for sure. I think every experience teaches us something. I've certainly learned a lot along the way. I think one of the things that we didn't learn about in graduate school was the business side of psychology. Through our company, we're

learning a lot about the business aspects as it relates to running a company and how to continue to grow.

RUM: How do you balance your work and home and self care, just to kind of prevent from getting burnt out?

Dr. Cunningham: That's a great question! I am very excited about our mentoring program and expanding our Ambassador Program as well. We will be expanding our mentors this year so we can accept more mentees. We received over 100 applications for mentees last year, and I'm sure that number will be increased this year.

In terms of balance, I really try my best to create it although it's a work in progress. I do not always succeed, but I usually try to end my work day at a set time. So at 5:00 or 5:30, I physically get up out of my home office, and go downstairs. When it was nice outside, I would usually take a walk just to have some time outside since while working from home, I no longer have a commute. So that walk gives you a little time to decompress. It's important for me to maintain a routine and some structure in my day. The other thing that helps me is I don't check my work email after I leave my office or on the weekends. I really just try to have that separate time between work and home. As I said earlier, I'm a very big exercise enthusiast. Exercise is my way to decrease stress and focus on something else. I also enjoy playing with my puppy.

RUM: Balance is key.When you're trying to help people, but also need to separate things to keep from getting burnt out. In terms of helping people, what are some ways we can encourage more people to seek mental health treatment? Ways to normalize the conversation?

Dr. Cunningham: That's a good question. I think it goes both ways. I think there are things that we can do to try to encourage people to seek more mental health treatment, but we also have to do things to ensure that the treatment that is being provided is of the quality that would make one want to seek that treatment.. Ensuring that services and service providers are culturally informed and providing culturally responsive services, practicing cultural humility, doing their own work to make sure that when a person of color shows up in their office, that they're not doing things to retrigger or re-traumatize them in any way. And within our community, there are things that we can do as well like having conversations like this to normalize talking about mental health. That is one of the things we try to do, through our platform, Black Mental Wellness, particularly with our social media. We want to encourage conversations about different aspects of mental health, anxiety, depression, how to talk to someone who might be expressing thoughts of suicide. Our goal is to get information out to start conversations. With Black Mental Wellness, we also have an ambassador program as well.

Our Black Mental Wellness Ambassador is not a psychologist and not a mental health professional. She's just very passionate about mental health.

She recently did a social media takeover, where she shared information about emotional intelligence from her perspective. These are examples of ways that we can get this information out there and start those conversations.

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RUM: We always think about our readers, those who are still struggling and possibly thinking about giving up, those readers and listeners who may even be thinking about harming themselves, what encouraging words do you have for them?

Dr. Cunningham: That's a good question. I would say that your strengths are greater than your struggles. If people can remember that even though things may be difficult or challenging, on those days that you probably don't feel like getting out of bed, if you can remember to focus on one thing that brings you joy, or one thing that brings a smile to your face it can be helpful to focus on that and remember to rely on your strengths to help get you through those difficult times.

RUM: As the founder of RallyUp Magazine, this area of education on mental health is dear to my heart. Being a caregiver of a child who has mental illnesses. I had a teenager who just gave up on life with no warning signs. Well, I'm sure there were some signs everywhere, but I didn't know, I did not know what to look for and I did not learn what to look for until after I found my daughter unresponsive.

What would you say to a parent/caregiver, especially during challenging times right now, there are children and teenagers who are really trying to cope with life, what advice would you give that caregiver, that parent ... What are those things to look for? So they won't be caught off guard Dr. Cunningham: That's a great question. You're absolutely right, a lot of us are really struggling right now as a result of the pandemic. I think one of the ways many youth have been impacted is with the lack of activities and not being able to socialize as they normally would with their

friends. And even attending school virtually is really challenging for many youth. We've seen a lot of kids who have become more depressed or anxious about COVID, worrying if they're going to get sick, or if their family members are going to get sick. There have been many young people who are certainly very overwhelmed.

One of the most important things that family members and parents can do is to make sure you're keeping those lines of communication open with your children, checking in with them and asking, “how are you feeling,” talking about what's going on in the world, and getting their perspective on it. What is it like for them to engage in virtual learning, what it's like for them to be away from their peers and their school?

Even though I'm a psychologist and work with youth, parents are with their kids a lot more than I am, so I always tell parents that they have an important role to play as well. You know your kids and know when things start to change. They may start to sleep a little bit more than usual or maybe sleep less, or you might notice changes with their appetite. They start to become less interested in things that they were really interested in before or maybe their grades start dropping. When you notice significant changes, or see things that are different from usual, that typically is a sign of something that you might want to check out and have a conversation about it to try to see what might be going on RUM:: What's next for Dr. Cunningham?

Dr. Cunningham: We're excited about the direction that Black Mental Wellness is going in and one of the things I'm excited about that we're doing this year is expanding our mentorship program. We recently just posted on social media that we are looking for mentors, because as I said earlier, we received over 100 applications for students who were seeking mentors in the field and so that

tells you how great the need is for students to have more guidance and support as they matriculate through school. And so we are expanding our mentorship program which means that we'll be able to take more students on and then we'll also be expanding our ambassador program as well to have more people out there like yourself advocating and sharing knowledge and information about mental health so that will be forthcoming. And we will see what else the future holds.

RUM: Thank you so much for taking time out with me and blessing RallyUp Magazine. Continue to be a blessing to the communities. We just love all you all are doing for the black community.

Contact info: : Black Mental Wellness : Black Mental Wellness

These wearable affirmations serve as a reminder to us and notice to the world that

WE ARE ENOUGH! Sweatshirt Details: Fit: Mens Sizes: XS-4XL Cost: $40.00 (XS-XL), $45.00 (2XL), $50.00 (3XL-4XL) - Shipping is included in the cost Payment Options: CashApp or Zelle CashApp: $RAM2105 Zelle: ramorgan45@gmail.com To Place Orders: Please email the size(s), style(s), and sweatshirt color(s) to info@emergingtriumphantly.org and include Shirt Order in the subject line.

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RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 32 | Winter/Spring 2021

Strength During Difficult Times By: Andrae Hayden

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9 (ESV) Our God is a compassionate God, and the wonderful thing about his compassion is that his compassion is limitless. It is not dependent on our actions. He has unlimited compassion for you and me, and because of his compassion he has prepared a place for us to hide our head in times of trouble and oppression. A place that is reserved just for you and me. When we call out his name, and believe in the promises that he has made to us, we can have peace and joy everlasting in-the-midst of our challenges.

Daily Affirmation

Lord, I know you are my strength in times of trouble. I will rest in your presence. I will lean on you in times of trouble and you will protect me. You will fight my battles for me. You will fill my troubled mind with peace and joy. You are my protector. I thank you and praise your mighty name.

Taken from “Devotionals for the Mind” by Andrae Hayden Available on Amazon.com

Devotionals for a Queen is a devotional book that travels with you through many different stages in life. Life can bring about many changes as well as challenges. During their own journeys through young adulthood, authors Andrae Hayden and TJ Woodard experienced their share of hardships, as well as good times.

Through the strength of Jesus Christ, the lessons they learned along the way led them on a path to spiritual maturity. They teamed up to create this powerful devotional unlike any other. Specifically crafting each devotional to encourage, and motivate its readers through various stages of Life. Devotionals for a Queen comes straight from their hearts to yours. It is transparent, heartfelt, and highlights some of the greatest scriptures and motivational quotes.

Designed to empower you to be the royal Queen that God designed you to be. Andrae and Tamika pray that readers are inspired to go deeper into the person their savior desires them to be as believers.

His love, strength, and peace will guide, and transform you into the Queen that he created you to be.

FEAR AND THE

Faith & Mental Health

OVERCOMER

By: TJ Woodard

The Impact of Fear

Fear can have a great impact on how you think, feel, and respond if you allow it to. It can affect your physical health and lead to more serious mental health issues, if not addressed. For me, it changed the way I responded to things often being afraid to speak up, take advantage of opportunities, and not doing things I wanted to do. This went on for far too long. I had to take control of the fear and learn to move forward in spite of it. If this is something you can relate to and fear has impacted your life leaving you paralyzed pay attention. This article will shed light on ways to manage your fear and your mental health.

Symptoms of Fear

Fear and anxiety have similar symptoms and can lead to serious medical complications. Notice the signs and see if you recognize any of them in your personal life.

Irregular or extremely fast heartbeats Heavy breathing Sweating Dry mouth Inability to eat Upset stomach Feeling paralyzed Loss of concentration Muscle tension or weakness How to Control Your Fears and Manage Your Mental Health Now that I understand my mental health and my fears, I have to be strategic in how I manage day by day. Don’t get me wrong, we all have fears, but it is more about how we cope. Managing your fears in healthy ways is key to being to live your best life in spite of. Here are some strategies that help me to manage my fears and my mental health from day to day.

Face My Fear and Do it Anyway

Whatever you are afraid of, whatever you are avoiding, whatever is holding you back, do it anyway. Do it afraid. Try not to allow your fears to overtake you. You will see that the situation you face isn’t as bad as you think it is.

Learn YOU

Try to understand your triggers and what causes you to feel fear. Try challenging yourself with smaller things that cause your fear and make the effort to push through it. Reward yourself when you do. For me, I have some major challenges

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 34 | Winter/Spring 2021

Deep Breaths

Relaxing and taking deep breaths can ease tension and calm fears. Meditation and breathing techniques can help ease the mental, physical and emotional feelings brought on by fear. Self-talk and deep breaths before facing a situation brought on by fear can give the extra boost needed to face your fear head-on.

I typically will give myself a pep talk before heading into a situation where I know I will feel afraid.

Diet and Exercise

Eating healthy and regular exercise is always a good thing to do. There are certain foods or drinks that can heighten symptoms of anxiety and fear. For example, coffee, caffeine, or too much sugar can increase heart rate and contribute to heightened anxiety.

Counseling/Therapy

Speaking with a health care or mental health professional is another option.

Speaking with a counselor can help with establishing the root cause of your fear and they can provide alternative ways to manage fear. Having someone to talk to has helped me understand where the fear initiated and understanding this might release some of the pressure felt when tackling things head-on. I recently started seeing a counselor and it is a good feeling to be able to talk to someone who is unbiased, not judgmental, and willing to listen.

Spirituality

My faith in God is the most important way for me to manage my fear. I know that there is no fear in God. Prayer and understanding God’s word can provide comfort in knowing that He’s with you and with Him, you don’t have to worry or fear. Two of my favorite scriptures are Psalm 27:1 which reads, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall, I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” and 1 John 4:18 that says There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

Stay Connected

Support and encouragement from others can also be a way to manage your fears. Having your own personal cheer team that will provide encouragement won’t hurt either. You may also find out that you’re not alone.

You may learn that everyone deals with fear in some way and have different ways of coping.

Motivational videos, songs, podcasts, books and support groups are also ways to help provide additional ways to manage fear.

Photo Credit:

Fear is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

Now recently, it has also taken on the acronym False Evidence Appearing Real.

There were times when I questioned that meaning because when attacked by fear (more often than not) it “appeared very real.” Everything I believed and the physical symptoms that went along with fear did not seem like it was something that was made up or didn’t actually exist.

Understanding my fear has helped me to understand my mental health. Many factors have contributed to my fear to include childhood trauma and life experiences. Fear has crippled me throughout my life which is why I work hard every day to effectively manage fear and the impact it has on my mental health. Keep in mind that fear is a natural response and a way that the body responds to danger. It is excessive fear that contributes to anxiety thus creating a mental health concern.

for example my fear is public speaking. I know that if I have to do it alone, I’m more reluctant so instead I opt to speak with a guest. This helps me to get out of my comfort zone and for me, it is a small win. Be sure to celebrate the small wins.

Unsplash by Priscilla Du Preez

Fear and the Overcomer

OUR READER’S CORNER Born Overcomers By: Nikita Powell

bit.ly/notdiscouraged Are you dating, considering dating or have dated and tired of making the same mistakes?

Have you given up on finding love altogether? TJ Woodard and Alton L. Fitch shows you that following God's instructions as it pertains to dating will change the course of your relationship. They encourage you to recognize you are royalty and should be treated as the A Queen Guide Queens that you are. God has to Dating the someone He designed especially Christian Way for you, and if we stay on course He will give you the desires of your heart.

The Feel Good Movement!

By: Kendra Hathaway

The Feel Good Movement is a story about unbelievable strength, grace and determination.

The author shares how to go from being broken to brave, beautiful and then blesses. The reader will get a dynamic story along with some tips and hardcore advice for the readers.

This book is powerful! it will motivate anyone who wants to feel good by showing them exactly how to make that happen.

Dear Fear Volume 3 is a book by visionary author Tiana Patrice that consists of powerful stories by women who have had to look fear in the face and push through adversities. “Activating your Fearless” is what Coach T calls it. TJ Woodard is one of those women who tells her story in this book compilation where Dear Fear she shares having to grow up Volume 3 with the secret of being molested and hiding it for years. by: Tiana Patrice booklaunch.io/tjwoodard This secret crippled her most of her life silencing her in so many ways. In this book she finds that her voice has power in her chapter titled, “Dear Fear…You Can’t Have My Voice!”

Tyeisha Brewer-Fields grew up wanting so badly to be normal.

Negative Thinking, Rape, Lust, Sickness, Ungratefulness, Tragedy, Worthlessness, Domestic Violence, Death. Do any of these words resonate with you? The powerful testimonies of Lakesha and four Featured Overcomers are designed to instill hope and inspire you to begin experiencing the overwhelming freedom that can be found in overcomingjust as they did! #overcomersguide

It took her time to accept that she is not normal-and even longer to embrace that that's OK. When she finally did, she began thinking about why society makes anyone who does not fit into a neat little box feel so bad.

Normal

By Whose

Standards?

By: Tyeisha Brewer-Fields

In the book “Respect the Shoulder Tap” a young woman who was tormented by her experiences as a child, later finds that she does not have enough self-confidence to do the things necessary to move forward in her life.

Respect the Shoulder Tap By: Kendra Hathaway of her own mind.

She learnt through struggle how to use her negative life experiences to push and encourage herself. In doing this, she was able to move past her negative thoughts of self, and into a woman of enormous strength. Later, she turnes that strength into motivation and was able to accomplish her goals, as well as understand how strong, smart and beautiful she was, but first she had to soothe the musing

This book will inspire any person looking to learn how to motivate themselves and move forward in their lives. If you need some encouragement to press forward, this book is for you.

In her memoir, the Lotus Tattoo: One Woman’s Grit from Bully to Redemption, Marisa takes us on her unconventional journey of perseverance when all odds seem to be against her.

Her memoir highlights the impact of mental health and the healing that can come when you reach out for help.

the Lotus Tattoo

For Survivors of trauma or those impacted by mental health, this is an inspirational story that can help you through your healing process.

By: Marisa Jones For therapists, counselors and mental

health professionals, the Lotus Tattoo is a great case study on the impacts toward mental and physical health after abuse and trauma.

You can purchase the Lotus Tattoo here on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/057856694X/

In this book, she shares her struggles as well as her belief that God loves us all and made us in His image. She also points out that He gave us His son, Jesus Christ, so that we all may have eternal life. God made this sacrifice for all of us, including those that don't fit the definition of "normal." No matter what the author has had to go through, reminding herself that God loves her has allowed her to overcome challenges-and they can help you, too.

Too many people continue to suffer from a mental disorder in silence because society has turned a blind eye to their problems.

Join the author as she shares her personal story of overcoming the obstacles and debunking the myths that surround mental illness.

You may have to go walk down the halls of a psychiatric unit to see a person bound by a physical straitjacket, but you don't have to go too far to see others mentally bound. Walk outside and look around your neighborhood, walk into one of your local stores, walk into a family member's house; Or, Perhaps, look in the mirror. Many people are mentally bound by things and don't know how they got there or how to get freed from it. All that is known by the person is that being bound from the mental bondage come sometimes feel just as tight and like you're stuck in By: Tyeisha Brewer-Fields a straitjacket, or any physical restraints. However, walk through this book to remove your "jacket" (to your freedom) with Tyeisha. Find out who you can be and what you can accomplish outside the "jacket."

Outside The Jacket

Does it feel like life has you going through the painful, uncomfortable, heated, and dark times of a fire? How can I get out of the fire? What good can come from me going through the fire? Take this journey with Author Tyeisha as she shares how going through her very own house fire and other fires of life refined her.

Learn how your fire(s) can refine you too. And, learn to turn what may seem like losses from your "fire" into gains.

By: Tyeisha Brewer-Fields "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" (Isaiah 43:2, New International Version).

Refined By the Fire

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 35 | Winter/Spring 2021

MENTAL HEALTH, ENTREPRENEURS

AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE

O

By: Amanda Fludd, LCSW-R

ne of the challenges of working women is how to balance our business life and family life in a way that actually keeps us emotio ally healthy. As women and entrepreneurs, it’s typical to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be everything to everyone, setting an impossibly high standard. While it’s great to want to manifest opportunities for your business, and be your best for your family, you have to be mindful of taking care of yourself along the way. Too much stress, anxiety, and pressure without adequate release can be counter-productive to the entire process.

Looking out for your mental health and creating a healthy work-life balance is the key to being a successful woman entrepreneur. If you don’t take the time to de-compress, you become more apt to experience burnout – the process of feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated due to overexertion. Burnout and overworking can lead to mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Depression caused by burnout may be temporary, or it could be the beginning of a vicious cycle of fatigue, insomnia, and sadness – can make running or building a business incredibly difficult.

This is not to say that being an entrepreneur will lead to depre sion. This is to say that not properly caring for yourself amidst the hustle and bustle, the late nights and early mornings, and the endless issues, can lead to complicated emotional struggles. It’s all about balance. If you want to achieve everything you are dreaming of, you will need to delegate, make time for yourself, and find a way to stay motivated as you pursue your dreams.

Christina Garrett – a pastor’s wife, mom of 5 brilliant children, and an organization and productivity coach – talked to me about balance as an entrepreneur, from the eyes of a woman. Christina is a ball of energy and rich melanin magic. She is a fan of the hustle mindset and shared some core strategies toengage in the dream while supporting the blessings in your life, such as your family.

According to Christina, the key to understanding how to personally balance your responsibilities begins by asking yourself – “what do you need as a woman and what do you want?”

She encourages women to identify what is non-negotiable in their lives and to be open to requesting help from those around you in a way that is useful - “maybe you need an hour off every day to sit with your thoughts, spend time with God, or brai storm without any interruptions, and if that is a need for you, you have to figure out how to intertwine that into your life.” An essential way to create time is to remember you don’t have to do everything – some things you can delegate without shame and guilt so you can be the most productive.

Action Step: Start by asking yourself, what do I need today? Make a list.

Then review it and figure out what you can delegate, leave off the list or do yourself. Start your to-do list by diving into what really is essential for you.

As Christina energetically adds, “we are so conceited! Are you the only person that can do that job?!”

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 36 | Winter/Spring 2021

In taking time for us, we model for our children that they can also ask for help, as well as be independent with tasks that you can even delegate to them. Christina’s advice: “We don’t want to teach children to step in – stop it! Teach those kids to make those omelets.” This teamwork will help you get through pressing matters and teach your children the significance of helping where they can.

But how do we find the time? We make time for the things we truly want to make time for – yet the biggest excuse we hear, is “I don’t have enough time.” Christina had an excellent answer for that, “I believe we have enough time for the things we really need to do. At the end of my life God is not going to say, ‘did you send out any emails, and correctly do every messenger follow up?’ – he’s going to ask, ‘did you tend and take care of the people I gave you responsibility over? Did you connect with me on those visions and those dreams?’ – those things you cannot delegate.”

As we have already began to allude to – what can you delegate and how can your family support you in your home? Outside of the home, you can use a virtual assistant (VA) or similar support to help with miscellaneous tasks, but they can only carry out the vision that you give them. Christina implores that “you must have a mission and a vision. If you don’t have that, there is nothing for you to delegate. Get clear on what you can do and what you need to delegate.”

Action item: List two things you are committed to completing and two things you can delegate. You have to know your vision and be clear on your goals. It’s a challenge to stay motivated on your goals, especially coming off of 2020 which was emotionally and physically taxing on us all.

You will have days that are more difficult than others and that’s okay. On these days you should give yourself a break, a little indulgence, and then turn back to your goals for motivation. You have so much to give and it’s essential to tune into that, but not at the cost of your family or your own wellbeing. Christina put it best when she said, “you are a whole, individual person. You are still a human being and your needs are ultimately more vital than your children’s wants.”

After you know your non-negotiables, write down clear, SMART goals and know in your gut that you want to go after them. Structure your life to do, delegate and protect your emotional wellbeing.

Guest: Christina Garett, Organization | Productivity Coach for Busy Women and Founder of The Momathon Diaries Rally Up Contributor: Amanda Fludd, LCSW-R, is the brain child behind Therapy is Dope ™ a Licensed Psychotherapist, Mental Health Consultant and Women in Business Mindset Coach. As a therapist she specializes in trauma, depression and anxiety, particularly for women of color and works to reduce the stigma around mental health through trainings for schools and organizations. As a coach she supports entrepreneurs with mindset and strategy to move from fear and procrastination to success. : @Therapyisdope : @Therapyisdope : www.amandafludd.com

THERAPY IS DOPE

Finding A

THERAPIST By: KeErica Brown

life.

Therapy helps you achieve goals by having an accountability partner.

Therapy helps you learn ways to cope or deal with situations and life’s hiccups.

T

herapy, sometimes, has such a bad reputation! I feel it is similar to what some people think about vegetables. We know that vegetables are good for us, but some people tend to avoid them. Some people do not eat them because of what they “think” they will taste like or because of a bad taste in the past, resulting in a lasting negative experience. Some people do not eat vegetables because of what they look like or simply because they are “healthy.” Others may not eat certain vegetables because they were never exposed to them.

This is just one example of something that is good for us, but because of a negative experience or stigma, we tend to stay clear of them. You see the “bad reputation” that therapy receives is similar to the “bad reputation” that vegetables receive. Depending on what the “what” (you can insert your own vegetable here) is in your life...no matter what anyone says or think, it’s just not that appealing to you.

In contrast, therapy has had a stigma or negative association that has caused people to avoid seeking help for far too long. Therapy should be normalized. Regardless of how you feel, in my opinion...therapy is for everybody.

Therapy helps you heal.

Therapy helps you release.

Therapy helps you get free.

Therapy helps you to strategize.

Therapy helps you release bad habits.

Therapy helps you unlock parts of you.

Therapy helps you think out your thoughts.

Therapy helps you work with your emotions.

Therapy helps you improve your relationships.

Therapy helps you know that you are not tripping.

Therapy helps you overcome past trauma in your

The list goes on and on, but the most important piece is that therapy is for YOU! It is an investment you make for yourself. Some people may ask where do I start? I’m not sure where to find a therapist. Below is a list of resources to help you get started on the hunt and take the guessing out of it.

BetterHelp - https://www.betterhelp.com/ - An online counseling platform where you can find psychologists, therapists or certified counselors that are affordable. The sessions are between $60 to $90 per week (billed every 4 weeks) and primarily this service is used in place of insurance or Medicaid.

TalkSpace - https://www.talkspace.com/ Talkspace allows you to send a licensed therapist text messages, audio messages, as well as picture and video messages in a private, text-based chat room. Pricing begins with $260 monthly with 5 day a week availability. Health insurance and EAP employer benefits may cover the cost.

Faithful Counseling - https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/ - Faithful Counseling is a professional mental health service that allows users to connect with licensed therapists that share a Christian background. The sessions are between$60 to $90 per week (billed every 4 weeks) and may be covered by health insurance.

Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/ - Online site of articles and a directory of profiles to find therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists. You may search by zip code, gender, or specialization.

Therapy for Black Girls - https://therapyforblackgirls.com/ - online space from the popular podcast encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.

Therapy for Black Men - https://therapyforblackmen.org/ - This site provides targeted resources for black men and a database filled with professionals equipped to support men of color. You can search by location, specialization, and other detailed criteria to find a therapist to fit their needs. Each therapist lists their own fees if a sliding scale fee is available, and they also offer financial assistance by completing a form.

Boris L. Henson Foundation - https://borislhensonfoundation.org/resource-guide/ - An online resource produced by the non-profit inspired by Taraji P Henson father’s story. This link provides therapists, books, community outreach programs, life coaches and more.

Hurdle - https://hurdle.co/ - A digital app and platform will not only offer culturally sensitive teletherapy to black men, but we also recognize that health outcomes are influenced by many factors including diet, physical activity, setting reasonable goals, and managing stress. The first session is free, the sessions are $99 or various types of health insurance are accepted.

This list is just a start there are other resources out there too that thighs publication may highlight but sometimes the first step is the hardest step.

Sometimes you are not ready for therapy and that is OK too! Here are some resources where you can talk with someone. Save these resources in your phone for quick access or to share with someone else!

24-Hour Hotlines: Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741 National Suicide 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Prevention

Hotline:

SAMHSA’s National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357) GLBT National Hotline: 888-843-4564 Trevor Project: 866 488 7386 or text TREVOR to 1 (202) 304 1200 National Alliance on Mental Health Helpline: 1-800 950-NAMI

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 37 | Winter/Spring 2021

DEAR AMANDA

Photo by Stanley Morales from Pexels

Everything you need to know about

Mental Health

Lately I've been having frequent panic attacks and feeling anxious. I don't want to go on medication. What are some other things I can do to cope? Journaling and therapy is not working. ~Andre, Richmond, VA I’m curious to know why therapy isn’t working and whatever your reason is, you should discuss that with your therapist. Therapy is your experience and if you’ve tried it for at least 4-5 sessions and you have been actively going to therapy and doing the work, but still don’t see changes, share that with your therapist. It’s a collaboration between the two of you to figure out what may be stalling your progress. In some cases, it could be your commitment to the work (are you invested in homework, open while in session, practicing skills between sessions, etc.), or maybe you need a new treatment approach like Cognitive Behavior Therapy or CBT for anxiety. When your quality of life still isn’t where you want it to be, explore medication. Exploring doesn’t mean you are going to start it; it’s having a conversation about your options to make an educated decision about what you need.

Sometimes, because of the makeup of our brain, medication is the missing key. It’s like telling an asthmatic to breathe in the middle of an asthma attack - all the strategies in the world won’t work if they just need their medications to open up their airways so they can then do the work to breathe.

Some similar things you can also incorporate - a regular yoga practice and daily mindfulness practices to naturally teach your body to slow down and relax. As you incorporate that into your life, make sure to also start that conversation with your current therapist or another mental health professional.

Amanda Fludd, Licensed Clinical Therapist in NY, Mental Health Consultant and international women in business Empowerment Coach. She helps professional women master limiting mindsets, achieve work life balance and live their lives in confidence. Her passion is working with people affected by trauma, particularly people of color (POC), and she is excited by the opportunities to reduce the stigma around mental health and improve healing amongst Black and Caribbean communities. Her coaching programs focus on work-life balance during crisis situations, understanding trauma in the workplace, tackling negative thinking and productivity and self-care through mindfulness.

Find her at: www.amandafludd.com and follow her on Instagram @therapyisdope Thank you for your courage with this question. You’ve helped so many people and I wish you the best on your journey to great mental health.

Amanda Fludd, LCSW-R www.amandafludd.com RallyUp Magazine

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 38 | Winter/Spring 2021

PAIN IN THE PEWS By: Talona Y. Smith

PERSONAL STORY I was naïve to think that nothing bad could ever happen to me there. Until I experienced heartache from church members who once received help from me. Pain from confiding in some I considered my church sisters. Disappointment from those who said they had my back when I was asked to accept a position in the church administrative office. Devastation from speaking out and -taking up for myself when seasoned church members felt they could talk down to me.

I became numb, as I sat emotionless on the choir stand while rumors about me were passed around a few seats away.

Detached, while gossip was being spread a few pews behind me in the congregation. A deacon made a tasteless joke about me one Sunday while I stood in choir formation about to enter the church sanctuary for service. No one directly said anything to those who publicly antagonized me. Some waited to express their sentiments in private. Many acted as if they didn’t see or hear anything.

No one understood the emotional battles I faced every day that made my anger grow each time. I just held it in. The pain, the hurt, the disappointment, the emotions that were soon replaced by distance. Emptiness and coldness were present although I hid it very well. I went to church. Sang on the choir. Sat in the congregation. Attended Sunday School and Women’s Bible Study. After each benediction, I headed to my vehicle only speaking to those in passing. Church was no longer about my growth. It became my struggle for survival.

By: Talona Y. Smith

I

love helping others whenever I can, especially when I am doing missionary work in and for church. My obedience in unselfishly helping someone is not only required of me, it brings me joy. Joy in making someone else happy…even when I have troubles of my own.

One place I have always considered a safe haven is church.

Regardless of what I encounter each day, when I enter the house of God, I feel relief. I feel release, from negativity, anxiety, and pain. It’s being on Holy Ground for me.

I know that God is omnipresent but being in the house of God gives me a different vibe…more solemn level of peace. A holy place of worship where people can fellowship with each other, pray for themselves and others, and encourage one another. I can let out whatever is hindering me. To grow and glow in my faith in God.

I never thought I needed to share my struggles with depression.

Many church people, and some pastors, shamed depression by saying depression is not real…only a distraction for the weak minded and those who struggle spiritually. Many believe prayer is all we need to overcome depression. What many church leaders don’t realize is that depression is real. It is more than a state of mind. It is a disease that attacks the brain. A chemical imbalance. Some people who battle with depression may need therapy. Some people may need medication. Some may need supervision and some need to be hospitalized. Many hide their diagnosis in fear of discrimination and chastisement.

So, one Sunday while reading church announcements, I took an opportunity to highlight facts about depression and voiced my pain in the nonchalant approach to depression in the church. I chose to go the route of educating the members of the church because I believe no one should make any comments about depression unless they have experienced it for themselves or helped someone work through it.

Those of us who share this battle must communicate with church leaders in becoming educated about depression. Many speak out of ignorance because denial in depression has been passed down from generation to generation as a sign of weakness. There is nothing weak about a person battling depression…male or female. We are the true warriors. Stay strong my sisters. Stay strong my brothers. Despite painful times, we fight on.

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 39 | Winter/Spring 2021

Mental Health Warrior Zone XI Vanity Dawson Bipolar Disorder & Depression

Lorelai Symmes Anorexia, depression, anxiety, PTSD

Jada Carrington Anxiety & Depression

Kayla Sampson Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar

Tai Campbell Depression & Anxiety

Cymone Jones Suicide Survivor, Bipolar Disorder & Depression

Lawrence Durden Depression

Neta Vaught Suicide Survivor, Depression, Anixety, PTSD

Tamika Woodard Anxiety & Depression

Tyshia Douglas Depression

Craig Cooper Depression & Suicidal Ideation

Tyeisha Brewer-Fields schizoaffective disorder, depressive type

Jessica “Kelly Jé” Kelly Bipolar Type 1 & 2 Severe Depression, Psychosis, and Schizophrenia

Dasia Wood Suicide Survivor, Anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD & Depression

Tanzania Fair Depression & Suicidal Ideation

Elyse Lancaster Suicide Survivor

Nikita Powell-Cottman Anxiety & Seasonal Depression

Kenai Hollingsworth Suicide Survivor, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, PTSD, depression

Evangelist Tamika Strickland Depression

Fighting Back Against the Battlefields of Our Mind Real People, Real Stories...Overcomers! www.rallyupmagazine.com

Evangelist Tamika Strickland

Do you know how it feels to be abused at an early age and how it will totally render you powerless over the things to come into your life?

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llow me to introduce you to my past. Begin to take notice of your child, looking for signs of anger, depression and withdrawal. Ask questions and listen to them. It may save your child from a life journey filled with feelings of rejection, abandonment and “no” self-esteem.

When I was abused by my father, I lost all reality of who I was, losing my sense of direction within and without. I was so angry and didn’t know why.

No one ever asked me “Why”.

I hated the fact that my father was gone, but because of the touch I looked for the feeling of lust anywhere I could find it. I lived in a depressed state of mind not knowing how this feeling would get fed. I didn’t trust men and my imagination began to take me to places where I thought I could trust women and that chase began.

When you have a broken identity, you will look for love outwardly and when the hole inside you is not satisfied, you will create within you a wall that only God can bring down. My life continued to spiral down becoming filled with darkness and deep depression. I became that male that was angry, abusive; perversion became my way of life.

I hid my pain by drinking and smoking so that the euphoric feeling would never go away. Frequenting gay clubs, looking for someone to love me.

When I couldn’t get a fix to replace the pain, I would go home and cry.

When I was left to my own devices, I often had thoughts of suicide, but God didn’t allow me to go that far.

God had a desire to use me for His purposes. He cleaned me up in 2000 and I am graced with 20 years clean. I was saved and received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Meditating on the Word I read Romans 1 regarding God’s wrath for unrighteousness. Jesus set me free from the chains of homosexuality. The surgery of the spirit began on the inside as I still dressed as a man, things were beginning to change. My depression was lifted, and I could breathe without fear.

I now hunger to do God’s Will, talking about the good news of Jesus Christ; how He heals and delivers. My healing began to show on the outside and I was walking in His purpose for my life.

Birthing out my first book in 2019 with His grace and mercy, Identity Deception/From Wounds to Worship-The Raw Life Story of Evangelist Tamika Strickland. I understand the Wounds of my past and that it wasn’t even about me, it was for my testimony to lead others to Christ Jesus. The Worship is about having the gratitude and wisdom to know where my true strength lives and continuing to mentor others that have a desire to get and remain clean whether through church or recovery. To help the abused, abandoned, and lesbian that is truly struggling with their identity and looking for the agape love of God. Tamika Strickland Ministries has been birthed recently so I can be used by God in many capacities of healing and deliverance through the word of

God. I am a Warrior for Christ Jesus! I am an overcomer from abuse, abandonment, rejection and depression. I give God all praise, honor, and glory. I love God with all my heart. I pray that the favor of God blesses your life. Amen

Blessings, Tamika Strickland aka Anointed Scribe

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. ~Psalms 139:14 : anointedscribe68 : Tamika Strickland : Tamika Strickland : Tamika Strickland : evangeliststrickland@gmail.com : TamikaStricklandMinistries.org My book is available on Amazon.com and E-book

RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 41 | Winter/Spring 2021

Is Love Good for

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

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By: TJ Woodard

love love. Yes, you read that right! I love the idea of being in love.

I love to give love and I love to receive love. I’ve been married and I’ve been divorced. I’ve been in good relationships and I’ve been in bad relationships. When I think about the question, “is love good for your mental health,” I’d say yes. I believe love is good for your mental health. Bad people and bad situations may have an impact on your mental health but when I think of the times (more than not) that I have been happy experiencing love and giving/showing love I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m still a single lady who believes that one day the right man, the one God has for me will walk into my life and sweep me off my feet. Until that day comes, I receive love from many people, most importantly God. He loves me unconditionally and there’s no greater love than that. I’m surrounded by family, friends, and even associates who show me love every day.

God is so good that He places people in our lives that will give us exactly what we need. Granted, no one is perfect. People will hurt you. People will let you down. People will disappoint you but the ones who truly love you, supersedes any bad experience that you could ever have. People show love in different ways. There’s a quote by Alfred Lord Tennyson that says, “it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” I’d like to think that I’m blessed to have experienced love than to “never to have experienced it all.” I am grateful to have the opportunity to spread love because this is what we are created to do. One of my favorite scriptures on love is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. The scripture reads, “love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast it is not proud. It goes on to say it does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, and it keeps no records of wrongs. It does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.” I read a social media post that said to determine whether a person was right for you, insert their name at the beginning of each statement. If you can do this, then you might have a keeper and if

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you can’t, you might need to reevaluate. Well, it struck me and caused me to look at myself and see if I could put my name in front of the statements and since reading this post I have changed some things about the way I see love and especially the way I give it. I had to be honest. When you take a look the scripture again in relation to mental health, true love and not necessarily in romantic way but the way we are to truly love it will bring about: Peace Confidence Patience Joy/Happiness Understanding Forgiveness

Strength Support/Encouragement Honesty Humility And all the things that are good for your mental health

Here are some ways to allow love to work in the best interest of your mental health.

Believe in something bigger than you. I believe in God. He is love.

This is what gets me through every single day. Pray, meditation and studying God’s word. Whatever your faith/spirituality, use this as a way to channel love for yourself and for others.

Take Care of YOUrself. Self-Care is the best way to show you how much you love YOU!!! No one can love or take better care of you than YOU. Disconnecting and taking time to do something for yourself even if it is just a rest day is good for your mental health.

Give back and pay it forward. Volunteering and helping others takes your mind off of your troubles and it also makes you feel a sense of achievement. A great way to show love in a way that is also good for your mental health.

To sum it all up, love is good for your mental health so make sure to give love and be open to receive love. It really is good for you and your mental health!

BEAUTY.

SELF-CARE versus SELF-MAINTENANCE By: Nekesa J. Smith

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s the Beauty Editor of this publication, I feel like it is my duty to give you all the truth and actual facts as it relates to beauty. We all have heard the term self-care.

You have even read some pieces that I wrote about the importance of self-care. The term of beauty being skin deep is one of the truths that I want to highlight as it truly correlates with self-care and self-maintenance. Self-care can be defined as services that enhance your outer look and appearance. Nail care, hair care, massages etc. are self-maintenance. These are things to give you a great instant boost, until the nail breaks, or until the hairstyle is no longer intact. That is why I coincided those things as self-maintenance. The definition of self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s health.

Self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.

challenge you the most. Facing things head on can help enhance yourself care due to the fact that you are walking in the truth.

Here are 5 things to initiate your journey towards self-care:

The fourth thing is to take care of your environment.

Walking in gratitude by respecting your space is self-care.

Your space is your home, your bedroom, your car, even your workspace. It doesn’t matter the size or location, it’s all about walking as if you have it. Your space will be your sanctuary, place of solitude where you can recharge and reset.

First, live your truth. Accept the things in your life that may

Next, self-care is being real. Being real is setting boundaries for yourself. Set boundaries for how you spend your time, who you are spending your time on and evaluate how does it make you feel overall. The art of saying NO is also self-care. It frees you of all ties that weigh you down and contribute to feeling overwhelmed and anxious, which leads you to being depleted.

The third thing is to create a life that serves your true self.

Vision and discipline can create a life that supersedes you and strengthens you when needed. It’s all about progress, not perfection. Self-care is knowing that when things seem to go off track, you can respond and not react.

Lastly, self-care is putting yourself first.

That doesn’t mean that you are selfish, or self-centered. It means you have committed to applying the last four practices towards your true self-care journey. Having extra hands-on deck is a sign of resilience. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of growth.

Let’s walk into this year being the hero of your life by giving yourself permission to give yourself the ultimate self-care. xo, Nekesa J. Smith

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Returning Back to Work and Navigating

TOXIC WORK RELATIONSHIPS! By: Kendra Hathaway

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he current situation surrounding COVID-19 has had many of us working for home for months.

Not all of us are used to working from home and this time has been challenging. Some have seen this is an opportunity to set and accomplish goals, connect with family, complete projects and tasks amongst other things. As we prepare to return to work, understand that work like everything else will no longer be the same. Work life the way we once knew it has changed. So many have had to deal with the challenges of loss, home schooling, the lack of social interaction and returning to work may come as a happy occasion but may not be for others. The unhappiness of co-workers can create a toxic work environment and you want to be prepared for your return.

can be determined by how each individual feel about what is happening. Therefore, toxic is anything that makes us feel bad, anything that gives us negative feelings, bad vibes, or anything that feels overall unhealthy. The key to knowing or recognizing toxic situations is to pay attention to how we feel. When we feel bad, sad, mad, angry, uncomfortable, nervous, agitated, etc. we must realize that something in our atmosphere is not right.

Many times, hearing people talk negatively can breed distrust and bitterness for our co-workers. It can flare tempers and frustrations causing us to be upset and agitated at work. This can cause a toxic work environment can happen when people gossip and spread personal information, secrets, and/or private informaThe dictionary definition of toxic is tion thus making the environment - harmful, hazardous, poisonous, uncomfortable. Consequently, venomous, dangerous, unsafe, these things will cause drama and deadly, destructive, etc. What can deflate a person’s name and most of us get from that definition reputation when additional is that when something is toxic it is information is added to the gossip bad for us. As individual people we or lie. Although there may be no know that toxic is bad, but I am validity to the information, not sure that when we think of somehow it can still be spread work-related topics that we think around causing slander and ill of them as being this negative. feelings in the workplace. People However, we know there are times who spread rumors many times when we feel bad, upset, unsafe, are insecure within themselves. nervous, or uncomfortable. Well, People who stir up confusion or any part of the mentioned drama may be unhappy with their definition can mean the same as own lives. Rather than tell their toxic! The thing about toxic own information to others they relationships is that the meaning find it purposeful to find error in

another person’s life. Gossip, many times is the person’s outlet when they are trying to free themselves from their own problems and life issues.

If you find yourself to be in uncomfortable situations at work, and or situations where you are the one being slandered and or gossiped about, don’t be dismayed. There are things you can do!

Speak up and say something. If you feel comfortable, you can confront the person who is spreading ill truths about you. It is ok, to stand up for yourself and tell people how you feel about them saying things that aren’t true. If you feel uncomfortable to any reason, you DO NOT have to accept it.

Protect your mental health. If you hear others gossiping and it bothers you, protect your mental health by doing things to ground yourself during the day Remove yourself from the situation. If you are not comfortable in any way, avoid participation and simply walk away or ignore the people who are causing you strife.

Speak with a supervisor. If you feel your work environment is a toxic one, ask a supervisor if you could be placed in a different section, workstation, area in your office.

Grounding activities look like:

Learning to breathe deeply in order to remain calm, leaving the area and going for a walk, listening to calming music, using calming smells, drinking a beverage, and bringing yourself into center by focusing on where you are, what you see, hear, taste and smell, these things help to bring you back into realization of who you actually are and this helps you to remain calm.

Overall, be careful about work relationships. Remember that people at work aren’t your friends and shouldn’t know all of your personal information. If you are unsure about how to have relationships at work, talk to someone who can help you to learn to be ok with who you are so that you are able to present your best self at work. Then, be true to who you say you are, by being ok with being different. Although you will need to communicate with some people, remember, the people at your jobs are coming from all types of backgrounds. They could have mental health issues, family issues, personal issues, trauma issues and may not fully understand the situations of those they work with.

They won’t be perfect, and you don’t have to be perfect either. Let your personality shine by being ok with being different. People at work may have varying opinions, but you can keep your mental health in check by keeping your focus at work on you, and NOT the negative behaviors.

Kendra Hathaway, MA, FLE, LMFT Kendra Hathaway is a Family Life Educator, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Self-help Author from Michigan. She is the Founder of Positive Transformations- A Private Therapy Practice in Michigan. Kendra also contracts with agencies and different facilities to meet her clients needs. She specializes in personal growth among other things, and works notably with African American women and young adults who are looking to improve their lives. Kendra can be reached directly at (586) 551-2757 or at Positivetransformationpllc@gmail.com.

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THRU MENTAL HEALTH

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s a media professional for 20 years, I’ve witnessed many global crises around the world that have had an effect on the media/entertainment/broadcasting industries, but nothing as severe as COVID 19. It’s now 2021, and 2020 still haunts many households nationwide. With many friends and colleagues currently working within the industry, I was curious about how the pandemic has impacted their livelihoods and mental stability overall.

I connected with some of the women of Black Women Connexting Communities (BWCC), a collective of visionary black women in media, located in the Washington, D.C. area. The BWCC podcast launched during the pandemic in August 2020, with a goal of empowering and connecting black families and communities. I chatted with Carib Gem, L. Boogie, Ms. Kris, Shenochia, and Porche’ Jordan about how they feel COVID 19 has affected their mental health, and their views on mental health within the community.

What do you feel about mental health in the media? Is there enough conversation?

I feel more conversations need to be had about it. There are a lot of resources, but more conversations need to be had about mental health. (L. Boogie) How has COVID-19 affected your mental health?

Looking back to the start of COVID, the impact it has had on my mental health has been taxing. COVID interrupted so many things that in turn aided in affecting my mental health. As a Flight Attendant in training, and the pandemic affecting travel, I became stressed due to financial instability. Eventually qualifying unemployment put me at a bit of ease but then I questioned my career choices. I had just left a more secure job for the Flight Attendant position and that choice left me jobless. That caused me to feel like a failure and like I made poor life decisions.

Mentally I wasn’t being kind to myself. When I stress, I turn to food so, instead of addressing whatever I was dealing with emotionally and mentally I decided to eat and drink instead.

While there were many times, I was mentally defeated in 2020 during COVID, I eventually was able to roll with the punches.

Some good things came about during the year, but I really had to live by the saying “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.” In turn, I think I’ve become mentally resilient and just worry about the things I can control while adjusting towards anything I cannot control. Ultimately, what’s for me will be for me. (Shenochia) What ways are you contributing to ending stigma within your community?

I've created various media platforms that encourage the community to share their experiences with mental health. Black Women Connexting Communities is a collective

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By Tyi Flood

BLACK WOMEN CONNECTING

of women, especially in media, that serves as one of those platforms. We have a podcast in which we have incorporated a mental health segment that sheds light on those issues. This segment is sponsored by The AWE Group. (Carib Gem) What does mental health mean to you?

I knew about mental health at an early age because my mom was diagnosed as Schizoaffective when I was a teen. I learned about therapy and medicine and understood that she needed those things to cope with her mental illness. As a result, I have always been an advocate for therapy and have encouraged my mom to talk about her experiences with others using my platforms. (Ms. Kris) Does therapy matter?

Yes! Therapy most certainly does matter. Everyone needs a sounding board or an unbiased party to vent their frustrations to. Everyone needs a safe space and THAT is what therapy provides…a SAFE place to share how you REALLY feel about things. It also provides constructive feedback & advice from a person that is outside of your situation. It gives you fresh eyes with a different perspective. I've been in therapy on & off since middle school. It has helped me tremendously throughout the years. (Carib Gem) What is your take on fighting mental health with cannabis vs. antidepressants?

I don't like pills, and I feel that natural remedies are more effective than prescribed medications. I would choose cannabis over antidepressants, because the side effects of using antidepressants are far worse and could lead to other medical issues. (Porche’) Black Women Connexting Communities airs LIVE on Facebook every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:45pm EST. Check out past and future shows on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart RADIO, and W.O.W Radio.

Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @blkwomencc

Photo by El-Shamesh Photography (2020) Black Women Connexting Communities. (Top L-R: Porche’ Jordan, Kimberly Glenn, Portia Batts, Renee Peace-Carr, Bottom L-R: Ms. Kris, Carib Gem, Tyi Flood, L. Boogie.)

www.kandigirlcosmetics.com

THE THINGSBy: WE DO NOT SAY Lex Morgan Time is a precious commodity, a non-renewable commodity.

Life moves so fast that it is easy to become lost in the shuffle. School, work, family, friends…the list goes on. In addition, many of us feel an unspoken pressure to save other people. We feel that we must save them from their circumstances, from the consequences of their decisions, from themselves.

We are so busy that we lose sight of the importance of authentic connection. So many things, important things, go unsaid because of fear and shame.

make an uncomfortable conversation about the other person, the truth is, we are afraid of losing connection.

Think about a time where was something that you wanted to say to someone you care about, and if you chose not to have the conversation, what thoughts did you have that justified not speaking with the person? What were some possible benefits to leaning into courage and sharing your thoughts and feelings? I do not know about you, but in my life, I have found that fear and shame are intricately connected.

We will begin with fear. Fear is a natural emotion, one intended to help us minimize, and when possible, to avoid dangerous situations. How often have you experienced fear? In this case, I am speaking about fear of losing connection with people who matter to us. That fear masks itself in silence. There are so many things we want to say.

We have conversations in our minds with the other person a million times, but we never utter a word. Why? Quite simply, we are afraid. What if I offend them? What if they become upset?

Shame is a powerful and sometimes overwhelming feeling. One that if we are not careful freezes us into silence and isolation. For years, my avoidance of uncomfortable but necessary conversations was rooted in shameful thoughts like, “What room do I have to talk to anyone about

What if they stop talking to me? What if I lose them? It is easy to

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their stuff with a checkered past like mine?!” A fear that the other person just might see through my words straight into the inner most parts of the unhealthiest choices in my past. There are times when the people we need to speak to the most are intimately familiar with those experiences. Even if we do not know every shameful experience of the other person’s past, fear that they may see ours is more reason to stay quiet. I am going to go out on a limb and say that I am not alone in this experience.

What if? What if we were willing to connect with the truth that led us to make some of the decisions we made?

What if we were willing to feel the emotions connected to those experiences… the unmet needs? Perhaps then, we would be better equipped to lean into uncomfortable conversations.

To meet others with compassion and empathy; to make uncomfortable conversations a bit more…comfortable.

Authentic. After all, it is the things we do not say that could transform our lives and the lives of others. It is the things that we do not say that have the power to reconcile broken relationships and invite forgiveness. It is the things that we do not say that give life beautiful meaning.

I have found that being prepared improves self-confidence. In that light, here are a few questions to help you prepare for your courageous conversation: Who do you need to communicate with?

What is it that you need to communicate?

When will you share the invitation to have the conversation?

Where will the conversation take place?

Why is the conversation necessary?

How will your life improve because of this communication?

Courage is contagious. Take a step and others will follow.

MHCA

MENTAL HEALTH

CHANGE AGENT

ADDRESSING WHO WE ARE

AS A WHOLE MAN WITH CLIFTON BRIGHT JR. LCPC REMOVING BARRIERS BETWEEN FAITH & MENTAL HEALTH RUM: Why is mental health so important to you?

CBJ: Mental Health is important to me because it provides the foundation to living life at an optimal level. Mental Health has a significant effect on Physical Health in many ways. This speaks to the importance of Good Mental Health Hygiene. It's a part of Holistic Health and has been ignored for too long. How you Think drives how you Feel and leads to how we Show up in life and guides our decision making.

We go to the Doctor when we have a physical concern.

Shouldn’t it be the same way when we have a concern about how we are thinking or how a Traumatic event or life change has affected us? Mental Health and Mental Illness are two different things and it’s important to understand this. Mental Health is the state of well being in which we are aware of what we can do, we can cope with the lifton Bright is a Licensed Clinical Professtresses that life brings and feel safe. We also sional Counselor, Mentor, Life Coach and feel a sense of community and connection Consultant and now Author located in with people. Mental Illness is a condition that Harford County Maryland. He has worked with affects our Mood, thinking and behavior. So Men from all walks of life many factors can affect our and discovered that God I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer Mental Health. has a specific purpose for live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in every man. His passion is the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who RUM: Why do you think it is to help men strengthen loved me and gave himself for me." ... And the life I difficult for men to admit their knowledge of their now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of they need help? ... and for God, who loved me and gave himself for me identity so they can them to get the help they ~Galatians 2:20 function in their purpose. need?

C

Clifton has been married for over 16 years and has three wonderful children. He is also a member of Spirit of Faith Christian Center in Baltimore Maryland serves as an Usher. Along with working for a Non profit agency, Clifton has recently founded Bright House Counseling and Coaching, his private practice providing mental health and life coaching services.

CBJ: Growing up in a home and communities where Mental Health was not always prioritized, I know how much of an impact it has on the Whole Man. I remember being Depressed my entire Senior Year in High School. I would come to school after seven hours of sleep and pass out during 1st Period.

I remember losing interest in most things. I

remember wanting to feel valuable. I remember struggling with my Self Concept. I have seen family members struggle with Mental Illness. I have had two occasions in my life where I contemplated Suicide. No one knew what to do or inquired how to help me. If it had not been for friends, I don’t know if I would have made it through that year. What if parents, educators and even family and friends were aware of the signs of Mental Health illness and disorders? How many people would no longer suffer in silence?

People often get labeled as one thing but are struggling with the effects of Trauma, Neglect, Abandonment and/or Abuse, and serious mental health illnesses such as Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, the list goes on and on. My desire is that we continue to work towards removing Stigmas.

It is difficult for Men to admit that they need help because it has often been attached to weakness for us. If you grew up in an environment where you did not receive help and support from caregivers, then it is hard to receive help as an Adult in many cases. In some cases, we have not had models who have shown us it is okay to ask for help or may have been ostracized for even seeking help.

Also, access to resources can be a barrier for Men as well. How many Men really know what Therapy looks like? Our misconceptions can keep us from seeking out the help we need.

What if your definition of Masculinity is rooted in being tough, in being strong? Asking for help can make you feel like less of a Man. What if you asked for help before and instead of receiving help, you were taken advantage of?

You may struggle asking for help. Also, I have worked with Men who have never been around a Man who didn’t mistreat them. There was a certain level of distrust there. We have to address that it is Ok to not be Okay and that a Strong Man is one who can ask for help when he needs it.

RUM: Tell us how you are educating men on mental health wellness and encouraging them to get help when they need it?

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CBJ: I am educating Men on mental Health Wellness through Videos and Posts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and also through mentoring men in the community. I am currently working on content for an upcoming Podcast (Kingdom Manhood Talk) that will assist Men in removing the stigma attached to Mental Health and address areas that have challenged our concepts of what being a Man really means., I am honored to be a part of the group of Male Counselors and Therapists that are out here making a difference and helping remove barriers that have kept us from seeking Therapy. I am also conscious of how I present physically and how that impacts the men I come across. I often hear, “I never thought I would see someone doing this that looks like me”. I also have written a Journal titled: "21 Days to Developing your Identity in Christ" that addresses helping not just Christian Men of who they are but can be a resource to any Man who is growing in his knowledge of who he is. The book is available on Amazon.com. I want to also continue to be part of the discussion and efforts to remove barriers between Faith and Mental Health.

Therapy involves working with our Soul. Our Soul consists of our minds, desires, preferences, feelings, and our decision making. It’s about addressing who we are as A Whole Man.

RUM: In closing, If there was a male reader who felt like harming themselves or giving up, what would you say to them?

CBJ: To a Man who is reading this and may be considering giving up or even engaging in self harm, I would let them know that what they are feeling or struggling with is valid. We often tell men to "Suck it up, Man up, Be Strong, Don't be Soft or a Punk, people got it worse than you" and while this may sound like it is coming from a well intended place, it often comes off to the person as not being heard and having one's feelings invalidated. I would encourage that Man to identify one person that would be negatively affected by them not being present anymore and to reach out to 1-800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) if they are having suicidal thoughts. It may be hard right now but things do have the ability to change.

With support, you can make it. I would tell Him that it is "Okay to not be Okay" and that you are valued even if it seems the opposite right now.

Don't get out of the ring yet, continue the fight.

God created you for Great things and YOU are worth the effort that change takes, even if it seems dark right now. Joy comes in the Morning and Morning is coming.

YOU'RE NEVER ALONE OR WITHOUT

HOPE! (Psalm 46)

Alisha White

Founder of Sexual Wellness Advocacy Group

I knew you before I formed you in you mother's womb, Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations ~Jeremiah 1:5

A

t the age of 11, I was molested by my favorite uncle. After it happened to me no one talked about it nor did I get any kind of therapy. After years of undealt with issues, my life began to fall apart because while I was trying to figure out life on the outside. My life on the inside was falling apart, it left me with a lot of emotions that I had no clue of what to do with. Those emotions would control me year after year and I found myself in places that I didn't want to be in. I was labeled things life crazy, suicidal, and I realized that people treated me differently from my peers. Instead of letting mental health beat me, I decided to take my life back and give it over to God. It was the best decision that I have ever made.

Alisha White now walks in her divine calling as a sexual trauma advocate, bestselling author of "Unspoken Truth: The aftermath of sexual abuse", founder/Executive Director of S.W.A.G. which stands for Sexual wellness advocacy group, and she is in leadership in ministry at her local church.

White is making a difference in the community in which she serves by helping those that have been affected by sexual trauma to heal. She educates family's on how to prevent sexual trauma and how to support a victim in case of sexual trauma. She lives by "Hurt people, hurt people but healed people heal people" she carries this out by healing others from sexual trauma one person at a time.

What does mental health & wellness mean to me?

For me, my mental health was when I had lost my way due to the tragic situation of sexual trauma at such an early age. However, wellness came when I decided that I was going to define myself and make society drop their labels off of me. Mental wellness is when you take complete control of your emotional state.

Contact: : www.swagbr.org : 225.603.4657 : swagbr911@gmail.com

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SPECIAL FEATURE.

CZARINA

LYNELL

Survivor, Author, Motivator, & Mental Health Advocate And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours] ~ Philippians4:7AMP

CZARINA LYNELL IS A MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE, A LOVER OF PEACE AND SERENITY, AND A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR - A TRUE TESTAMENT OF GOD’S HEALING POWER. SHE IS ALSO A WIFE AND THE MOTHER OF THREE HANDSOME YOUNG MEN. SHE IS EXTREMELY PASSIONATE ABOUT PEOPLE AND LOVES HELPING OTHERS. CZARINA ESPECIALLY ENJOYS TURNING SMIRKS TO SMILES AND HAS BEEN VERY INTENTIONAL ABOUT GIVING HOPE, SHARING LOVE, AND CREATING PEACE, SINCE HER DIAGNOSIS. CZARINA LYNELL WAS BORN IN SAN FRANCISCO, CA, WHERE SHE DEVELOPED A LOVE FOR WRITING SINCE THE EIGHTH GRADE. CZARINA LOVES COMMUNICATING – WITH HONESTY. SHE LITERALLY WEARS HER HEART ON HER SLEEVE. WHEN NOT WRITING, CZARINA CAN BE FOUND ENJOYING MUSIC - SINGING ALONG TO HER FAVORITE SONG, OR SIMPLY DANCING TO A CATCHY BEAT. WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX, CZARINA WORKED AS AN HR PROFESSIONAL FOR OVER 14 YEARS DEVELOPING HR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, FACILITATING HR TRAINING, PROVIDING EMPLOYEE COACHING, AND ASSISTING ALL LEVELS OF MANAGEMENT WITH MANAGING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE. SHE ENDEAVORS TO ENCOURAGE A GENERATION TO EMBRACE, CREATE, AND MAINTAIN PEACE. the doctor discovered a lump W hen underneath my left armpit and

confirmed my breast cancer diagnosis, I was terrified. However, I knew that if I was going to survive and come out on the other side, I had to remain positive and fight with everything I had in me. Knowing I was going to need God’s

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strength and God’s healing power to sustain me through the process, is an understatement. Every day, I would get up and jump into “mommy mode” with pain in my joints and muscles. There were many days I wanted to take some time to rest or ball gestures yet understood my quest. I up and just cry. However, crying and worrying delivered donuts and coffee to the local fire over things that were out of my control, station in my town, I volunteered at a local wouldn’t make the cancer disappear, nor help food pantry, I purchased gas for a young the healing process. Maintaining a normal lady, donated to the Goodwill, fed the routine for our children’s sake was difficult, homeless, and handed out little note cards but my husband and I did the best we could. I with uplifting and inspiring words to stayed in constant prayer and encouraged random people in the community. It was myself to remain in such a delight turning It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe positive spirits. It is smirks to smiles. The in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must only by God’s Grace, indulgent gratification work at it.

Mercy, and His and serenity I felt ~Eleanor Roosevelt Healing Power that I inspired me to adopt 40 survived to tell my story. I believe I survived Acts of Kindness for the next 40 weeks in on Purpose for a Purpose.

2021. Having the chance to share just a touch of kindness, give a little love, and In 2020, as I approached my 40th birthday, I spread a little peace is priceless. decided to challenge myself to 40 Acts of Kindness, which I completed in 26 days. I Whenever you are faced with life’s challengwanted to do es, trust God, pray, find a circle of friends or something bigger someone you can trust, communicate your than me and give feelings, don’t worry about things you back in a way that cannot control, and love yourself enough to was gratifying. I make the right decisions. Find what makes encountered you happy and build upon your passion. some terrific Since my diagnosis, I aspire to be a mental people.

Some stated health advocate and a virtual peace they too would influencer. It is my goal to share my story to like to adopt and give hope to the hopeless, while demonshare in the acts of strating to those suffering from Stress, kindness. Many Anxiety, Anger, and Depression, they are not were amazed by alone. my kind

I am in remission, and the healing process extends far beyond breast cancer. I am devoted to total and complete healing – mentally, physically, and emotionally. This includes loving myself first and making the best decisions for my well-being. As I journey to obtain and maintain peace and serenity in all areas of my life, I want to be able to inspire, motivate, and encourage others to do the same.

RUM: What does mental health & wellness mean to you?

CL: As an overcomer of mental health challenges, I strongly believe mental wellness aids in our overall daily survival. The same way we pay a visit to our physician on an annual basis to check our physical health, we should check our mental health as well.

Additionally, we should focus on strengthening our metal wellness to help lessen any negative adverse effects of certain situations or circumstances we may encounter throughout our lifetime. As for me, I yearn to have peace and serenity in all areas of my life.

Therefore, I have made it my mission to not only create peace all around me, but also protect my peace, while encouraging others to do the same.

RUM: What inspired you to write "Finding Czarinaty?"

CL: Wow! That’s a great question. I never thought I would ever write a book in my lifetime, about my life, but obviously God had other plans. I have always been very particular and quite reserved when it came to outwardly and openly sharing my personal business. I covered up a lot of hurt, pain, disappointments, and frustrations – for years.

I masked it all, and I did it very well. However, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I knew God placed me on a specific journey for a specific purpose. I just didn’t know for what purpose, until it was time to start the healing process, after treatment.

Initially, I thought my first book would be an ode to my childhood. I even began writing a totally different book than the one I recently released. I just knew my book was going to be a large body of work filled with irony and deep metaphors. Until one day, I came across a previous journal entry from a few years prior to my diagnosis, and the concept became so clear. The book is about finding myself and finding peace in the midst of really and truly accepting who I am and what I’ve been through. It’s about finding my peace, while navigating breast cancer and mental health.Finding Czarinaty was inspired by a moment in time – a moment in time when I received confirmation from God to “write the book and make it plain.” It was as if I heard directly from God to share my story and tell my truth without sugarcoating the narrative.

There are so many people silently suffering because they feel like they are all alone.

Finding Czarinaty was written and released to give hope to the hopeless, and let those who are silently suffering from the SAAD (Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Depression) Woman Syndrome to know they are not alone.

RUM: Any one who follows you would learn quickly that "peace" means a lot to you.

Why? CL: Peace is engrained within my DNA. It is part of who I am at the very core. I value peace because it helps to calm the roaring rapids of the treacherous sea and it tames the untamable. The Bible says: “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”

John 14:27 AMP (Amplified Version) “And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].”

Philippians 4:7 AMP (Amplified Version RUM: What does "peace" look like to you?

CL:For me, peace looks like a variety of images, like various bright colors meshed together on a beautiful painted canvas. There is no one way to give the appearance of peace because it comes in many different forms. It may look like a woman taking used clothing, furniture, and toys to the Salvation Army, so someone else can make use of those items. It may look like a gentlemen taking breakfast to a group of homeless guys in the middle of winter, so they can have a hot meal. It may look like someone hanging out at the beach by themselves, reading a good book, while basking in the sun and enjoying the waves. It may even look like someone dancing the night away in the middle of their living room floor, while the music is blaring through the speakers.

Peace comes from within. Peace is knowing who you are - why you are and how you are – even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos.

Peace is the ability to remain calm, poised, and positive when faced with highly intense situations. Lastly, peace is being ok with who you are, and allowing yourself to live freely, free from fear of living out your truth.

How did your diagnosis challenge or may still challenge your mental health?

I strongly believe my mental health or lack thereof, had a negative impact on my health, which manifested into a life threatening

disease. I was not taking care of my mental health and had not managed it well. I tried, but I wasn’t consistent. My diagnosis was definitely a wake up call in regards to my mental health. I previously suffered from what I call the SAAD Woman Syndrome – yes, stress, anxiety, anger, and depression. My diagnosis forced me to really be accountable and recognize my toxic traits, especially when it comes to my children.

I’ve always taught them to be kind, loving, and caring — not to yell, not to get angry, not to call each other names. I wanted each of them to have their own identity and good character with morals and values. However I was too caught up in telling them how to be instead of showing them.

I am now more aware of how I react in certain situations. I am conscious of how I communicate – the words I speak and the tone I use. Let the record reflect, that I am still a work in progress. However, I’ve come a long way!

RUM: What final words do you have for our readers?

CL: Absolutely! If you find yourself drowning in your own misery or you find yourself staggering through a dark place in your life hoping to see the light soon, but it’s been a few months, please speak up and speak out. Don’t be ashamed. Know that you are not alone. Keep pushing through and know that it is all part of the journey. Hold your head up and remain hopeful. It gets better on the other side.

Since her diagnosis, Czarina Lynell has organized the Beautiful Breasted Hearts Foundation, a non-profit organization which exists to provide emotional and financial support to breast cancer patients, as well as financial scholarships to graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in the medical field. As a lover of peace and serenity, Czarina Lynell has also created the Peace And Czarinaty Lifestyle Brand, where she uses published literary works, media, and custom designed apparel and accessories to help spread peace and silence the shame regarding mental health challenges in minority communities.

Contact Info: : Peaceandczarinaty.com : Peace N Czarinaty : PeaceNCzarinaty : Czarina.Matthews@gmail.com

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C A U T I O N ! M U S T T R E AT W I T H C A R E !

Flowers in the Graden Conference

Strong women from all over step up to nurture and love daughters all around them. Receiving and experiencing love changes life for the better. We have to open our heart to love. I long for girls and young women to experience the healing effect of loving, motherly relationships and for them to have the tools so desperately needed to rebuild interpersonal relationships in life.

Flowers in the Garden is a 2-day gift for God’s precious daughters! Moms, Mom-figures, and daughters are coming together for: Mom/Figure- Daughter Formal Banquet Guest speakers Relationship Building Prayer Learning love languages And so much more I bind every toxic relationship, abuse, shame, neglect, abandonment, deceit, harmful control, broken heart, feeling of unworthiness, doubt by the blood of Jesus!

Songs of Solomon 2:1-2; “Like the lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters”

“Daughter! That is not your portion and God has seen your tears and knows your heart! There is hope and love for you!”

Our mission is best accomplished when we all come together, it’s best done in numbers. We appreciate all support whether it’s sharing about our program, following us on social media, getting involved by volunteering, or giving a monetary donation on our go fund me page. Your time and donations help support our program and fulfilling our mission, and we are truly thankful for all support.

CONTACT INFO: : @delicateflowersinc : @delicateflowersinc : @flowersinthegarden_conference I added the link in my bio for people to donate. GO FUND ME LINK: : www.gofund.me/5d46d33c SPONSOR A TICKET FOR A DELICATE INFO@VANITYDAWSON.COM

ARE YOU

SABOTAGING YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY?

HEALTH & WELLNESS

By: Coach Beverly

As we continue to adjust to “our new normal,” we have encountered an unexpected problem- weight gain! Some of the contributing factors have been: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Becoming more sedentary Fighting boredom Battling stress and uncertainty Finding healthy food

The good news is that it’s not too late to reverse the course and start over. As you embark on your new journey, be aware of the possible pitfalls that can derail your progress.

Not eating enough veggies! The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported, “In 2015, just 9% of adults met the intake recommendations for vegetables, ranging from 6% in West Virginia to 12% in Alaska. Only 12% of adults met the recommendations for fruit, ranging from 7% in West Virginia to 16% in Washington, D.C.” Lack of vegetables can place you at a higher risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Try this: “Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is a cornerstone of good health. It helps control blood pressure and cholesterol, keeps arteries flexible, protects bones, and is good for the eyes, brain, digestive system, and just about every other part of the body.” [1]Some ways to increase your intake include: branching out from the usual fruits and trying something new. If you haven’t considered mangoes, pineapples, or kiwi- don’t be afraid to try.

[1] “13 ways to add fruits and vegetables to your diet”, www.health.harvard.edu Eating in front of the TV: It’s common to eat while mindlessly scrolling through social media, checking your email, or watching a TV show. “If you’re eating in front of the TV (or computer, or smartphone, for that matter), chances are you’re paying more attention to what’s happening on the screen than to the spaghetti you’re putting into your mouth. This not only makes food less satisfying, but it makes it easier to miss cues that you’ve eaten enough, like seeing how much is gone from the plate or feeling that your stomach is getting full.” [1] Try this: Make mealtime something you look forward to. Leave the screens off and instead sit down with a loved one to share a meal or try lighting candles to spice up your table setting.

Suggestion: learn how to master mindful eating. “Mindful eating helps you distinguish between emotional and physical hunger. It also increases your awareness of food-related triggers and gives you the freedom to choose your response to them.”[2] [1] “Here’s Why We Overeat in Front of the TV (and How to Stop),” health.clevelandclinic.org/ [2] “Mindful Eating 101 — A Beginner’s Guide”,

/www.healthline.com/nutrition/ Overexercising: The mantra “eat less and move more” is touted as the end-all-be-all for getting healthy and losing weight.

“One term that’s typically used to describe over-exercising is “exercise addiction,” which implies that the exerciser is hooked on the positive feelings they associate with working out. The term “compulsion,” on the other hand, implies that the exerciser doesn’t enjoy the exercise, but feels that they must continue it anyway, even if they’re sick or injured, or have to skip work or cancel social plans to do so.” [1] Try this: Being active is enough for good health, and it should be whatever type of exercise you enjoy. Exercise should never be perceived as a punishment.

If you’re here looking to rebuild your confidence, life, and body and seeking the resources and personalized attention to reclaim your life after a setback or loss, you’ve arrived at the right place. I haven’t forgotten you, Dearheart. The question is, “have you forgotten yourself? In mothering, caring for others, and being a supportive partner, you have forgotten that in order to give them 100%, you have to provide yourself with 100% first.

Are you ready to disrupt your patterns and uncover your ideal self? Then the ‘60 Day Slay’ is for you! Let’s do the work!

[1] “6 Signs Your Gym Habit Could Be An Eating Disorder In Disguise,” www.self.com About Coach Beverly: Beverly K. Johnson is a certified Wellness Coach and CEO of Genesys Fitness. GenFit is a safe space where women can transform their mindset, body, and life in a caring and non-judgmental environment. Through candid conversations and fitness training, “forgotten” women are empowered to reclaim their identity and unveil the strength inside by working 1-on-1 with motivational life coach Bev. Website: http://beverlykjohnson.com Instagram: @bevkjohnson

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THE GREEN RESOURCES PAGES BLACK GIRL, LOST KEYS

Everyday Being

PATRICE N DOUGLAS, LMFT, CAMS-I

A forum for other people with ADHD to have a point of reference to find answers and discuss the disorder. rene@blackgirllostkeys.com @Black Girl, Lost Keys www.blackgirllostkeys.com

Online community providing information for those looking for a place to find healing. www.myeverydaybeing.com mjones@myeverydaybeing.com 202-957-7499 Founder, Marisa Jone

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. www.empirecounseling.net

COLORADO

CALIFORNIA

INSPIRING YOUTHS

DR. NEKESHIA HAMMOND

Psychologist and ADHD Specialist Hammond Psychology & Associates, Supports parents of children dealing with ADHD. DrNekeshiaHammond.com Dr.NHammond@gmail.com

FLORIDA

FLORIDA

DESIGNED FOR ROYALTY

A nonprofit providing mentorship for at risk male and females youth and young adults to nurture their mental health in hope to reduce the risky behaviors, self-harm, selfmedicating or sadly suicide. www.wefightfoundation.org

MARYLAND

BASHEA WILLIAMS, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW

ALEXIS ALTON

(Queen/King/Princess Series) A mentorship program for women and men between the ages of 7-25.

For more information: info@tamikawoodard.com www.tamikawoodard.com

MARYLAND

WE FIGHT FOUNDATION

A foundation built to give youth a voice through their various platforms, bullying workshops, youth panel discussions, as well as introducing mental health through workshops. www.inspireyouths.com info@inspireyouths.com Founder, Devon Lewis Buchanan, MSW

Been working with children, adults and families for more than 15 years improving behaviors, relationships, educating, and providing therapeutic support and families. www.alexisalton.com alexis@alexisalton.com

MARYLAND

MARYLAND

Licensed Family Therapist Helping individuals, couples, and families navigate and understand their purpose in life while providing relatable life experiences to address their circumstances. www.heartsinmindcounseling.com

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GREEN PAGES TAKE MY HAND

KENDRA HATHAWAY, MA, FLE, LMFT

CALEB'S KIDS An impactful suicide prevention and mental health awareness non-profit.

Founder & Exec. Director: Keisha Jackson. www.calebskids.org info@calebskids.org

Help clients heal from trauma and empower them to tap into their infinite God-given potential. www.vanitydawson.com Info@vanitydawson.com Founder: Vanity Dawson

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Notably with African American women and young adults who are looking to improve their lives.

Positivetransformationpllc@gmail.com.

MICHIGAN

MARYLAND

C.A.C.T.U.S. CENTER

NEW JERSEY

MICHIGAN

AMANDA FLUDD, LCSW-R

Treating issues such as anger management, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, depression, sexual deviance through individual and family counseling. www.cactuscenternj.com cactuscenternj@gmail.com

Peace and Prosperity Professional Coaching Jason Phillips, MSW Licensed Therapist and Life Coach. www.pnpcoach.com info@pncoach.com

NORTH CAROLINA

Evidence-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective. www.blackmentalwellness.com info@BlackMentalWellness.com

WASHINGTON, D.C.

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NEW YORK

RWENSHAUN MILLER, MA, LPCA, NCC

NORTH CAROLINA

BLACK MENTAL WELLNESS CORP.

TOTALITY OF A WOMAN

Afro Caribbean Clinical Social Worker Trauma Treatment, DBT, Mindfulness Practice Kensho Psychotherapy Services, LLC. 41a W Merrick Rd #2, Valley Stream, NY 11580

NEW YORK

Licensed Therapist Dedicated to making mental health treatment more accessible; especially for males of color. www.rwenshaun.com info@rwenshaun.com

(586) 551-2757

Organization that takes a 360-degree approach focusing on the wellness of women, me and children. www.TotalityofaWoman.com Info@TotalityofaWomen.com TotalityofaWomen@gmail.com Founder, Stephanie Carnegie

HIP HOP SOCIAL WORKER, LLC

OREGON

Foundation designed to motivate others by encouraging them to know they have what it takes to succeed, set goals, continue to be an advocate for mental health and help bring positive changes to the field of social work. www.hiphopsocialworker.com hiphopsocialworker@gmail.com Founder, Christopher Scott

We Fight Together!

RallyUp Mental Health Magazine is a product of We Fight Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit providing mentorship for at risk youths and young adults (12-24 yrs) to nurture their mental health in hope to reduce the risky behaviors, self-harm, self-medicating or sadly suicide. Proceeds will assist families of underserved communities with therapy sessions, mental health workshops, resources and soon housing.

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: 301-852-6454 : @wefightfoundation | : wefightfoundation For an interview email us at: rallyupmagazine@gmail.com Disclaimer: Some articles may be triggering and/or contain content that may challenge your mental health. If you or someone you know has a mental health emergency please call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

YOU

ARE

ENOUGH. 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9

#faithandmentalhealth www.wefightfoundation.org