Black Mental Matters: Recent Episodes
Vince The Voice
The Black Mental Matters Podcast with Vince "The Voice" Bailey and Makeba Reed-Johnson seeks to strip away the stigma of discussing Black mental health. Black Mental Matters features a series of in-depth interviews and discussions around mental health in the Black community. Follow Vince and share The Black Mental Matters Podcast with your friends and family. Join our group therapy!
In the United States, only 6% of the 1.5 million faculty in degree-granting postsecondary institutions is Black. The new book, We're Not Ok: Black Faculty Experiences and Higher Education Strategies shares the experiences of Black faculty to take the reader on a journey, from the obstacles of landing a full-time faculty position through the unique struggles of being a Black educator at a predominantly white institution. We talk with the authors and discuss some of those obstacles which can be experienced not only in higher education, but in the workplace as a whole...
Over recent years, mental health has slowly moved out of the shadows. Yay!!!! After centuries of being sidelined, our state of mental well-being is gradually receiving more of the attention that it deserves. However, many myths persist. On this episode we talk with Shelly-Anne Johnson, MSW, LCSW to address the untruths related to our mental well-being!
Whether you realize it or not, you and someone you know is experiencing the debilitating and life altering impact of individual and collective trauma. Well that’s pretty depressing, right? Well, yes and no! What is the point of feeling shame for experiencing something that every person is experiencing, and feeling alone in, simply because we are too ashamed to share our stories and reshape them in a healthy way! On this episode we talk with Dr. Alauna, Trauma Psychiatrist, whose work and hope is for an 'Empathy Evolution’ in healthcare and beyond that will be a catalyst for a healthier, peaceful human species on Earth.
Each year millions of Americans with mental illness struggle to find mental health care. Nearly half of the 60 million adults and children living with mental health conditions in the United States go without any treatment. People who seek treatment must navigate a fragmented and costly system full of obstacles. As a result, many people cannot access mental health care when they need it most. We talk with Lisa Boylan of Navigate Hope which is dedicated to improving the mental health & well-being of all members of the community through outreach, education & support! Listen and Learn!!
Many things get passed down through families, like heirlooms, genetic conditions, and physical characteristics. In some cases, trauma can be inherited, too. Generational trauma (also known as intergenerational trauma or transgenerational trauma) is still a relatively new field of study, meaning researchers have a lot to discover about its impact and how it presents in people who suffer from it. We discuss this important topic with Dr Eugene Herrington identify some of the ways this condition can consciously and unconsciously affect our behavior
Every year in the United States, more than 45,000 people take their own lives. Their final act doesn’t need to define their life. From his personal experience Vince and Makeba share ways you can try to navigate the shock, confusion, and despair and begin the healing process. We admonish listeners to try to remember and celebrate the important, joyous aspects of their life and of your relationship together. This Episode and the Black Mental Matters Podcast Series is dedicated to Vince's Dad, Sidney Bailey, Jr. and Brother Theodore "Tony" Bailey. RIP
While the birth of a child can be a wonderful and joyous time for many women, for some women it is a time of sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and worry that does not go away. In fact, up to 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression, a very real and serious mood disorder. What if we were to tell you that women of color experience postpartum depression at double the rate of the general population? This is because a disproportionate number of women of color are not screened for depression and do not receive the necessary treatment and services. In fact, it is estimated that up to 60% of women of color do not receive any services! Think about the devastating impact this can have on them and their families. On this episode we talk with Perinatal Wellness Coach Christina Lumpkin to learn more about this Silent Epidemic which affects us all...
No, the vaccine isn’t an effort to sterilize Black people. It can’t alter your DNA. It won’t implant a microchip to track your movements. And no, Black Folks and other people of color are not being used as guinea pigs. Despite the desired intent for vaccination, there are still barriers preventing increased vaccination rates in the Black Community. One of the main reasons for lower vaccination rates by race and ethnicity is the significant misinformation about vaccines and lack of health education. On this episode we discuss the need to tune out the conspiracy theories, get vaccinated, and Save Lives! Including YOURS! Available wherever you get your podcasts! Tell Siri and Alexa to "Play The Black Mental Matters Podcast!”
College can be a stressful time for young people and their parents... When you add COVID, racism, police brutality, and other obstacles, it can become downright frightening and lead our young people into unwanted situations. On this episode we talk with Dr John Dunkle of the JED Foundation. JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. They are partnering with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems, equipping teens and young adults and their families with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other.
With the news of Simone Biles pulling out of the Olympic finals and choosing her mental health first, we are seeing a movement among elite Black athletes who are taking a public stand to advocate for their own and others’ mental health. There has been a surge of elite athletes who have spoken out and shown the strain of what it is like to be under pressure and to be in the limelight.
Critical race theory (CRT) is an academic movement of civil-rights scholars and activists in the United States who seek to critically examine U.S. law as it intersects with issues of race in the U.S. and to challenge mainstream American liberal approaches to racial justice. Over the past six months, Republicans in more than two dozen states have proposed bills that aim to stop educational discussions about race, racism, and systemic oppression in the US — potentially eliminating the conversations altogether. We dive into what CRT really is and why it is Critical to the advancement of America
Our culture, beliefs, sexual identity, values, race and language all affect how we perceive and experience mental health conditions. In fact, cultural differences can influence what treatments, coping mechanisms and supports work for us. In order for the Black Community to improve mental health outcomes overall, we need more culturally competent professionals that look like, speak like and understand like we do. On this episode our special guest, Brittany Woodard speaks on her journey and experience as a young mental health professional searching for the truth to help our communities...
Could what you believe about yourself impact your success or failure? Believe it or not, your beliefs play a pivotal role in what you want and whether you achieve it. It is your MINDSET that plays a significant role in determining achievement and success. It influences how you think, feel, and behave in any given situation. On this episode, we discuss how to develop a good mindset with Mindset Mastery Mentor Suzan Hart
Although the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the job market is still unknown, it is definitely possible to identify some of the main effects on employers, employees and workplaces. A rash of surveys have painted a bleak picture of workers' mental health because of the coronavirus pandemic. As people are "getting back to work" willingly or not, companies, supervisors, and even co-workers cannot ignore their role in supporting employees who are struggling. Makeba and Vince discuss the workplace situation and provide some direction as we "work" to get back on track and on the job...
The pandemic has taken a toll on all aspects of life, including romantic relationships. Having a good relationship is no piece of cake even in normal times. Lockdown doesn't make it any easier, with its psychological stress and restrictions on social contacts. So how can relationships still thrive? We’ll dig into what’s keeping couples together or breaking them apart with Minister and Couples Counselor Timothy Brown!
White supremacy in the United States has existed since before the nation’s founding, and U.S. history is beyond full of violence against people of color. The enslavement of Black people, an inherently violent white supremacist practice, was upheld by legal, societal, religious, and economic justifications. And throughout U.S. history, white supremacy has shaped the attitudes and laws of who could be an American citizen. On this episode, we ask and seek to answer the simple question, WHY?
Historically, churches that serve the black community haven’t just functioned as houses of worship. Black churches have also served as broader community resource centers, fostering social engagement, and encouraging political participation. As mental health becomes a rapidly growing concern in the black community, we call upon religious leaders to recognize their place as not just spiritual leaders, but as a critical resource for their congregants' emotional, psychological and mental health needs!
Studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affects Black people in the United States in severity, mortality, economics, and more. As COVID-19 vaccines make their way down the supply chain, more and more people will find themselves going to clinics, pharmacies, sports arenas, and other traditional or nontraditional sites to receive them. Yet everyone, especially Black Folks are not convinced... On this episode, Vince and Makeba discuss the situation and strategize on how we can "Come Out Of Covid"
When building a successful business, career, etc, everything screams for attention. Within that flood, why prioritize customer service? In short, because happy customers lead to more money, growth, and sustainability. Many times we take customer service for granted or only recognize it when it is bad... On this episode, we talk to Businessman DJ Webb about his successful company and how good customer service keeps his business and bank account on the rise!
As we set ourselves up for a successful 2021 and check our priorities in life, consider your total well-being and how it can be improved. Totally Well is not just about your health, being sick or having a medical condition. It’s about a balance of all things, an overall feeling that your life is going well. As expert Dr Sandra Jackson Dent tells us, becoming "Totally Well" comes from your thoughts, actions, and experiences which we mostly have control over. Therefore, it is possible to improve your well-being. Start with figuring out what parts of well-being are most important to you. Listen and get started on your new journey!
On this Episode we talk with Economic Empowerment Broker and Economic Evangelist, Henry Golatt about Entrepreneurship and the vast economic opportunities available to and within the Black Community! Whether you are working a 9-5 and considering or have business ownership aspirations, this is an episode you don't want to miss!
This Episode we talk with Disruptive & Innovative Entrepreneur Coach C. Sunny Martin (inspired by the late great Mayor of Atlanta, Maynard Jackson) grew and sold his publishing firm (largest minority owned in the US) and is now devoting his skills and experience to mentoring, coaching, and working with entrepreneurs, and small business owners who are thirsty to learn. Hear his story and plot your journey! Tell Alexa and Siri to "Play The Black Mental Matters Podcast!"
“I Can’t Breathe” is echoing across the planet. Black, Brown, Indigenous and lower-wealth communities have disproportionately been the dumping grounds for our country’s deadliest toxic pollutants. These continuing actions have created sacrifice zones, filled with smelters, coal-fired power plants, incinerators, petrochemical facilities and a host of other polluters. We talk with BJ Johnson and Lynn McCray of Ecosneakers.org about what we can do to not only save our planet, but our lives
To start out this new year, we welcome Dr Tarece Johnson an activist, advocate, self-published author, self-taught artist and poet, as well as Board Member of the largest school district in Georgia. She shares her infectious passion for diversity and inclusion which has more benefits for your mental health than you think
On this Holiday Special I talk with my adult son about the challenges, as well as some strategies to overcome them while growing up Young Gifted and Black in America. Hope you enjoy!
At the intersection of social justice, political empowerment, human development and the cultural arts one will find LaTosha Brown. As the co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund and the BVM Capacity Building Institute, LaTosha is adamant about ensuring that all human beings have access to quality education, safety, security, peace, love and happiness. Learn about her journey and how using YOUR gifts matter and can truly make a difference in this world!
“…All of us have our moral convictions and concerns, and so often have problems with power. There is nothing wrong with power if power is used correctly. You see, what happened is that some of our philosophers got off base. And one of the great problems of history is that the concepts of love and power have usually been contrasted as opposites – polar opposites – so that love is identified with a resignation of power, and power with a denial of love. …What is needed is a realization that power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.” –Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Where Do We Go From Here”, 1967
Many of us are experiencing new or worse mental health symptoms due to intense fear or stress relating to the pandemic, election, job situation, and more... Those with a mental health disorder may be at risk for a mental health crisis. A crisis can be overwhelming not only for those experiencing it, but also for their friends and family. If you or someone you know has a mental health disorder, it’s important to understand the signs of an emergency situation. On this episode, learn more about mental health crises to help plan ahead and take action if needed.
According to our guest, Cary Valentine - Turn your doubts inside out. Rearrange the letters in the word doubt and you come up with “to bud.” Which is to grow and to blossom. So the doubts and insecurities are not what they appear to be. The guiding point is that the doubt is our friend and not our enemy. It’s trying to help us realize and actualize our potential, our gifts, our passion and our desires.
For most Americans, the 2020 presidential election is a big source of stress. For Black America, 71% of Black adults said this election is a source of stress, compared with 46% four years ago. Add to that the racial turmoil in our cities, the unsteady economy and climate change that has fueled widespread wildfires and other natural disasters... If election-related stress is getting to you, there are steps your can take to relieve it!
Emotional Wellness is critical to our well-being and health! The more you act on your feelings and emotions, the more reliable they become. Being emotionally well doesn’t mean that you’re happy all the time, but that you’re self-aware and able to shift and move as a way to feel better. Being emotionally well leads to a happier and more blissful life, and also allows you the opportunity to attain your full potential. You can do it! Happy Emotional Wellness Month from Black Mental Matters!
It’s very easy to suppress or hide our feelings when there’s so much else going on in our lives. With distractions coming at us from every direction, it’s important to quiet the noise and check in with ourselves. Too often we forget to pause our busy lives to reset and reflect. During the month of October, we celebrate Emotional Wellness Month which reminds us to prioritize our mental health and personal well-being.
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic. We use this month to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately. If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255) If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text TALK to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
Grief can be one of the most intense emotions of the human experience. It can leave us feeling drained and depressed. You may be grieving about anything you've lost, whether it's a loved one or a job. If your grief is severe, you may need extra help to heal and move on. Understanding that loss is a natural part of life and learning to accept the loss are the best ways to begin coping with it. Vince and Makeba discuss this important topic and share tips on how to heal...
Studies have shown that People with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed during a police encounter than other civilians approached or stopped by law enforcement. Individuals with untreated severe mental illness are involved in at least 1 in 4 and as many as half of all fatal police shootings. By dismantling the mental illness treatment system, we have turned the mental health crisis from a medical issue into a police matter.
Simply put, hope is a belief — a knowing — that things will get better... Millions of Americans have found themselves underemployed and jobless in this pandemic. Tens of thousands have lost loved ones to this virus. Countless people are living with uncertainty, stress, and loneliness brought on by the coronavirus. That’s in addition to the myriad other problems individuals face, even without a pandemic. No matter what you are going through, ask yourself: What other hardships have you endured in your life? Then remind yourself: You’re still standing — you survived those previous struggles. Let that give you HOPE that you will also come through these current times.
In February of 2000 of Gary, Indiana, Christopher “Chris” Bynum was arrested for 5 counts of murder. He was ultimately falsely convicted on all counts. At Bynum’s sentencing hearing, he spoke directly to the victim’s families– suggesting that, if they truly loved their deceased loved ones, they’d force the police to do their jobs. For Bynum, that was a plea of innocence on his behalf. Bynum was sentenced to 300- years in prison for the crimes he was convicted of. The Christopher Bynum ruling was changed and now set for August 14, 2020. We are trying to get as much media attention as we can before the ruling.
During this trying time of Covid-19 and the uncertainty surrounding all of us, we want to encourage all to not only survive, but thrive! We talk with special guest Tammy Nordheim on strategies we can employ to increase our personal growth and wellness so we can come out on the "other side" even better than before...
Black Mental Matters Episode #42 Getting Back To Being Black Members of Black America are citizens of the United States of America. Also they are citizens of the states, counties, cities and municipalities in which they reside. Now, during, and after this pandemic and protest period, The Black Community is a society whose culture is ready to be refined and re-defined. This definition or concept is not designed to ignore others in the Americas, but to evolve the strength and power of Blacks as citizens of the United States of America.
There is a huge debate going on right now, particularly in social media, about the state of Black Americans, Black Protests, why Black Lives Matters, etc... For certain the racial disparities in every domain—health, homeownership, education, criminal justice, and beyond—reveals the fact that government-sanctioned policies and practices have facilitated the upward mobility of white Americans and created barriers to mobility for Black Americans. In our effort to advance the truth, we tackle and vent the frustration of millions of Black Americans having to defend and explain the obvious...
"Policing While Black" is a term we've coined due to the prominence of case after case of white police killings of unarmed Black Men, and the resulting clashes between an enraged, pandemic stricken, mentally and physically tired community and Law Enforcement. We talk with Retired Commander and Lt Colonel Leonard Stallworth of the Illinois State Police about the current situation and what strategies can be used to improve outcomes for both the Black Community and Officers of The Law...
The demonstrations that have seized America’s cities, towns, and villages, including the nation’s capital, have no national leader. There are only people, hundreds of thousands of them, spilling into streets, clogging bridges, and filling parks. Nor does the movement have a single objective. Or does it? We talk with Community Activist and Therapeutic Support Specialist Clifton Crawley who has been on the front lines with our Youth to get an understanding of "What They Really Want"...
Since the beginning of this country, the contributions of Black Men and Women to its development has been undeniable. Yet today we find ourselves still having to protest and fight hard to get basic and equal rights in housing, education, politics, the justice system, etc... And what has been accomplished has benefited everyone, no matter what color... We talk with Distinguished Attorney and Social Advocate Attorney Gerald A. Griggs who is consistently on the front lines fighting for what is right!
On this Episode we talk with Robin Lucas, Mother of Hannah and Charlie Lucas who are the Founders of the notOK App. By dealing with the individual mental health challenges within the family, the Lucas’s created a revolutionary app that is now helping over 100,00 individuals (and growing)! Robin shares her challenges and triumphs, and encourages all parents to listen and work with their children to achieve positive mental health outcomes!
TW - Nearly half of Americans report the coronavirus crisis is harming their mental health and yet, out of the trillions of dollars Congress passed in emergency coronavirus funding, only a tiny portion is allocated for mental health. Social distancing and quarantines could increase suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and depression and anxiety is on the rise... On this episode we discuss Mental Health Pandemic Preparedness to help us all!
Have you ever paid attention to the fact that often when you are upset, afraid, or angry, that you are also holding your breath creating even more stress on your mind and body? This episode we talk with Nina Rose Bailey, founder of The Rose Project on how using yoga and other self care techniques can improve your mental health outcome during this Covid 19 pandemic and other stressful times..
Scientific research shows that stressors that impact Black Americans are chronic and repeated through their whole life course. The term "Weathering" is a metaphor, first to illustrate the sense of physical erosion by constant stress. But also, "Weathering" describes the ways that the Black Community has coped with the constant drumbeat of big and small stressors that has marked their lives. Both definitions; making it through a difficult experience, along with being damaged in the process has had a devastating effect on the health vulnerability of Black Americans. Vince and Makeba discuss this research in our latest episode...
COVID-19 has serious implications for the mental health of LGBTQ youth. Even prior to the pandemic, LGBTQ youth have been found to be at significant increased risk for depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide... We talk with Mr David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition about advocating and supporting LGBTQ+ young people always but especially now
This episode we talk with Mrs H. Kathy Williams, a wife, mother, and advocate for saving lives. After the tragic loss of her son, she dedicated herself to helping communities understand depression and come to grips with the tragedy of suicide. She refers her transformation as "Turning Lemons to Lemonade" and "Loss into Love". Together we share the mission to eliminate the stigmas and myths associated with mental health, which allows people to embrace the help that’s needed.
Inspiration Alert! Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble (Dr. Alfiee) is a gifted media personality, public speaker, researcher, consultant and fully licensed psychologist who has realized her passion for helping young people with research and care for depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. Learn more at www.DrAlfiee.com
For a lot of folks, the uncertainty surrounding coronavirus is the hardest thing to handle. We don’t know how exactly we’ll be impacted or how bad things might get. And that makes it all too easy to spiral out into overwhelming dread and panic. But there are many things you can do—even in the face of this unique crisis—to manage your anxiety and fears.
Like it or not, the medical community has some glaring issues with race. Many Black people have difficulty trusting the Mental Health care system, but being able to sit down with a therapist that looks like you and speaks your language can revolutionize your Mental Health Care. We talk with Asia Jones, an up and coming Mental Health Professional and celebrate the future for more Therapists of Color in our communities!
As many of us are being told to hunker down in our apartments and houses, and limit trips outside and social contact, things are feeling pretty “real” at this point. Concerns of fear, job uncertainty, family dynamics, finances and more can have a huge effect on our personal psyche... Vince and Makeba discuss various ways to help maintain your Mental Health during this Coronavirus Lockdown
As if the shame, resistance, cost, and lack of professionals that look like me wasn't enough, now we gotta social distance, quarantine, and stay at home because of the coronavirus! But guess what? Telemental Health is here, and now you can STILL get your mental health needs met via technology and innovation that benefits both patients and therapists. Join Vince and Makeba and learn more as they talk to Michael S. Jones, a leader in Telemental Health
Depression isn’t a choice or a little case of the blues. It’s a physical illness as serious and life-altering as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis. An estimated 19 million Americans are currently going through depression, many who are married or involved with a significant other. A depressed spouse can’t just “snap out of it” or “get on with life,” and that can cause serious problems in relationships. On the bright side, up to 80 percent of people report seeing an improvement within four to six weeks of starting treatment. We discuss the pressure depression can put on a relationship and give some tips on getting that "intruder" out of your love life!
The term PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) gets thrown around a lot... But do we really understand what it is and how devastating it can be to those who truly suffer from it. This episode we talk to a specialist, Dr Felicia Berry-Mitchell whose practice is dedicated to revolutionizing trauma treatment.
Whether as a boss or employee, workplace stress isn’t uncommon, but when left unchecked, it can lead to bigger problems, such as depression and anxiety. When this happens, stress not only creates negative emotions, but it also results in lower productivity, the inability to concentrate on work and strained relationships with colleagues. Makeba and Vince discuss ways to have better days at work through simple Workplace Wellness techniques and attitudes...
Blacks, Asians, and Latinos each have differing beliefs regarding the causes of mental illness when compared to White Americans... Black folks tend to view mental illness as caused by stress and loss. For Asians, family issues, medical illness and cultural differences... Latinos? Loss of family and friends, family issues, and moving to a different place... Vince and Makeba discuss some of the differences and similarities with Cuban born Joaquin Martinez of Encite Counseling as we work to build Cultural Partnerships!
When you are involved in activism, community organizing, or social justice work, caring for yourself is tough. The emotional demands can quickly drain your energy reserves. People who pour themselves into advocating for the less fortunate forget to prioritize their own needs. Vince and Makeba are here to teach you that with a consistent regimen of self-care strategies, you can stay sustained over the long haul to keeping doing the important activist work you do.
Many parents grapple with what it means to have a kid with mental illness. Am I a bad parent? Have I failed my child? Is there anything I could have done differently? Join Vince and Makeba as they tackle this tough topic. You are not alone! There are many resources there to help you and your child. Ultimately the most important thing you can do is to love and support your child. Just remember: it’s a process.
In the Black American community, many people misunderstand what a mental health condition is and don’t talk about this topic. Some may think of depression as “the blues” or something to snap out of. Spiritual beliefs, finances, the lack of therapists that look like you etc., all adds up to folks not getting the help they deserve! Vince and Makeba discuss the barriers and provide some solutions to getting the help you need!
Whether young or old, the verdict is still out if social media is having a detrimental effect on our mental health. While social media platforms can have their benefits, using them too frequently can make you feel increasingly unhappy and isolated in the long run. On this episode Vince and Makeba tackle this subject and uncover ways social media could be negatively affecting your mental health without you even realizing it...
On this episode, Makeba and Vince attend a Therapist Mixer in the Atlanta area where they meet Mother and Daughter Licensed Professional Counselors Donna Wade and Magaen Harris of CEO Professionals Services LLC. We spotlight this unique dynamic duo and learn what a rewarding career can be had for those that work to help others in the mental health arena!
We talk with Dr. Katrina Pittman, owner of A Paradigm Shift, LLC, a Counseling, Psychotherapy, Coaching and Consulting practice located in East Point, Georgia. With over a decade of diverse experiences and a terminal degree in Counseling Psychology, Dr. Pittman works with young children, adolescents, and adults providing an array of services. Her professional experiences reach across educational, psychological, behavioral, judicial and social spectrums.
Depending on the data source, the statistics for divorce in the Black Community has been placed as high as 70%! Many reasons abound, however that number is truly mind blowing... On this episode we discuss with Dr. J Parker Griffin Jr., a behaviorally-based approach designed to help couples thrive in their relationships. Let's start this new year with Renewed Love Relationships!!!
On the next #BlackMentalMatters Podcast... Holiday-related stress and the ‘holiday blues’—feelings of disappointment, sadness, fatigue or frustration—are not unusual” during this time of year. The Holiday Blues are often temporary, but for many the holidays can be immensely stressful and emotionally taxing... Listen in as Vince and Makeba provide some tips and advice on how to make this Season bright!
Georgia-based teen entrepreneurs Hannah and Charlie Lucas are the creators of the notOK App™, a digital panic button to get immediate support from a trusted group of pre-selected people. Whether you’re a teen or an adult suffering from loneliness, anxiety, depression, stress, suicidal thoughts, or anything else, immediate help is only the tap of a button away. Hear Hannah's story and learn how this family turned the technology tables on mental illness...
Most of the time when we think of the holiday season, we think of joy and good tidings. However for many, the holidays can bring stress, anxiety, or reminders of a lost loved one. The holidays can be stressful, but they can also be a time to reflect, shed the past and look forward to the future. In a podcast replay, Vince talks with Health and Wellness Educator and Mental Health Advocate Makeba Reed-Johnson about Self Care and the importance of taking some time (especially during this season) for your Mental Well-Being
In the Black Community, many people don't understand what a mental health condition is and don't talk or want to talk about the subject. Folks are reluctant to discuss mental health issues and seek treatment often because of the shame and stigma associated with it. For those that do seek help, due to the huge shortage of Black Mental Health Professionals, the lack of cultural awareness, financial costs, etc., misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment can be the result. Vince and Makeba discuss these "barriers" and suggest solutions to turn this crisis around.
Eating foods that are "good for you" is a good thing! It also helps reduce your risk of developing some chronic diseases. New research finds that your food choices also affect your mood and mental health. Vince and Makeba discuss the Food-Mood Connection in the Black Community and the impact our diets are having on our minds!
Although it isn’t freely discussed, depression in Black men is an issue that is all too real. Due to stigma surrounding mental illness, men of color will often suffer in silence, thinking they should simply be able to deal with the pressures of life on their own, believing that otherwise they are to be considered “weak.” Vince talks with Voiceover Artist, Entrepreneur, and World Traveler Dane Reid about his long time struggle and conquer of Depression.
Police killings of people with mental illnesses are a huge problem for those of all races. One study states that people with untreated mental illnesses are a staggering 16 times more likely to be shot and killed by police. But African Americans are at even higher risk due to the racism in our country and in our police forces. Police officers are also much more likely to suffer from a Mental Issue due to the trauma they witness everyday. We talk to law enforcement veterans, Brian Whiteside, Gwinnett County, GA Solicitor General and his Chief Investigator Travis Gaston about the relationship between Mental Health and Law Enforcement
Suicide is fast becoming an epidemic in black communities, particularly among school age children... The numbers are astonishing. It has become a growing health crisis. Vince talks with Mental Health Advocate and Educator Makeba Reed Johnson about the rising numbers, the signs, and ways parents and adults can help our young people...
Vince "The Voice" Bailey and Dr. J. P Griffin Jr., LPC / Certified Anger Management II discuss the stigma surrounding the Black Community getting help for their mental health. Dr Griffin also provides some strategies and techniques for having good mental outcomes when challenges arise in our families.
Contact Dr. Griffen: 404-341-7642 www.psychologytoday.com - Search - Dr. J. Parker Griffin Jr.
Addiction is a psychological and physical inability to stop consuming a chemical, drug, activity, or substance, even though it is causing psychological and physical harm. Vince talks Addiction with Master Addiction Therapist and Psychologist Dr. Eugene Herrington. The causes, signs and symptoms, and treatment strategies...
Dr Eugene Harrington 404-422-5682 herrphd@aol.com
Vince info@blackmentalmatters.com
Vince talks with Health and Wellness Educator and Mental Health Advocate Makeba Reed-Johnson about Emotional Wellness. Data show that for Black women, anxiety is more chronic and the symptoms more intense than their White counterparts. This description, however, only tells half the story. What it does not tell us is how anxiety is perceived and experienced daily by Black women.
Vince talks with Health and Wellness Educator and Mental Health Advocate Makeba Reed-Johnson about Self Care and what that means to those suffering from stress and mental challenges...
Vince interviews Dr. Eugene Herrington, Ph.D, M.S.M, M.Div, L.C.S.W., Clinical Psychologist and Master Social Worker (now in Private Practice) on Mental Health Disorders and ways to spot and deal with them...
Contact Dr Eugene Herrington 404-422-5682 herrphd@aol.com
Vince "The Voice" Bailey and Dr Eugene Herrington, Ph.D, M.S.M, M.Div, L.C.S.W, Clinical Psychologist and Master Social Worker discuss Depression, it's causes, symptoms, and treatment...
Contact Dr Herrington 404-422-5682 herrphd@aol.com
Vince discusses Narcissism with Dr. J. Parker Griffin, Licensed Professional Counselor. Dr. Griffin specializes in working with males and also partners with survivors of narcissistic abuse. Get his book, "The 25th Demon" at Amazon.com.
Contact Dr. Griffen: 404-341-7642 www.psychologytoday.com - Search - Dr. J. Parker Griffin Jr.
Meet the host of Black Mental Matters, Vince "The Voice" Bailey.
Vince “The Voice” Bailey is a 35+ year media & entertainment veteran who began his career as a United Way volunteer reader for the blind in his hometown of Gary, Indiana.
For the past twenty-two years, he has operated the successful Vince Bailey Productions, now Vince The Voice LLC, a full-service audio-video production and consulting company based in Grayson, Georgia. Currently, Vince teaches Voiceover privately and for several educational institutions.
His commitment to community has led to him serving on many boards and committees related to youth and personal development including: Chairman of the Fulton County Workforce Board, Chairman of the Atlanta Job Corps Community Advisory Council, Chairman of the Georgia Black United Fund, member of the Atlanta Business League Board of Directors and member of the Fulton County Schools Career and Technical Education Advisory Council.