Wellthy Mind Podcast: Recent Episodes
MoodWellth
This is the official podcast from the mental wellness company, MoodWellth. Each month the founders, Lynnette Price and Renee Patterson will be joined by special guests to discuss various topics relevant to the mental wellness of Black women. Plus, listeners will get a chance to send in questions, connect with MoodWellth well-being guides and contributors and get to know the founders.
On this episode we’re talking to herbalist, farmer and owner of Beauty, Herbs and Tea, Abril Donae about two specific anxiety disorders, panic attacks and agoraphobia. We chat about Abril’s personal journey with anxiety, including how it led her to become an herbalist and owner of Beauty, Herbs and Tea. We also talk about being Black with anxiety, how most people wouldn’t believe that we struggle with these types of anxiety disorders and how anxiety has no look.
Key Takeaways
Anxiety Has No Look. What do people mean when they say, “you don’t look like you have anxiety?”
Getting Help Can be Traumatic. Those providers who aren’t culturally competent can make the process of seeking help traumatic by automatically assuming substance abuse is involved or invalidating our experience by saying, “but you’re so strong.”
Herbal Remedies May Be Right For You. Abril talks about how she recovered from anxiety using herbs and tea, and leads us through some herbs and their specific benefits.
To Find Out More about Beauty, Herbs and Tea
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This episode is all about finding Black Love through the eyes of actress, filmmaker, life coach and app contributor, Tryphena Wade. In her new film, Solomon’s Mood, written by her, Tryphena explores what finding a healthy love in our community could look like.
Tryphena’s explanation of the film really resonated with us and this idea carried the discussion. She said, “Imagine a Black love story where the characters actually choose one another! They’re not bound by shared trauma or because they’re desperate and lonely. They’re not blindly falling into love. Rather they are maturely choosing to wait for the right love. They’re protecting their emotional space and honoring what they desire; what they know is meant for them. Solomon’s Mood is the Black love story that your soul needs.”
Key Takeaways
No more ride-or-die chicks. We shouldn’t have to suffer first to prove our love. Love can be based on passion, connecting with and learning each other and working to bring two worlds into alignment with each other.
Dating in today’s world is hard. Unlike the movie where the characters are intentional and actually take time to get to know each other, swiping right on apps and connecting out of desperation has become the norm.
Happiness is an inside job. You must live a full complete life before even seeking someone to fill your space instead of expecting someone to come along and make you happy.
About Solomon’s Mood
Written by Tryphena Wade and directed by Nicole Moore-Joseph, Solomon’s Mood is the story of two lovers... who are also strangers. Using the ancient, Biblical text of Song of Solomon, these two pen love letters to one another, knowing that the love they want exists, but not knowing when or where they will encounter it. Will their chance encounters be the continuation of their individual love stories?
Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/solomons-mood to support Solomon’s Mood.
Download the MoodWellth App
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Find us on:
Website: moodwellth.com
Instagram @moodwellth
Facebook @moodwellnesswealth
YouTube @moodwellth
LinkedIn @moodwellth
In this episode, we had an insightful discussion with licensed social worker, Cynthia Ageyman-Anane about how suicide and suicidal ideation could potentially be one of the hidden costs of Black Excellence. We discussed why people, especially those in the public eye, typically push themselves to or past their breaking point just to fit society's definition of success.
Cynthia provided us with some key takeaways such as leaning into self-compassion for yourself and your loved one who may have attempted or died by suicide, validating any anger you feel towards your loved one who passed, and staying off social media to avoid unsolicited comments and advice to those who feel they are entitled to access to you because you and/or your loved one was in the public eye.
Additionally, she provided us with some proactive steps we can take, individually and collectively, in order to prevent suicide. For example, increasing emotional awareness, knowing who you can be vulnerable with and developing expectations for yourself so that you don’t succumb to societal, work or expectations placed on you by others.
Lastly, we discussed normalizing the discussion around suicide and responding to those in distress with a calm, non-judgmental ear, creating non-reactive spaces for people to be able to say, “I’m not okay. I felt like killing myself today.” Responding with a level of calm and validation enables people to feel emotionally safe enough to say exactly what they feel instead of suffering in silence and pretending like everything's okay.
If you or someone know is in crisis and needs help, please dial 988 for the suicide prevention and crisis hotline. Trained professionals are available 24/7 to assist you. You are not alone!
Please note, Wellthy Mind contains mature themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.
You can find Cynthia Ageyman-Anane on Instagram @talk_allaboutit or @conversationsccllc or at conversationscreatechange.com.
Download the MoodWellth App
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Find us on:
Website: moodwellth.com
Instagram @moodwellth
Facebook @moodwellnesswealth
YouTube @moodwellth
LinkedIn @moodwellth
In this episode, we talk candidly with licensed social worker, Kandace Kyere about the hidden costs of Black Excellence, why we work so hard to prove ourselves, who we’re trying to prove it to and more importantly, what we can do about it. The most important takeaway of this episode is that Black excellence is not all about degrees, job titles, awards and other external validation. It’s more about healthy relationships, breaking generational curses, taking care of your mental health and healing.
Key Takeaways:
- Why Black Excellence? There is no other racialized group that has to make sure they are telling the world that they are excellent. For example, you never hear Asian Excellence, Indian Excellence, or Hispanic Excellence. The term Black Excellence needed to exist at a point in history because we weren’t even seen as human, let alone average or excellent. So, we needed to prove our worth by doing more and being better at everything. Additionally, Black people are always trying to catch up whether that’s socially, economically, etc. and often feel like we don’t have time to waste..
- We often continue to work to overachieve to prove we’re enough and that we belong. Black women have grown up in a society where we are constantly told we aren’t valuable unless we look a certain way, talk a certain way, achieve certain goals, etc. So, subconsciously, we work really hard to prove ourselves and our worth. We hide our unworthiness by overachieving and ironically end up dehumanizing ourselves.
- Perfectionism is a survival trait. For so long Black people have had to be/act “perfect” to survive because our consequences are far greater when we make mistakes.
- Take the armor off. Black women need safe spaces to take the armor and masks off, to be vulnerable, and to feel enough just as we are. Those spaces are most helpful when they are with other like minded Black women.
- It’s Time to Redefine Success. Be intentional about rest, reconnect to yourself, your emotions and your body, and continue to lean into your own healing journey. Success is wholeness, not perfectionism. Ask yourself how can I do less instead of more?
Kandace KyereShe’s a licensed social worker passionate about supporting high achieving Black women, including teens and young adults. She loves helping high achievers discover creative ways to slow down and reduce the stress, anxiety and pressure associated with being perfect. She’s a high sensitive person (HSP), recovering perfectionist and cares deeply about the healing and well-being of Black folx. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and approaches mental health from an anti-oppressive and liberation focused lens. You can find more nuggets of wisdom from Kandace on our app and you can also reach her at hellokandace.com.
Download the MoodWellth App
Apple Store
Google Play Store
Find us on:
Website: moodwellth.com
Instagram @moodwellth
Facebook @moodwellnesswealth
YouTube @moodwellth
LinkedIn @moodwellth
Food and family during the holiday season can be both a blessing and a curse. While it is customary for many families to gather around food during the holidays, it’s also customary for many families to bring their food shaming, unsolicited opinions with them and this can make holiday gatherings less enjoyable. Food is the way we nourish our bodies and can look differently for many different people. It can also be tied to how we feel about ourselves, especially when loved ones shame our choices. For this reason discussions about food can be very personal.
In this episode, we talk with integrative nutrition coach, Trilanda Colbert about how to navigate those tough conversations about food and family during the holiday season, how to set boundaries so you can enjoy the holidays, some healthier alternatives to our holiday favorites and so much more.
Key Takeaways:
- Plan ahead. When it comes to preparing for people’s unsolicited opinions/comments or preparing to set healthy boundaries for yourself around food, plan ahead. Get mentally prepared to hear what you don’t want to hear and think about what you’re going to say to set that boundary ahead of time. Or, if you’d like to avoid overindulging, eat before you go, take your own smaller plate and/or drink a full glass of water before eating.
- No is a complete sentence. No, I don’t have to explain myself. No, I don’t want any of that. No, I don’t even have to go if it’s causing me too much stress.
- Get creative. If you’re dealing with loss this time of year or you’ve moved away from family, now is the time to get creative. Perhaps you can take baby steps to create new memories and traditions so that this time isn’t completely muddied by sadness and loneliness. Find small ways to incorporate joy and stay connected.
- Cook together. When encouraging family members to both try something new and be more considerate of others’ choices, try picking something completely different than you normally would to cook together.
- Sub out healthier alternatives when you can like organic cane sugar in your sweet potatoes instead of white refined sugar. Use chicken broth instead of bacon or ham hocks in greens and reduce your intake of processed foods.
Find recipes and suggestions mentioned in the podcast here.
Triland Colbert
As a Certified Integrative Nutrition Coach, Trilanda practices a holistic approach to health and wellness. Looking at how all areas of your life are connected, she helps you understand how the Primary Foods of your life are connected to the Secondary Foods. Trilanda received her certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and has been practicing natural healing and prevention for 20 years.
Download the MoodWellth App
Apple Store
Google Play Store
Find us on:
Website: moodwellth.com
Instagram @moodwellth
Facebook @moodwellnesswealth
YouTube @moodwellth
LinkedIn @moodwellth
Food and family during the holiday season can be both a blessing and a curse. While it is customary for many families to gather around food during the holidays, it’s also customary for many families to bring their food shaming, unsolicited opinions with them and this can make holiday gatherings less enjoyable. Food is the way we nourish our bodies and can look differently for many different people. It can also be tied to how we feel about ourselves, especially when loved ones shame our choices. For this reason discussions about food can be very personal.
In this episode, we talk with integrative nutrition coach, Trilanda Colbert about how to navigate those tough conversations about food and family during the holiday season, how to set boundaries so you can enjoy the holidays, some healthier alternatives to our holiday favorites and so much more.
Key Takeaways:
- Plan ahead. When it comes to preparing for people’s unsolicited opinions/comments or preparing to set healthy boundaries for yourself around food, plan ahead. Get mentally prepared to hear what you don’t want to hear and think about what you’re going to say to set that boundary ahead of time. Or, if you’d like to avoid overindulging, eat before you go, take your own smaller plate and/or drink a full glass of water before eating.
- No is a complete sentence. No, I don’t have to explain myself. No, I don’t want any of that. No, I don’t even have to go if it’s causing me too much stress.
- Get creative. If you’re dealing with loss this time of year or you’ve moved away from family, now is the time to get creative. Perhaps you can take baby steps to create new memories and traditions so that this time isn’t completely muddied by sadness and loneliness. Find small ways to incorporate joy and stay connected.
- Cook together. When encouraging family members to both try something new and be more considerate of others’ choices, try picking something completely different than you normally would to cook together.
- Sub out healthier alternatives when you can like organic cane sugar in your sweet potatoes instead of white refined sugar. Use chicken broth instead of bacon or ham hocks in greens and reduce your intake of processed foods.
Find recipes and suggestions mentioned in the podcast here.
Triland Colbert
As a Certified Integrative Nutrition Coach, Trilanda practices a holistic approach to health and wellness. Looking at how all areas of your life are connected, she helps you understand how the Primary Foods of your life are connected to the Secondary Foods. Trilanda received her certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and has been practicing natural healing and prevention for 20 years.
Download the MoodWellth App
Apple Store
Google Play Store
Find us on:
Website: moodwellth.com
Instagram @moodwellth
Facebook @moodwellnesswealth
YouTube @moodwellth
LinkedIn @moodwellth
In this episode, you'll get an opportunity to meet the two women who founded MoodWellth as they talk about why they started, how well they work together and who they serve.
Lynnette is a Certified Hypnotherapist and Health Coach with a Master's in Psychology, who saw a need for more representation, accessibility and affordability in mental health care for Black women. She's also a wife to her husband of 18 years and two sons, which heightened her desire to start MoodWellth during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Renee is a divorced mom of two adult daughters who have had to navigate their own challenges with seeking culturally responsive mental health care and she's also passionate about uplifting women. Her desire for both made MoodWellth a likely partnership with Lynnette. She is the creative and tech person behind MoodWellth with a Bachelor's in Business Information Systems and a Master's in Media Design.
Black women have a harder time than most, but still an even greater expectation to be the "strong black woman." Because of this, the need for more representation for Black women in mental health has skyrocketed and so MoodWellth was born.
Download the MoodWellth App
Apple Store
Google Play Store
Find us on:
Website: moodwellth.com
Instagram @moodwellth
Facebook @moodwellnesswealth
YouTube @moodwellth
LinkedIn @moodwellth