BlackGirlPodcast Speaks on Mental Health AND Personality Disorders! Must Listen!

While waiting for the next post and video I felt it crucial to post this. Mental health is stigmatized enough, but personality disorders in particular are something that most people -regardless of what ‘color’ they are or where they come from- tend to want to ignore, sadly.

WHAT ARE PERSONALITY DISORDERS?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) American Psychiatric Association (2013), personality disorders can be explained as follows:

” Personality is the way of thinking, feeling and behaving that makes a person different from other people. An individual’s personality is influenced by experiences, environment (surroundings, life situations) and inherited characteristics. A person’s personality typically stays the same over time. A personality disorder is a way of thinking, feeling and behaving that deviates from the expectations of the culture, causes distress or problems functioning, and lasts over time. “

Read more about personality disorders here.

As someone who suffers from trauma related mental health issues, I know how shaming it may feel to admit, let alone have. It is hard enough sharing myself! And the stigma against personality disorders as a whole is not helped by the misunderstanding and stereotyping especially. In particular, borderline personality disorder is widely misrepresented as an abusive, controlling group of people who are all about themselves but in reality that is a rarity and the exact opposite is true.

Hollywood has taken disorders, such as Borderline PD, and misrepresented what they actually are. The majority of professionals in the medical field agree, mental illnesses and suffering should not be thrown about so carelessly, nor used for entertainment. I have to agree.

Back to the point.

I was excited to see a podcast by the name of BlackGirlPodcast not only speaking out on mental health; but on personality disorders as well! This is the sort of advancement the mental health community, especially within the Black community, need. I highly suggest educating oneself on personality disorders, and remembering there is no shame in having any mental illness. Reaching out for help is not weak, though it is understandable why so many don’t or rather, can’t. But that’s for another post.

In the episode spoken of, BlackGirlPodcast speaks with New York City based psychiatrist, Dr. Jessica Clemons, not only on mental health care, but even more impressive is their inclusion of about personality disorders and Black Mental Health Awareness.

Listen to Podcast

 

 

!Black Suicide-Book Review!

This book is full of information and stories from the suicides survivors; families, friends, etc. It is FREE TO READ on Amazon Unlimited, but this is one I had to go ahead and buy. Too much knowledge packed in.
Highly Suggested!
Black Suicide: The Tragic Reality of America’s Deadliest Secret by Alton R. Kirk

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are a few books that I believe need to be mandatory reading for anyone who is simply concerned for humanity, for the children, for mental health awareness. This book also will benefit anyone who is engaged in helping bring awareness to mental illness, for those who want and actively work to end the stigma towards mental illness and breaking the stigma there is towards it; especially within the Black community.

One thing Mr. Kirk speaks on is the different needs between the Black and white communities. This is no empty statement; he goes on to explain why this indication is true and afterwards, as sad as it is to me, he is right. I wish we lived in a world where color doesn’t matter in any community, but of course white people can’t understand the struggles, fears and worries Black people go through on a day to day basis; how, then, could the majority of white psychologists help other than show compassion and sorrow?

He goes out of his way to make a point that this is no mere book; and he proves that point with a break from the facts and information on what’s going on, and gives the floor to survivors of those who have taken their own lives. These people are brave, some of their family still so stuck in the stigmatism associated with mental health they don’t want others to know. Still, these people spoke out and it is there stories that turn this already tragic book into a reality; a reality that makes you want to take action, expose lies and help everyone realize there is nothing shaming, demeaning or anything else that would make a person less than a man due to struggling with mental health problems. It has nothing to do with manhood, strength or anything like that.

I also must add really quickly… I am so grateful he mentions that there is more than one type of suicide, and that is so very important to me for personal reasons. The different types of suicide he speaks out on include more than just the “conventional” (for lack of better phrasing) but also recklessness, dangerous behavior some people develop knowing they want to die. Putting oneself on the front line, so to speak, waiting for someone else to take their life. Instead of this we should be reaching out for one another, not taking another life.

It has to do with saving lives; and I hope if you are reading this review, no matter who you are, you will read this book and feel the same fire to help in any way possible to expose, remind and help make changes so the suicide rates will drop.

This is a necessary read for anyone concerned with the betterment and empowerment of humanity.

View all my reviews

This Can Save Lives And It’s One Simple Thing ALL Of Us CAN Do…

As I worked today one of the most heartbreaking pieces I’ve done in awhile, which says something given the type of sick, hate filled work I work to end. But children are innocent and helpless… Furthermore, I am not stupid; I, as do you, know why this isn’t state, national or international news.
(This first part of the series will be discussing in depth Black children & suicide, and looking into possible solutions. It is one of many in a series of videos and essays to come- this shall be posted on this page in approximately 24-48 hours)

So as I was looking around her video popped up. It is short, and it could save a loved ones life- I beg you to watch it; I understand now that therapy needs to be more Black orientated…but this is a simple, basic technique to use on a loved person, and being human, having a soul and wanting to reach out are all natural, knowing no limitations.

Let me repeat that; this extremely easy approach is important for your loved one to have; again, it crosses all lines society has created; from gender, political, sexuality, nationality, financial, skin color or tone, age, disabilities.

Why does it cross this line? Because we are all of the same… I struggle with a severe mental illness(es) due to childhood traumas. Had I had someone when I was younger to listen to me and not judge, I may would have healed. I don’t know, and I am thankful for all I’ve been through.

Why? Without my battles, scars, hospital visits and such, what right would I have to speak out?

I know we all need different things, but one thing I believe most would agree which is so comforting to haven life is a non-judgmental person who does not interject with their personal feelings, opinions, views or something randomly off topic to make the person feel unheard. Mental health can get to a point of it being absolutely, utterly debilitating. 

And as I read more on the project I have in works, at all the suicides… it is so clear to me, more than ever, we have to find a way to not only educate children on how to react if you feel said way but we also need parenting classes for children who struggle. There are many other solutions, I believe and I am hopeful. 

Having someone to listen, without bias, without judgment and not only listen but empathize with the person; that may seem so basic and normal but it isn’t. And it is scary, but it also is life saving…

With the number of suicides all across America high, and those in the Black community as well, most worryingly amongst the ages 5-12… we need to take action fast, create community centers and other means of support… More on that soon, please do watch the following short video though, and if you don’t cry I am surprised 🙂 It’s short, and she discusses why it is important to just have someone there to …simply listen, nothing more nothing less.

Procrastination & the Guilty Mindset

This may be a bit personal but I feel it is a tiny piece much needed by more of us than we may think. I struggle with feeling great guilt over not spending time on the remaining projects I am working on anytime I sit down to focus on just the one.

I feel guilt because from every angle I am supposed to be there for someone or please them in some way; and I am realizing I can’t do it all. But I feel I should be able to…

That and a lot more guilt, and fear, even more so, has caused great delay on projects, books and other… But I try to remember that people who truly love me will support me & understand; the same is true for all of us seeking our dreams.

Let us not forget the most vital guilt problem for many, myself included…the guilt of having procrastinated already…

I post this as hope that not only myself but anyone else struggling with guilt procrastination will find the self love and dedication needed to go after their purpose in life…and not feel guilty about it.

Let this apply not only to students but all of us who are artists and creatives of all sort, as well anyone else who struggles with this…

Regarding the study:

The key finding was that students who’d forgiven themselves for their initial bout of procrastination subsequently showed less negative affect in the intermediate period between exams and were less likely to procrastinate before the second round of exams. Crucially, self-forgiveness wasn’t related to performance in the first set of exams but it did predict better performance in the second set.

‘Forgiveness allows the individual to move past maladaptive behaviour and focus on the upcoming examination without the burden of past acts to hinder studying,’ the researchers said. ‘By realising that procrastination was a transgression against the self and letting go of negative affect associated with the transgression via self-forgiveness, the student is able to constructively approach studying for the next exam.’

You can find the study in completion by clicking here.