Black and Mental

Typically people who discount therapy have never been. For those who have been, did they really give it their all? Or, did they have a therapist they didn’t mesh with?

You may never know. But, don’t discount yourself based on another person’s experience.

What’s for you is for you!

People go to therapy for many reasons. No reason is ever too small. If a past or present issue is keeping you from meeting your goals or maintaining daily responsibilities, therapy may be an option for you.

For more info please visit:

https://coachpamcollins.lpages.co/

All you need is a safe place to open up and reach out!

Stop normalizing the abnormal.

If you have experienced a traumatic event you may think going to therapy is going to be like reliving it once a week. Well guess what? It doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to talk about all the gory details.

Your therapist will help you identify stressors and triggers that cause unwanted thoughts and feelings.

Then you’ll learn how to manage, cope, and decrease the negative effects that are showing up in your life today.

Easy right? Perhaps. You have to do the work to see results. But, no you don’t have to recount over and over. As your sessions progress you’ll share what you feel needs to be shared and your therapist will process that with you when they time comes.

Take the first step.

There is hope no matter how hopeless life may seem. Overcome.

1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness every year. However, only 25% of African Americans seek mental health care. This is a huge disparity in comparison to the 40% of Caucasian who seek mental health care each year.

We must end the stigma. We must end the tough act. African Americans may have endured more. But, that does not mean it’s easy.

Need help? Seek help. Period.

During Recovery Month we’ll be encouraging recovery stories and reflections. We’ll also share info about the value of substance abuse counseling and where you can find help in your area.

Stay tuned!!

September is and we are dedicating this month to supporting recovery for every person, family, and community. You got this, and we’re here to support you every step of the way! Learn more: samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery

Choosing a Therapist may seem daunting. But it doesn't have to be. You may look for several qualities before landing on the perfect Therapist for you. Does your Therapist need to be the same ethnicity as you? This is a personal preference. It may not matter to you at all. But, if it does, here are 7 little reasons why you may be able to vibe with a Black Therapist.

Why You Need a Black Therapist ~Being black is a whole situation. Your black therapist will understand what that feels like. There is no amount of cultural diversity training that can teach a non-black therapist what it's like to be black. 

It’s so important to take care of you. No one will care for you the way you will! Relax! It’s self-care Sunday!!

It’s little late but…

It’s Self- care Sunday!

Cannabis Use Disorder is real. Yes, it is addictive. In 2019, 27% of African Americans age 18-25 reported having used cannabis in the past month.

Maybe you want to cut back or stop using cannabis…

Here are a few symptoms you can expect due to withdrawal from cannabis use.

Of course duration, amount, and intensity varies from person to person and will have major influence on the withdrawal affects a person experiences.

Remember, withdrawal marks dependency.

😋 Loss of appetite

🙁 Mood changes

🥴 Irritability

🥱 Insomnia

🤯 Headaches

🤔 Loss of focus

😩 Cravings

🥵 Sweating

🥶 Chills

🥺 Depression

If you want to stop abusing cannabis, you can. Now, you know what you’ll be up against. With proper guidance and support, you can can face it, head on.

In Virginia, you can reach out to me, Pamela Collins, or countless others to assist your journey. 👇🏿

🤳🏿 757.699.5144

You had to go through that…. 👎🏿 Nope!

Trying to rationalize irrational events is a trauma response. Really think about telling a woman she had to be physically abused so she could or would…Or imagine telling a kid your mom was on drugs so…

Trauma Response! Somethings can’t be rationalized or explained away. It’s ok to be honest and say what happened to you was really messed up, it should not have happened, and it’s not ok.

The truth hurts and it heals.… no truth, no healing.

If you get it, comment “It shouldn’t have happened.”

988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline

Starting July 16th, 988 will be a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support.

In the meantime, please continue to share 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to be connected with a trained, caring counselor.

We're here for you.

Growing up black gives you wisdom in many things. You learn who not to trust, how to survive, how to mind your black owned business…you learn so many things.

But, you never learn how to process the events that taught you these things.

Now you have trust issues, can’t maintain relationships, you feel like you don’t know your self.

Some things that happen to you should not have happened. Those things were wrong. Those things were messed up. Unjustified.

But, guess what? You owe yourself to heal.

Your mind can be settled after violation.

Your heart can heal after loss.

Your issue is not too small.

Your mind can be clear.

Someone does understand.

Therapists are trained to help you.

Therapy is a safe place!

Nothing will be used against you.

We know how to protect our clients.

There’s no reason not to be free. 🕊

Switch the narrative on them! Plot twist! Don’t just go through it. Grow through it!

Question: How many innocent people have suffered because you’ve been hurt?

Don’t believe the lie they told you.

I recently read a review a young lady wrote about being comfortable enough in her therapy session to take her braids out. Who wouldn't want that level of comfort and freedom?

You need a Black Therapist!

https://coachpamcollins.lpages.co/why-you-need-a-black-therapist

Therapists don’t take sides, give advice, or turn clients against their love ones. Nope! We help people find their voice, establish boundaries, and get in touch with their authentic selves.

Somebody might not like the new you. 🤷🏿‍♀️

Are you or have you ever used a substance to numb pain or to forget bad memories for a quick minute? I sure have! Am I the only one?

Ok! Ok! Maybe it’s not you. 😉 You know somebody? Their name sounds like yours?? 😝

This group is for you and them!

Join me, Coach Pam Collins, Licensed Resident in Counseling, for 6 weeks of personal growth.

I’ll help you become the substance you seek!

🎓Learn why you choose substances

👀 Recognize your untold pain

📈 Identify your personal stage of change

🫳🏾 Let go of guilt & shame for good

🏡 Understand your unique family dynamic

😠 Effectively manage anger

😖 Detach from emotional pain

🤔😐😃 Accept, Cope, Adapt

Call or email to enroll or get more info!
All major insurance accepted. Self-pay available.

Everyone you lose is not a loss. ~ Dr. Phil

if you gained from your last loss.

Trauma.

Acute, Chronic, Complex.

…not having food, gun violence, poor parenting, or even being bullied can cause trauma.

…Some things we’ve been conditioned to think “just happens” or is just a part of life can actually be traumatic. Like death of a loved one.

…Many things we “charge to the game” are traumatic as well.

Think about it. Really think about it. Have you experienced a traumatic event?

DEPRESSION TIPS:
Shower. Not a bath, a shower. Use water as hot or cold as you like. You don’t even need to wash. Just get in under the water and let it run over you for a while. Sit on the floor if you gotta.

Moisturize everything. Use whatever lotion you like.

Put on clean, comfortable clothes.

Drink cold water. Use ice. If you want, add some mint or lemon for an extra boost.

Clean something. Doesn’t have to be anything big. Organize one drawer of a desk. Wash five dirty dishes. Do a load of laundry. Scrub the bathroom sink.

Blast music. Listen to something upbeat and dancy and loud, something that’s got lots of energy. Sing to it, dance to it, even if you suck at both.

Make food. Don’t just grab a granola bar to munch. Take the time and make food. Even if it’s ramen. Add something special to it, like a soft boiled egg or some veggies. Prepare food, it tastes way better, and you’ll feel like you accomplished something.

Make something. Write a short story or a poem, draw a picture, color a picture, fold origami, crochet or knit, sculpt something out of clay, anything artistic. Even if you don’t think you’re good at it. Create.

Go outside. Take a walk. Sit in the grass. Look at the clouds. Smell flowers. Put your hands in the dirt and feel the soil against your skin.

Call someone. Call a loved one, a friend, a family member, call a chat service if you have no one else to call. Talk to a stranger on the street. Have a conversation and listen to someone’s voice. If you can’t bring yourself to call, text or email or whatever, just have some social interaction with another person. Even if you don’t say much, listen to them. It helps. (You can always call/text/message me!)

May seem small or silly to some, but this list keeps people alive.

* At your absolute best you won’t be good enough for the wrong people. But at your worst, you’ll still be worth it to the right ones. Remember that. Keep holding on.

* In case nobody has told you today I Love you and you are worth your weight and then some in gold, so be kind to yourself and most of all keep pushing on!!!!

***People don’t fake depression.. they fake being ok.

Find something to be grateful for!

US National Su***de Prevention Lifeline
Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.
800-273-8255

**copied and pasted....feel free to do the same... 💙💜💙💜💙

Dear Mental Motivators!

All major insurances accepted!

Join me, Coach Pam Collins (Resident in Counseling) for a 6 Week Therapy Group exploring how to become the substance you seek!!

🚨 You are the substance!! 🚨

Call or email to enroll now! 757.483.2580

Private Pay available.

This month let’s normalize learning about what we don’t understand and loving people as we would want to be loved.

June is Pride Month all Month!

It may be too much today. Tomorrow brings new strength and new opportunities.

Master P cites mental illness and substance abuse as a much needed topic of conversation.

RIH Tytyana Millier.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeKiUt-rIET/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Our family is dealing with an overwhelming grief for the loss of my daughter Tytyana. We respectfully request some privacy so that our family can grieve. We appreciate all of the prayers love and support. Mental illness & substance abuse is a real issue that we can’t be afraid to talk about. With God, we will get through this. #MyAngel

Vulnerability should be displayed in a safe space and leave you feeling empowered.

If you feel guilty or shameful after being vulnerable Be mindful of who you show your vulnerability to.

✌🏿

Let’s normalize therapy not being the last resort.

💚 Mental Health Awareness 💚

This needs to be shared, needs to be read, and most importantly heard.

Sertraline- Zoloft
Venlafaxine- Effexor
Citalopram- Celexa
Mirtazapine-Remeron
Fluoxetine- Prozac
Duloxetine- Cymbalta
Seroquel- Quetiapine
Lamictal- Lamotrigine
Lexapro- Escitalopram
Wellbutrin- Bupropion
Lorazepam- Ativan
Klonopin- Clonazepam
Abilify - aripiprazole
Tegrotal - carabamezipine
Buspar - buspirone

You may know what these tablets are or know a loved one who takes them, but in case you don't, I will fill you in. That medication allows people to deal with a normal day to day life. Although most days it leaves them tired, spaced out, emotionless, or even super emotional.

Crazy right? Why would anyone want to feel like that?

Well this is why!!

You see, some people suffer from severe depression and anxiety.
In their brain it doesn't sit right, something seems different. They notice little differences that other people wouldn't. Most days they wake up sick and feel sleepless.

They consistently overthink every situation.
Was a comment about them; was it a joke?
Was that person supposed to laugh?
Or did they mean it?
Are they being nice?
Are they talking about them?
Do they talk about them?
They then think, I bet they don’t like me really.

They say sorry all the time. They feel like they annoy everyone.
And for all those questions they will spend hours trying to answer. Let it all build up in their mind, until it sends them to tears...... it's mental that they see things that way.

It's not only mental changes, but physical changes. They don't eat a lot or they eat way too much. Insomnia, up all night answering questions to situations that don't even exist, or sleep too much and waste half their day still feeling tired.

They still smile and they have every excuse for when you ask why.
But the tablets can help them. Because they know when they start to feel this way or think this way, they need help.

They know that when their behavior starts to change, They need guidance. And they understand that they don't need to be ashamed. They don't need to be understood. They just need to be accepted. Everyone is fighting a battle and sometimes you need to be kinder.

So I may just be another person who's talking about mental health....

Living with this illness is hard, but trying to understand it, is even harder. It’s also 100 times harder if they have another condition on top of this.

Don't suffer in silence.

Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Be part of the healing.
Be understanding.
Be kind.🖤💜🖤

Copied and pasted.

The stigma will die!

https://www.complex.com/music/rappers-music-therapy/

Your Favorite Artists Are Rapping About Therapy In the past month, Kendrick Lamar and Drake have both rapped about the benefits of therapy in their music, helping to break down stigmas about mental health.

Let folks take their trips!