How to Cope with Loneliness During the Holiday Season: Strategies for Self-Care

How to Cope with Loneliness During the Holiday Season: Strategies for Self-Care

Maybe you don’t want to admit to other people the reason why you are not feeling the holiday spirit. Maybe you are one of the many who are grieving this season. Even though this time of year is promoted as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration, this is not the reality for everyone.

Election Results and Emotional Impact: Coping with Disappointment and Finding Resilience

Election Results and Emotional Impact: Coping with Disappointment and Finding Resilience

The recent election results have left many grappling with a range of difficult emotions. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, more than 75% of adults reported that the future of the country is a major stressor for them. I certainly witnessed the evidence of increased stress this week after the recent election results. Many who sought our services at Ibisanmi expressed a range of emotions–from numbness, anxiety, and fear to outrage.

Embracing Mental Health Day: A Culturally Affirming Perspective

Embracing Mental Health Day: A Culturally Affirming Perspective

Thursday, Oct. 10th was World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme is “Mental Health at Work.” If you live and work in cities like New York or New Jersey, you understand how commuting alone, can be a daily source of stress.

The Importance of Collective and Communal Care for LGBTQIA Community

The Importance of Collective and Communal Care for LGBTQIA Community

In today's society, it’s crucial to recognize the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA individuals and the importance of providing them with collective and communal care. They often face feelings of isolation and are at a greater risk of violence and suicide, especially among youth.

Why Couples Need a Create a Marriage Plan Before the Wedding

Why Couples Need a Create a Marriage Plan Before the Wedding

Couples often save for years for their ideal wedding. For some people it’s the day they have dreamed about since childhood so they want to make it one of the best days of their lives. Not only do couples spend on average 6-18 months planning their “big day,” but they also spend a lot of money. In 2023 the average wedding in the US cost about $35,000.

Overcoming Pessimism and Anxiety: Healing from PTSD in Black and Brown Communities

Overcoming Pessimism and Anxiety: Healing from PTSD in Black and Brown Communities

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a public health issue that can have a profound impact on individuals, especially in Black and Brown communities where the prevalence of trauma is often higher. This can lead to feelings of pessimism, anxiety about the future, and a deep-rooted fear that things will never improve. However, it is essential to understand that healing is possible, and seeking a culturally affirming therapist can be a crucial step in the recovery process.

Trauma Impact: What You Can Do Today to Heal Your Relationships

Trauma Impact: What You Can Do Today to Heal Your Relationships

Relationships are an essential part of our lives. but they are not always easy. Conflict, tension, and even trauma can cause our relationships to suffer, leaving us feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from our partners, which affects our mental health. Fortunately, harnessing the power of your relationships will not only improve your outlook on life but your overall sense of wellbeing.

How Black Men Can Stress Less and Live Longer

How Black Men Can Stress Less and Live Longer

Black maleness in the US is often connected to stereotypes and assumptions, and cultural norms can compound why some men may avoid addressing the stressors that impact their mental, emotional and relational health.

Why the Black Community Still Needs Mother Nature

Why the Black Community Still Needs Mother Nature

Black people have a history working in harmony with the natural world for not only food but also for medicine. Ceremonies were built around the harvest seasons, food was eaten in season, and religious rites were performed to honor the land, rivers, and oceans.

Black Teens are Dying by Suicide: Learn to Identify The Warning Signs and Support The Mental Health of Teens in Your Family and Community

Black Teens are Dying by Suicide: Learn to Identify The Warning Signs and Support The Mental Health of Teens in Your Family and Community

Besides cultural factors, Black teens face unique social pressure due to racial trauma, witnessing racial violence and contending with structural and systemic racism. According to a report on youth mental health by the US Surgeon General, economic inequalities, discrimination and racism contribute to what shapes mental health.

Time to Talk: How the Black Community Can Embrace Mental Health Conversations

Time to Talk: How the Black Community Can Embrace Mental Health Conversations

Based on the dangers and circumstances Black people faced, it’s understandable why acknowledging and validating feelings, seemed like a luxury we couldn’t afford. Fortunately, much of that is changing as many throughout the diaspora are looking for ways to heal generational trauma and are finding ways to create safe spaces to heal themselves and their relationships.

Making Reclamation Our Proclamation: How Communities of Color Can Reclaim Calm and Wellness in 2024

Making Reclamation Our Proclamation: How Communities of Color Can Reclaim Calm and Wellness in 2024

Communities of color face unique challenges and systemic barriers that affect our overall sense of calm and wellness. Witnessing countless examples of racism and violence against people of color with an unclear path on the best way to advocate for equality and justice for all can be exhausting.

The Benefits of Choosing Reflection Over Resolutions

The Benefits of Choosing Reflection Over Resolutions

As the end of 2023 approaches, many of us have our sights on our goals for 2024. For some, creating vision maps, setting goals and making resolutions has become a tradition for the start of a new year. However, the traditional approach of setting resolutions often falls short, leading to frustration and feelings of failure.

Keeping It All Together: Tips for Balancing Life, Work, and Relationships During the Holiday Season

Keeping It All Together: Tips for Balancing Life, Work, and Relationships During the Holiday Season

What happens when the holiday season that often comes with anticipation and excitement, also drags a bag of stress behind it? What do you do to manage stress and keep your balance at a time when so much is happening in your life and the world around you? This year make the goal to not only “get through the holidays” but also find ways to experience some of the joy the season promises.