Mental Health and Taboo topics in OUR community

[AKA_Monet]

Gentle GCers--

Don't forget that depression is also anger turned inward, toward yourself...

So, anger has WAAAYS to be dealt with. Often in our interactions, we are told not to get angry, especially women, hold in your anger because it is unladylike... What that does is send the anger stressor into various parts of your body that just take the abuse as buffer, but as you get older, it because diseased and pathological that the organ cannot handle it anymore... Or worse, causes growths like cancer...

One way to deal with anger is seek resolution to disappate it. Anger, in and of itself is a "flight or fight" response... Strong-willed people fight... That's not always a good thing... It is viewed as weak if one takes flight... But, as humans, we can disarm our opponents... What that does is calm angry people down, it adds paradox, a defray... And guess what, we have to practice it like an physical exercise. Now, hindsight is always 20/20, but start with those is you do anger suppression. Then eventually, bring clarity to your feelings: i.e. "I am angry because __________________"

Like today, I am angry because a deadline is coming up and I feel it is unfulfilled. I am angry about it because I feel alienated by people I trust...

Follow that format. Avoid "You" statements. And the onus is on your feelings and your anger...

[AKA_Monet]

Mint teas... Eases stress fast!!! Safe... Anything mint, except candy...

Yoga, kundalini and hatha breaths... Deep meditative breathing...

Drink water. Only 8 oz. per day with exercise.

These practices are to be used inconjuction with your healthcare providers directions.

[darling1]

when i discovered the anger piece, it was a lightbulb moment. im going to read this again because its a constant struggle.

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

Gentle GCers--

Don't forget that depression is also anger turned inward, toward yourself...

So, anger has WAAAYS to be dealt with. Often in our interactions, we are told not to get angry, especially women, hold in your anger because it is unladylike... What that does is send the anger stressor into various parts of your body that just take the abuse as buffer, but as you get older, it because diseased and pathological that the organ cannot handle it anymore... Or worse, causes growths like cancer...

One way to deal with anger is seek resolution to disappate it. Anger, in and of itself is a "flight or fight" response... Strong-willed people fight... That's not always a good thing... It is viewed as weak if one takes flight... But, as humans, we can disarm our opponents... What that does is calm angry people down, it adds paradox, a defray... And guess what, we have to practice it like an physical exercise. Now, hindsight is always 20/20, but start with those is you do anger suppression. Then eventually, bring clarity to your feelings: i.e. "I am angry because __________________"

Like today, I am angry because a deadline is coming up and I feel it is unfulfilled. I am angry about it because I feel alienated by people I trust...

Follow that format. Avoid "You" statements. And the onus is on your feelings and your anger...

[pinkies up]

OMG, this thread is better than Oprah. ((((hugs to all of my sisters)))) I have seen bits and pieces of myself all up and through this thread. It helps to know I'm not alone.

[mulattogyrl]

Originally Posted by pinkies up

I have seen bits and pieces of myself all up and through this thread.

So do I. I can relate to most of the stuff in this thread.

It's surprising to me how many of us suffer like this, yet never know how many more of us are going through the same thing. I have a question - do any of you know any internet resources specifically for Af-Am women dealing with mental health issues? Like a message board or chatroom? I don't know of any but if it's not already out there, it may be something good to start, even with us.

If any of you want to talk you can PM me and I would be more than glad to give you my e-mail or phone number. I have been through much of what you all have been through and I'm also a licensed social worker and about to be a licensed clinical social worker, so I can talk to you not only as a friend but at least give some advice as a professional as well.

[darling1]

years ago, i had one on yahoo, but i closed it down.

i would be interested in finding out if there is one. or if anyone is interested in starting one.

Originally Posted by mulattogyrl

So do I. I can relate to most of the stuff in this thread.

It's surprising to me how many of us suffer like this, yet never know how many more of us are going through the same thing. I have a question - do any of you know any internet resources specifically for Af-Am women dealing with mental health issues? Like a message board or chatroom? I don't know of any but if it's not already out there, it may be something good to start, even with us.

If any of you want to talk you can PM me and I would be more than glad to give you my e-mail or phone number. I have been through much of what you all have been through and I'm also a licensed social worker and about to be a licensed clinical social worker, so I can talk to you not only as a friend but at least give some advice as a professional as well.

[OOhsoflyDELTA#9]

Originally Posted by mulattogyrl

So do I. I can relate to most of the stuff in this thread.

It's surprising to me how many of us suffer like this, yet never know how many more of us are going through the same thing. I have a question - do any of you know any internet resources specifically for Af-Am women dealing with mental health issues? Like a message board or chatroom? I don't know of any but if it's not already out there, it may be something good to start, even with us.

If any of you want to talk you can PM me and I would be more than glad to give you my e-mail or phone number. I have been through much of what you all have been through and I'm also a licensed social worker and about to be a licensed clinical social worker, so I can talk to you not only as a friend but at least give some advice as a professional as well.

hey Soror....this is one of the goals I have planned for my own practice, I want to raise awareness about mental health in our community...just seeing the need here on GC makes me continue to press on when my classes are KICKING me in the A$$...for the most part we are educated AA women who have enough information and know how to seek help, but think about the multitude of AA women who don't have the resources to get help...

this is one of the best threads in my time on GC.....

[teena]

Originally Posted by OOhsoflyDELTA#9

hey Soror....this is one of the goals I have planned for my own practice, I want to raise awareness about mental health in our community...just seeing the need here on GC makes me continue to press on when my classes are KICKING me in the A$$...for the most part we are educated AA women who have enough information and know how to seek help, but think about the multitude of AA women who don't have the resources to get help...

this is one of the best threads in my time on GC.....

YES

[AKA_Monet]

I have not seen an AfAm specific internet site for mental healthcare. I have seen a general website for mental healthcare at allexperts.com. They make you sign a waiver before you can ask a question to any expert you want to deal with and the expert chooses to answer your question or not. They will refuse to answer perverted questions or questions that have liabilities to it...

I would be VERY interested in being a part of place that serves that need being a consumer for nearly 15 years. I think if there is a staff with credentials of at least 3-5 people, I think both a group format and a 1-1 PM can work. I also would like to see a powerpoint or macromedia presentation of pertinent issues required at sign up so everyone on board comes in on the same page. Many of us don't know what "depression" is as defined by AMA, APA, DSM-VI guidelines state--for example... There are issues as to what it is not, too... Professionals know that, but the lay may not.

We could have religious circles or spiritual areas; and we can have pure by the book secular understandings, mindfulness. Whatever works.

Last, I would want to see whitepaper. What's the point in doing this if you all who need cannot get accolades and training that you need anyway? I would want to see this presented a major international meetings and know I was a part of something bigger than myself...

That's my take. I know I can probably get a few psychiatrists on board...