“How does a group of people survive in this country for over 400 years and not have mental health issues?” Dr. Peter Hayden, Founder of Turning Point, a licensed integrated chemical dependency treatment organization.
“Recognize the signs”, says Angeli Williams. Angeli is the creator of Jani’s Gems. She makes bracelets made of natural stone and chakra healing stones. She tarted her business in loving memory of my daughter who was found dead in a fire at a homeless encampment on January 20th, 2021.
What are the signs?
Having low energy
Feeling helpless or hopeless
Increased drinking alcohol or drug use
Yelling, fighting
Hearing voices
Thinking of harming yourself or others
Do NOT Despair! You’ve got the power!
Speak UP! Advocate for your needs
“Think about your thinking” says Dr. Hayden.
Recognize when you need the tools and support to process what’s happening in and around you.
It’s important not to underestimate the impact the last 4 years may have had on you, your children, your co-workers, our community. Nothing in our lived experience could have prepared us for the multiple traumatic events we’ve all endured- from the murder of Philando Castile, to the murder of George Floyd, a global pandemic and the effects many are still enduring. It’s okay to feel out of sorts, or unsure of how to handle it all. There is nothing normal about any of it.
If we work together to eliminate the stigma and judgement associated with mental illness, we help ourselves and others lead healthy, balanced lives.
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