May 15, 2019 – Olivia B. Shepherd

Mental Illness in Black Families

You know that scene in My Cousin Vinny where Vinny’s girlfriend, Mona Lisa Vito, played by Marissa Tomei, testifies in court as an “expert witness” on cars? When opposing counsel condescendingly asks how a sweet little lady like herself—a hairdresser, even—could be an authority on automobiles, she replies, “My father was a mechanic. His fatherContinue reading “Mental Illness in Black Families”

Wellness Wednesday…practicing Self-Care 💓

#wellnesswednesday PHYSICAL:👟 Sleep Stretching Walking Physical Release Healthy Foods Rest EMOTIONAL:😭 Stress Management Forgiveness Compassion Emotional Maturity Kindness SOCIAL: 💬 Boundaries Positive Social Media Support Systems Communication Ask For Help Spend Time Together SPIRITUAL: 🌈 Time Alone Meditation 🧘🏾‍♀️ Yoga Journaling Connections Sacred Space PERSONAL: ☕️ Hobbies Knowing Yourself Personal Identity Honoring Your True SelfContinue reading “Wellness Wednesday…practicing Self-Care 💓”

Wellness Wednesday….addictive foods! 🍴

Most of us are fond of at least one product that has the effect of a stimulant and that eventually becomes an addiction. These products include exercise stimulant drinks (they come in cans and look like cola), fizzy aerated drinks, tobacco, betel nut, betel leaf, strong coffee, strong tea, mahuang (an ephedrine-like compound consumed inContinue reading “Wellness Wednesday….addictive foods! 🍴”

Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

#mentalhealthawarenessmonth💚 It’s weird because I feel mental illness made me weak and strong at the same time. I’m glad that I was finally diagnosed because I was able to control of what was happening to my brain. I no longer feel like the weak person I once was. I’m stronger enough to speak my truthContinue reading “Mental Health Awareness Month 💚”