Hey babe! Grief can be described as, "the cost of love." In this episode of Divine Timing, I delve into the complexities of grief, emphasizing its multifaceted nature from types to stages to implications. I use applicable and personal experiences and insights along the way to drive the point home because Mental Health Awareness isn't just about what we learn, but about how we can actualize and apply what we've become aware of to our lives. The hope is that this conversation encourages listeners to sit with their feelings, process their emotions, and seek effective support. Grief and healing aren't linear concepts. There aren't any rules or bounds -- it's personal to each of us. It also isn't just about loss due to death, but encompasses many forms. Whether you've lost a loved one, passion, job, or are experiencing a break-up or separation -- this one is for you. Turn the lights low, grab your blanket (and maybe a few tissues), and nestle in.

Takeaways

• It's okay to take time off for mental health.
• Grief is not just about losing someone physically.
• Grief can disrupt our sense of normalcy and identity.
• There are multiple types of grief beyond death.
• Stages of grief include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
• Healing is a non-linear process that requires awareness.
• Community support is crucial in the grieving process.
• Grief can manifest in physical and emotional symptoms.
• It's important to attend to your feelings and not repress them.
• Grief is the cost of love, and processing it is essential for healing.

Hey babe! In this episode, I continue the discussion of mental health and breaking the stigma. I introduce the concept of emerging adulthood and explore its five features. Emerging adulthood is centered around becoming and is characterized as the age of identity exploration, the age of instability, the most self-focused age, the age of feeling in-between, and the age of possibilities. The hope through this episode is that you'll embrace your unique journey, make choices that are sound and your own, and recognize the possibilities that come with this stage of life. I hope you're able to recognize the significance of self-discovery and the importance of not being confined by societal expectations or titles. Lastly, I hope that you're able to give yourself grace and feel empowered learning that this stage of life is necessary, and is meant to be a little chaotic, different, new, scattered, and unstable. You, dear listener, are becoming. Take your time, invest in yourself, have fun, and enjoy the journey.

Takeaways

• Mental health awareness is crucial for personal growth.
• Self-validation is a powerful tool for empowerment.
• Emerging adulthood is a distinct stage of development.
• Identity exploration is essential during emerging adulthood.
• Instability is a common experience in this life stage.
• This period is characterized by self-focus and personal choices.
• There are many possibilities available during emerging adulthood.
• It's important to embrace new experiences and opportunities.
• Your identity is multifaceted and should be explored.
• You are not defined by your titles or societal expectations.

Hey babe! In this episode of Divine Timing, I introduce a new series: "Breaking the Stigma." The goal of the series is to shine a light on mental health and the stigmas, stereotypes, misconceptions, and myths that surround it. The first part of this series comes on the heels of a conversation I had with a male associate of mine, A conversation that still lingers, without context and depth, due to the limited and inherited belief that men can't share their feelings or expound on their emotions without feeling like less of a man. I preface tonight's episode by rendering my background in mental health and my personal intersectionality that qualifies me to have this discussion, while also making it clear that there are obviously some things that I may not fully understand due to not being a man. My goal isn't to discount men and their experiences, but rather to reveal the first layer of stigma: people keeping their mouths closed about what they're dealing with because they think the next person may not understand. This kind of maladptive, narrow-minded thinking is what keeps a lot of us tethered to trauma, triggers, isolation, and stagnation. It's time for more open conversations about mental health. Tonight, we start with men. Dear listeners, I encourage you all to tune in, be receptive, embrace your feelings, and seek help if needed. This is a safe space. Stay a while.

Takeaways

• Mental health awareness is crucial, especially in May.
• Advocacy means being a voice for those without one.
• Everyone has their own struggles that may not be visible.
• Stigma in the Black community often prevents seeking help.
• Agency is about taking control of your mental health.
• Effective coping skills are essential for mental well-being.
• Education in mental health is important but personal experience matters too.
• Conversations about mental health should include men.
• It's okay for men to express their feelings and seek help.
• Life is worth living, and support is available.