Blog
Navigating the Journey: Mental Health Parenting in Black Professional Families
When your son was diagnosed with anxiety and depression at age 14, you felt like you had stepped into uncharted territory. Suddenly you are balancing board meetings with psychiatrist appointments. This was not in your career plan. As Black professionals, we often navigate multiple worlds simultaneously, and adding a child's mental health journey creates yet another complex space to master. If you're feeling overwhelmed right now, know this: you're not alone, and your strength is already carrying you through.
Managing Toxic Political Stress: A Mental Health Guide for Post-Election Recovery
In the aftermath of this major election, many of us find ourselves grappling with intense emotions and heightened stress levels. As we manage our daily lives, we may experience more of a struggle as a result of the toxic stress generated by this election. This article outlines signs to look out for and some strategies for coping.
Understanding Election-Related Stress
Political stress often manifests as:
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Increased anxiety and worry
- Physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tension
- Strained relationships with family or friends
How Psychological Stress Affects the Gut Through the Brain-Gut Axis
How the Brain-Gut Axis Works
The brain and gut communicate through the vagus nerve, neurotransmitters, and hormones. When you're stressed, the brain sends distress signals to the gut, leading to physical changes such as increased stomach acid production, slowed digestion, or abnormal gut motility. This is why stressful situations often cause symptoms like nausea, cramps, or upset stomach.
Chronic stress can also alter the gut’s microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria essential for digestion, immune function, and overall health. When stress disrupts the balance of these bacteria, it can lead to issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammation, and leaky gut syndrome.
How physical exercise boosts mental health
It might look easier to live a life without physical exercise but is it beneficial in the long run? Sure, it takes a bit of work to get your body to adjust to constant movement but the rewards are so satisfying. And by movement, I don’t mean your daily commute to the subway and back home.
5 Things To Let Go So You Can Live As Your Best Self
I want you to live your best life because I know that it’s possible. No dream of who you envision becoming is too far-fetched. However, there are some things you need to leave behind so that you’re not slowing down on your journey to success.
Unlearning self-negation-Part 2
Reflect on what is truly important to you. Think about what your personal values and beliefs are. What matters most to you? What are your priorities? Examples of what you value could be honesty, compassion, integrity or creativity.
Unlearning Self-Negation -Part 1
When you self-negate, you deny or reject aspects of your identity, beliefs or values. You invalidate or diminish yourself and your experiences like putting yourself down or sacrificing your needs for others