Alicia James’ Post

How we treat people matters, for all of us. Every single day. Bullying can always having devastating consequences. For those in the public eye, bullying sets an example and a standard for how others in the community believe it is ok to behave. As Dr. Cox states we can hope for accountability. I like to hope that bullies will hold themselves accountable, make changes, and be better. Most importantly, remember that your mental health matters. It can feel imperative to “take it on the chin” when you are serving your community and fighting for causes you believe in. One of the hardest lessons they teach rescue divers, is how to leave someone behind, if you are unlikely to survive rescuing them. Because you need to live another day to help other people in other ways. Walking away from a situation that is putting you in harm’s way is never a failure. If you are in a situation that is putting your mental health at risk, it is okay to leave that situation behind.  To all who love Dr. Candia-Bailey, I am so sorry for your loss.  Take care of yourselves. 

Black Girl Day Off isn’t just about taking a break—it’s about supporting the mental health and well-being of African-American women, who often carry the weight of multiple burdens. In addition to taking time for rest, there are many ways we can contribute to this important movement. 💡 Encourage the Black women in your life to take the day off for self-care. Share resources or offer support to help them prioritize their mental well-being. 🗣️ Consider introducing group therapy at work, creating a space where everyone, especially Black women, can feel safe to express themselves. 🤝 Donate or volunteer at minority mental health centers, which are often in desperate need of funds and hands-on help. This #NationalBlackGirlsDayOff, let’s be intentional about how we support each other and create spaces where mental health is a priority for all. Together, we can break down barriers, one act of care at a time. 🌿💖 #BlackGirlsDayOff #MentalHealthAwareness ##mentalhealthadvocate #SupportBlackWomen #RestAndRecharge #CommunityCare #braincoreofduluth

I’m accepting the hashtag #NotAloneChallenge from the wonderful Jen Fisher 🦋 If I'm being honest, I feel some mixed emotions about this post. The fact that we have to create hashtags and challenges to increase awareness of the *significant* mental health crisis in the U.S. makes me feel both a little angry but also hopeful. Think about this: - The latest NIH data suggests that 1 in 5 of us in the U.S. are living with a mental illness (anxiety, depression, etc.). That's 21% of us...that's 1 person in your 5 person family; 2 of your 10 person team at work; 20 of the 100 people on the subway on your commute. - But, estimates suggest that only half of those people will receive treatment. How is it possible that we still don't have a way for everyone to receive the support and treatment they need? The #NotAloneChallenge is raising awareness and funds to provide free mental health resources for everyone, because no one should have to struggle in silence. This will surely be part of our family's giving plan this year for the Christmas holiday. I'm challenging two powerful advocates in my circle - Stephanie Harrison and Karen M. Allen - to help me spread the word. Thankful for how you incredible women use your platforms to support real change. Go to notalonechallenge.org for mental health resources and to bid on auction items to support Inspiring Children Foundation and Jewel in their mission to democratize wellness. #MentalHealth #Awareness #Wellbeing #Support #Community #InspiringChildren

We had our second session of the adult Discovery Programme last night discussing internalised ableism. Sharing some key themes that many of us resonated with - what would you add? How has finding out you're autistic later in life impacted you? Do you find words such as 'should or 'just' triggering? There is no 'just' or 'should' when it comes to expectations, everyone needs the right environment to be able to thrive and enable them to do things in their own way. What may be a simple 'just do it' for some one may be another person's sensory or social nightmare! Wanting to fit in and not to be seen as different can mean that sometimes people push help and support away even though they may need it. We discussed the drive for independence vs the need for everyone to have inter-dependence too and how asking for accommodations in work can be hard (we have free resources on website to support advocacy in work) It is not always easy to be autistic in a world that is primarily set up for the neuromajority, not knowing you are autistic until later in life can be a very confusing place to be and unravel those thoughts and life long struggles you may have experiences. We have an amazing community at Thriving Autistic. As well as our Discovery Programme we also have free monthly online meetups to support people and build connections and understanding through shared lived experiences. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eXaWF6FK

One of the biggest challenges facing America today is an epidemic of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection. And it’s hitting young people the hardest. When facing a crisis as big as teen mental health, how do you know where to start? One way is by putting young people at the heart of the solution.    That’s why I am thrilled to announce that the Schultz Family Foundation is partnering with 11 states, Pinterest, AmeriCorps and America Forward to launch the country’s first Youth Mental Health Corps.    Corps members will spend a year in schools connecting their peers to support. By serving, they’ll gain skills and experience, receive a stipend, and earn a credential towards a career - while making a positive impact on their communities and filling a critical gap in the workforce.   National service is a win-win for addressing the teen mental-health crisis demonstrating the power of philanthropy, business, government, and non-profits partnering to create innovative solutions to critical national challenges.   Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dUf8Fh27

POST FOUR JUNE 9, 2024 SHOOTINGS IN OUR COMMUNITY! MANY OTHERS ARE ASKING ME: What's up with all these shootings, violence, and killings in our community, mostly involving our black boys? What can WE do? ME: Community Matters Too! Responsible parents and compassionate schools "should" be enough to fix community violence, and it does work for some. However, others may need much more, supports from the community can be a game changer for our boys/men. #1. PARENTS ARE OVERLOADED, YALL! There are many beliefs about what parents should and shouldn't be doing. Some are valid points. In the meantime, our boys/men are killing each other. Communities can help to fill this void while parents are trying to figure it out. #2. Youth serving organizations help teens get off the street frfr. Programs like Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, 100 Black Men of Delaware, sport leagues, churches, mentoring supports, STEM programs, provide positivity and occupy a lot of time for youth. #3. Family service organizations like Children & Families First, United Way of Delaware, First State Community Action, Food Bank, Love Inc, local churches, and so many more provide food, job training, housing support, financial assistance, which can help parents decrease stress. When parents are less worried about basic needs, they can support their kids better. 211 has a long list of other familiy services. #4. Community leaders are out there preaching, teaching, and advocating for social justice, anti-racism, and safer communities. You already know these people. If not, ask around. Please join these leaders, it takes all of us to address community violence. #5. Positive male role models in the community/family can be excellent resources for our boys and men. Kids and adults often do what their trusted role models do. Post 5 coming soon with more recommendations. With love and concern, Dr. J Photo Credit: relationshipplace.com

By the numbers: 🟰 30% of Ottawa’s Black community who tried to access #MentalHealth services felt prejudice or negative attitudes from service providers. 🟰 3 in 10 older adults reported living alone, and more than 1 in 3 reported feelings of loneliness due to the pandemic. 🟰 10% of Grade 7 and 8 students in Ottawa are using non-medical opioids. This number is the same for students in grades 9 to 12. 🟰~1 in 5 Canadians aged 12+ reported that they needed help with their mental health in the past year, but 45% of those struggling felt their needs were unmet or only partially met. Behind these numbers are real stories from people in our community. You can help make a difference by making a donation to United Way East Ontario: https://lnkd.in/eT2_VyPU

Did you know the oldest Millennials are turning 43 in 2024? Or that the oldest in Gen Z are turning 27? And yet, we talk about them as if they are not in the workforce or in decision-making positions. It's time we start asking what these generations care about so we can make the necessary shifts in our businesses, nonprofits, churches, and communities. Help me out - if you are under the age of 45 - what do you care about? Where do you give to or spend your time? Is it in social justice? Community? Academics? Local impact? Global impact? Drop a comment ⬇

I am passionate about men's health, and the role of active parenting as a means of not only helping our future generation, but also of helping you, the parent or other adult investing in a young person's life. There are many insights, frameworks, and skills that can benefit not only those that want to be active parents, but also those who want to lead their teams and, as Greenleaf said, pass his test, that “...𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵-𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳...: 𝘋𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴? 𝘋𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘥, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘳, 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘴, 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴?” — Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness. Robert K Greenleaf (1977) #InsightfulPath; #ActiveParenting; #LeadershipDevelopment; #InnovativeLearningDesign; #EngagingFacilitation; #InsightfulProfessionalCoaching; #Fatherhood; #MensHealth

18 Days To Go In today's era of instant information and social media connectivity, our awareness of where every dollar goes has never been clearer. Now more than ever, we have the power to be conscientious consumers, mindful of how we invest our hard-earned money. So why choose to invest in Smile Back? https://lnkd.in/gV9jBj_y First and foremost, we're creating a nurturing space for culturally sensitive conversations about mental health. Our platform isn't just about direct dialogue; it's about fostering inclusivity and relatability, providing a sanctuary where voices can feel heard and understood. Here, individuals, including those with notable backgrounds, can peel back the layers of persona to tackle various issues while also offering entertainment. Secondly, we're curating a label that speaks volumes through its meticulously designed and sustainably manufactured pieces. These aren't just fleeting fashion trends; they're symbols of belonging to a community that values conscious choices. With Smile Back, every purchase is a deliberate investment, supporting our mission to give back and raise awareness about mental health, particularly among marginalized youth and young adults. Lastly, we're cultivating a vibrant community, something that feels increasingly rare in our digital age. Our aim is to dismantle stigmas surrounding mental health and arm the next generation with the tools and support they need to thrive in inclusive, healthy environments. If you resonate with our mission, we invite you to join us. Your donation, along with a simple like and share, can help spread our message further and make a meaningful impact. Together, let's build a brighter future where everyone can smile back. https://lnkd.in/gV9jBj_y #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #crowdfunding #philantrophy