Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center’s Post

Even though life can be hard and you may not always feels strong, you are tougher than whatever life throws at you. And Grassroots is here to be right by your side anytime you need extra support. You can access our free 24-hour crisis line at 410-531-6677 or call 988 with any kind of need, whether you are having a bad day, or are feeling sad, lonely, anxious, depressed or even suicidal. We are also here if you just feel you need someone to talk to. You can also receive support by texting or chatting 988. In addition, you can walk in for free, 24 hours a day to our crisis center at 8990 Old Annapolis Road, Suite A. Our counselors are here to provide mental health and substance use support and to connect you to vital resources. The Mobile Crisis Team can also be accessed by calling 410-531-6677 - clinicians will respond to crises and conflicts in community settings like home or school. It is always okay to ask for help. Grassroots will be here for you with free, 24/7 support. #crisisservices #988CrisisLine #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #marylandmentalhealth #stopthestigma #itsoktoaskforhelp #freecounseling #suicideprevention #suicideawareness #suicidepreventionmonth

The fact that a white man is the president at an HBCU like Lincoln University is another topic for another day. But I’m going to say it here, I said it on a post on Twitter “People tend to think bullying stays on the playground in school. Not acknowledging the ways those mean spirited people grow up to still be mean spirited people if not checked. We need workplaces that reflect that safety to be able to just do your job and go home.” As a person who works in the DEIA space, I don’t think people understand just how prevalent it is. InFaith Agency Inc. is committed to fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments. In the face of bullying and micro-aggressions, it becomes paramount to advocate for change and understanding. Our DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) services aim to empower individuals and organizations in navigating and dismantling systemic barriers. Through tailored training sessions, including our specialized micro-aggression awareness programs, we provide the tools to recognize, address, and ultimately eliminate such behaviors. Let's collectively push for a world where everyone feels valued, heard, and respected, embracing the strength found in our diversity. #DEIA #InclusionMatters #MicroAggressionTraining #hbcu #hbcusmatter #suicideawareness #blackwomenleaders

Life can be so unfair. Workplace bullying and harassment is NEVER acceptable. We need to rally around those who are targeted, and yank power from people using theirs as a weapon. If you work with folks who use bullying, intimidation and harassment as leadership tactics -- sound the alarm! This kind of behavior thrives in silence and has to be stopped. Rest in Power, Dr. Candia-Bailey.🙏🏾❤️🕊 #leadership #workplacewellbeing #toxicleadership #empathicleadership

I’ve taken moments of sound reflection before sharing my thoughts on this tragedy. I feel deep sorrow for the loss of such a beautiful soul.  We often read/hear/see the statement - “be kind, you never know what someone else is going through”.   As leaders we have a responsibility to effectively and authentically lead with empathy, emotional intelligence and awareness - often times, I believe, we tend to unintentionally forget this.  We are caught in the whirlwind of work and getting things done. We must take good care of our people and teams!   This is particularly important in our world of education. We are advocates for our students - we share in their hopes, dreams and overall life experiences. Our work is about passion and compassion - and at times, can be very stressful because our responsibilities are so great.   We show up everyday and try our very best to do right by others. Our mission is to make a difference and I wholeheartedly believe that we do so. Within this, we also have to trust and believe that our work environment is a safe space. A space we can grow, flourish and generally be content to come to work everyday.   Not everyday is perfect, but we know that even when challenges occur, no matter what they are - our support systems are strong and that it’s going to be ok.   When we see that this does not exist, even some of the strongest people lose strength, courage, spirit, and the will to move on.  This cannot be. Bonnie and so many others like her deserve better.   Let us find ways to improve working environments where needed, see the signs and cries for help and act mindfully. It could mean the difference between life and death. Rest in peace sweet Bonnie.

Workplace bullying is unfortunately prevalent and often overlooked, leading to a lack of open discussion. The consequences are disheartening, as individuals may silently cope with personal challenges. Choosing not to intervene when witnessing such behavior is essentially condoning bullying. #BlackLinkedin #ForbesBLK #Afrotech Let’s start the discussion. RIP 🕊️ | Antointte Bonnie Candia-Bailey.

I hadn't commented on this recent tragedy concerning the death of Lincoln University's Dr. Antoinette Bonnie Candia-Bailey because it hits so close to home for so many reasons. Higher education has a professional and institutional culture grounded in pedigree, rankism and hoop-jumping; the combination of racism and sexism amplifies the effect. It is not hyperbole that I have witnessed Black Women in higher education work themselves to death while chasing ever-elusive respect and equity. Those who remain are often left with racial battle fatigue-related ailments such as depression, anxiety, and even PTSD - a phenomenon not limited to just higher education, but across every sector where Black Women are minimized. The dynamics and details of Dr. Candia-Bailey's situation are both heartbreaking and unfortunately all too familiar for Black Women in positions of leadership, as was also the case with Harvard's Dr. Claudine Gay. I recently said on a podcast that belonging has life or death implications, and I'm sure folks thought I was exaggerating. Here's my humble request: believe the cries for help of those who seek to be heard without explaining them away, blaming their perceived or actual mental wellness, or minimizing the impact of leadership or organizational culture. We Black Women will sometimes push ourselves to the brink of being to prove to ourselves and the world that our contributions are valuable. I only hope that organizations begin being proactive about cultivating the values, beliefs, norms, and associated behaviors that honor our unique personhood. #SayHerName #BlackWomenMatter #IkoniCollective

After reflecting on Dr. Antoinette Bailey's passing, I felt convicted to talk more about the challenges black women face at work. As a black women who's experienced unfair treatment in the workplace, I want to shed light on the most common and hurtful things we deal with. Imagine being labeled “unprofessional” or “difficult to work with,” facing resistance when you express emotions, and catching heat for not following some arbitrary dress code. If that’s hard to picture, think of it like walking on eggshells every day at work. When taking your lunch break feels like a luxury because you fear being seen as lazy or unproductive. Now, consider the perspective of a young black professional in the early stages of their career – someone who’s learning, growing, and navigating day-to-day responsibilities. Imagine adding the weight of constant criticism from higher-ups to that mix. It’s enough to make anyone feel like they’re not measuring up. It hurts, no beating around the bush. It’s not just about having “thick skin”; the words and how they’re delivered can genuinely hurt! Hearing things like "I have high expectations of you that you're not meeting" and "I'm your boss, you should do as I say" hits different when you're a black woman. It's more than just words – it's a deep, frustrating feeling of being judged, undervalued and unseen. It’s time for a collective effort to dismantle these unfair systems and create an inclusive work environment that recognizes the value, skills, and unique contributions of black women. RIP Antoinette Bonnie Candia-Bailey 🕊️ #BlackWomenAtWork #EqualityInTheWorkplace #BreakUnjustExpectations

Opening up dialogue with a family member to support them can be difficult. Attached is a conversation guide to aid in breaching the subject in an empathetic constructive manner. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) The Missouri Department of Mental Health Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services #MHAM2024 #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #EmotionalWellness #SelfCare