I'll never forget this memory. I was 18 years-old and it was the year I took off after high school before going away to university. I mean I knew something was wrong at the time and that I was more than just sad and needed help. I was with a happy-go-lucky guy at the time … Continue reading The first time I realized suicidal thoughts weren’t normal
Why “Why Me” Is such a detrimental question
I can always tell when things are going off track when the good ol' "Why me?" question comes sneaking back in my mind! And honestly, it's probably been around for as long as my depression. Why me? Why did these bad things have to happen to me? Why do bad things always happen to me? It's such … Continue reading Why “Why Me” Is such a detrimental question
Big, small, black, white, old, young: What different Types of Therapists are Really Like
This is going to sound outrageous but if you've ever sought mental health services in Toronto you will not be shocked by what I am about to say. I've been going to therapy since I was 15, that's a total of 18 years and in those years I've seen maybe 20 different medical professionals including … Continue reading Big, small, black, white, old, young: What different Types of Therapists are Really Like
My Jamaican Dad’s Advice for Mental Health
"If the house is on fire, the house is on fire." He would add a very animated "Get out!" at the end. This is the quote my father would tell me in my times of despair. He didn't always mention it in regards to my mental illnesses, more so the things that would bring me … Continue reading My Jamaican Dad’s Advice for Mental Health
When Rappers Teach You Life Lessons: Biggie
The last "Rappers Teach You Life Lessons," post I did, I simply posted the video with no commentary. This time I have a few things to say. Now I am no rap aficionado and sadly I just heard this song in the last few years (I know, don't take my black card away!) but it … Continue reading When Rappers Teach You Life Lessons: Biggie
Having a Mental Illness and Being West Indian
Being West Indian/Caribbean is a special thing, our people are culturally bonded regardless of their island (though they can also be relentlessly patriotic). We share a common history, similar foods, similar music, beautiful beaches, beautiful people, similar upbringings (broughtupsy), a similar timeline of immigration to North America...and well we also share the same prejudices, same … Continue reading Having a Mental Illness and Being West Indian
Stigma of mental illness in the black community
I once dated this mixed, half white, half Chinese guy, who dressed well...let's call it urban. I'm not sure how the conversation started but I do recall a time I was at his house, a rather large beautiful upper middle class home and he chuckled at the topic. "Mental illness is a white person thing," … Continue reading Stigma of mental illness in the black community
Being Black with a Mental Illness
Okay, I may have fooled you a bit! This isn't necessarily a blog post as much as it is a preview of whats to come this February. Sorry, it's just been such a hectic week at the 9to5 and in regular life, with Bell Let's Talk and attending events. I'm still getting a hang of … Continue reading Being Black with a Mental Illness
Timeline of my depression (and ocd)
Epp! Today is Bell Let's Talk day and I wanted to post something personal and deep. So I've decided to share my mental illness timeline with you which I am realizing is very personal but what the heck, here goes! 2000 - First signs of Depression, saw very first psychiatrist, 15 years old 2001/2002 - … Continue reading Timeline of my depression (and ocd)
One of the most embarrassing stages of my depression
Ok, obviously there are a lot of things about your mental illness you could be embarrassed/ashamed about, especially when it comes to anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts and of course the big one, suicidal ideation (which no one really wants to admit, who wants to tell people that?). And if it were a perfect world we … Continue reading One of the most embarrassing stages of my depression
