Nicholas H One of my favourite things to do pre-covid19 was going to events about writing, mental health, black mental health or being a creative. I went because events like this keep me going. They keep me inspired. They keep me abreast regarding mental health topics. And most of all, I get to see the … Continue reading Talks with Strangers: Perspectives on Mental Health pre-covid19
“We are in this together,” has been an emotionally provoking statement for a lot of people as we are not all really in this together! Due to many socioeconomic factors we are definitely not experiencing this in the same way. And for those who live with mental illness, I can 110% tell you they are … Continue reading 17 ways to support family or friends living with mental illness during covid19, Part II
Today I thought I would go over a list of things you can do for your loved ones who struggle with mental illness and what was helpful for me. We are in unprecedented times because of covid19 and we are all vulnerable to mental health issues. For those of us who already live with mental … Continue reading 17 ways to support family & friends living with mental illness during covid19, Part I
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
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
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 Tall, short, black, white, old, young: What different Types of Therapists are Really Like
"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
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
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
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
