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
Tag: Depression
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
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
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
Mental Illness in Movies & TV: The Last Year
Epp! Okay I know, New Years crap is over. Resolutions are made. Gym memberships paid for. And I'm sure there were tons of countdown episodes on entertainment TV and like MuchMusic and MTV (I only have an antenna and Netflix now so I'm assuming here). But I've been dying to write about how mental illness … Continue reading Mental Illness in Movies & TV: The Last Year
What helped me with my mental health in 2018
I know everyone is super focused on 2019 and #goals and so am I but I think it is also important to reflect on 2018 and have a hard look at what made it successful or a disaster. For me, it was a bit of a strange year as I spent about six months of … Continue reading What helped me with my mental health in 2018
Dating in 2018 and Having a Mental Illness: 8 Tips & Tricks to Avoid Getting Hurt
Let me begin by saying I am no man expert (man-pert, if you will). In fact, I'm not very good with men (despite having my first boyfriend in Grade 4 - we held hands). I'm terrible at the "game." Usually, my past boyfriends have started out from friendships. BUT what I do know is mental … Continue reading Dating in 2018 and Having a Mental Illness: 8 Tips & Tricks to Avoid Getting Hurt
Who Is In Control, You or Jesus/the Universe?
I've been having a hard time articulating this topic but it's one that keeps coming up for me and how I approach my life, especially my thought patterns (which is important to my mental health). I grew up in a Christian household, attending church most Sundays until I was about 13 years old. I used … Continue reading Who Is In Control, You or Jesus/the Universe?
Is being black depressing me (more)?
Obviously, it hasn't been a stellar decade for racism in America. Police shootings, Trump etc., let's just say I'm not running over the border to be black in America any time soon. Naively, I've leaned towards the opinion that it's not as bad in Toronto, Canada. Not here, I'd think in my head (well I … Continue reading Is being black depressing me (more)?
