In this episode of the Corelink Solution Show, I had the privilege of having a profound conversation with Dr. Nekeshia Hammond, a renowned psychologist and founder of Hammond Psychology and Associates. Our discussion centered around the critical topic of mental health awareness, particularly within the Black community, the barriers that minority groups face in accessing mental health services. and how to transform your mindset Here is a brief look at we talked about:

PODCAST

Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Awareness in the Black Community

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Understanding the Historical Context

Dr. Hammond highlighted the historical context of mental health treatment, which has often been dominated by white males. This has contributed to a significant distrust in certain communities, particularly among people of color. With only about 3-4% of psychologists being people of color, access to culturally competent professionals remains a major issue.

Generational and Cultural Barriers

Sharing her own background, Dr Hammond notes that in her Jamaican and Ethiopian heritage, therapy is not widely accepted. However, she emphasizes that the mental health community is evolving and working to create a more inclusive environment. This evolution is crucial for breaking down the stigma and encouraging more people to seek help.

The Role of Technology in Mental Health

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

The accessibility of information through technology is great, but the negative impacts of social media are very concerning. Social media often leads to unhealthy comparisons and unrealistic expectations, especially among teens. Now we are witnessing the phenomenon of “doomscrolling,” where individuals become trapped in a cycle of negative content, leading to feelings of inadequacy and despair.

Curating a Positive Online Experience

Dr. Hammond also encourages us to curate our social media feeds to include positive and uplifting content. This can help mitigate the negative effects of social media and promote a healthier mental state.

Parental Involvement and Community Support

Guiding Children’s Social Media Usage

The importance of parental involvement in guiding children’s social media usage cannot be overstated. Setting boundaries and monitoring online activities can significantly impact children’s mental health. However, Dr. Hammond notes that while social media is a factor, it is not the sole cause of mental health issues. It takes a collective effort from parents, schools, and communities to support youth in their social and emotional development.

Mentorship and Community Involvement

Dr. Hammond is an advocate for mentorship programs and community involvement to help children feel valued and supported. She says schools should prioritize social-emotional learning alongside academics to create a supportive culture that addresses the diverse needs of students.

Early Intervention and Advocacy

Recognizing the Signs

Dr. Hammond stresses the importance of early intervention in mental health. Parents should be vigilant for signs of mental health issues, such as changes in sleep patterns, academic performance, or social interactions. She warned against the common misconception that children will simply “grow out” of their problems, as this can lead to years of unnecessary suffering.

Building a Support Network

Parents should trust their instincts and seek professional guidance when they notice concerning behaviors in their children. Dr. Hammond emphasized the need for a proactive approach to mental health care, similar to regular check-ups for physical health.

Addressing Disparities in Mental Health Services

The Loneliness Epidemic

Dr. Hammond and I discussed the loneliness epidemic exacerbated by the pandemic, which has significant implications for mental health. Social connections are crucial for mental well-being, and isolation can lead to both mental and physical health issues. Reaching out for support, whether through community resources or personal connections, is essential.

Overcoming Stigma and Access Barriers

Dr. Hammond acknowledged that stigma, lack of access, and distrust in the healthcare system contribute to disparities in mental health service access for minority communities. Increasing awareness and resources is vital to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, can access the mental health support they need.

Personal and Professional Growth

The Importance of Self-Care

Dr. Hammond shared her personal journey in the field of psychology and emphasized the importance of self-care for mental health professionals. She introduced the concept of “compassion fatigue,” where professionals become overwhelmed by the emotional demands of their work. Developing healthy routines that include gratitude practices and moments of reflection is crucial for maintaining the ability to help others.

Future Projects and Goals

Dr. Hammond shared her excitement about her upcoming book, “Mindset Training: Conquer Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow,” which focuses on holistic self-care and practical steps for emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Her mission is to reach as many individuals as possible with the message of mental wellness and to empower them to lead healthier, happier lives.

Conclusion

This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, particularly in marginalized communities. Dr. Nekeshia Hammond’s insights and experiences provide valuable guidance for anyone looking to improve their mental wellness or support others in their journey.

By addressing these issues, we can foster a greater understanding of mental health and encourage individuals to seek the support they need. Remember, mental health is a collective effort, and together, we can make a significant positive change.

Holy Culture Radio is operated by The Corelink Solution, a non-profit organization that aims to create a safe space for healing, foster unity in our communities and empower the next generation of creatives and leaders through spreading the gospel.

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TIMECODE REFERENCES:

Introduction and Topic Overview (00:00:10) The host welcomes listeners and introduces the importance of mental health awareness, especially in the Black community.

Guest Introduction (00:01:58) The host introduces Dr. Nekeshia Hammond, highlighting her expertise in mental health and burnout prevention.

Dr. Hammond’s Personal Insights (00:02:55) Dr. Hammond shares her passion for helping others and the challenges she faces despite her public persona.

Social Media and Reality (00:03:44) Discussion on how social media presents a highlight reel, often hiding personal struggles.

Challenges in Public Speaking (00:05:07) Dr. Hammond reflects on balancing positivity with sharing personal challenges during her speaking engagements.

Motivation for Psychology (00:06:15) Dr. Hammond discusses her desire to help youth and the broader mental health needs she recognized early in her career.

Rewarding Experiences (00:07:45) Dr. Hammond shares her rewarding experiences serving on community boards and helping diverse individuals.

Challenges in Outreach (00:09:00) Dr. Hammond expresses frustration in reaching more people with her mental health message and expertise.

Finding Peace in Struggle (00:10:36) The importance of mentorship and perspective in coping with the challenges of outreach in mental health.

Faith and Professional Balance (00:11:32) The discussion on balancing professional responsibilities with faith and spiritual beliefs in their work.

Milestone Moment in Speaking (00:12:20) Dr. Hammond recounts a transformative experience at a women’s conference that shaped her speaking journey.

Understanding Mental Health Struggles (00:13:26) The host shares his curiosity and personal connections to mental health, exploring the complexities of understanding it.

Association Between Physical and Mental Struggles (00:14:54) The host discusses his experiences with physical injuries and parallels drawn to mental health challenges.

Understanding Mental Health Perception (00:15:59) Discussion on how past trauma influences current mental health perceptions and the common misconceptions related to depression and anxiety.

Self-Awareness and Mental Health (00:17:03) The importance of recognizing bad days versus clinical depression, highlighting the significance of self-awareness.

Reflection and Inner Work (00:18:49) Encouraging listeners to reflect on their emotional and mental needs amidst life’s chaos for personal growth.

The Challenge of Inner Work (00:19:28) Acknowledging the difficulty of inner work and the need for self-reflection to foster mental health.

The Importance of Quiet Time (00:23:31) Experiencing peace in silence and the need for downtime to recharge and reset mentally.

Recognizing Stress and Burnout (00:24:11) Understanding how stress manifests and the necessity of breaks for maintaining productivity and mental health.

Baby Steps to Self-Care (00:25:34) Advice for overachievers on integrating small self-care practices into their routines for better mental health.

Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety (00:27:54) Statistics on depression as a leading mental health issue and its relationship with anxiety and comorbidity.

Invisible Disabilities and Mental Health (00:30:15) Exploring the challenges of recognizing and supporting those with invisible disabilities like mental illness in society.

Empathic Leadership and Mental Health (00:30:53) Discusses the significance of empathic leadership and the impact of social connections on mental health.

The Power of Human Connection (00:31:54) Explores how simple gestures of reaching out can save lives during dark moments.

Understanding Empathy (00:33:04) Defines empathy and its levels, emphasizing the importance of feeling for others.

Levels of Empathy (00:33:38) Describes varying degrees of empathy, from shared experiences to understanding hardships.

The Role of Leadership in Mental Health (00:35:08) Highlights the importance of leaders understanding employees’ personal struggles for better workplace dynamics.

One-on-One Evaluations (00:36:00) Covers the significance of psychological evaluations in identifying mental health issues.

Teletherapy’s Impact (00:36:41) Discusses the rise of teletherapy and its benefits for those unable to attend in person.

Breaking the Taboo (00:37:21) Examines the shift in the Black community’s perception of mental health and therapy.

Normalizing Mental Health Issues (00:38:04) Highlights how public figures are helping to destigmatize mental health discussions.

Utilizing Available Resources (00:39:48) Encourages listeners to seek out mental health resources and support groups.

Importance of Early Intervention (00:40:15) Stresses the critical nature of early intervention for better mental health outcomes.

Recognizing Red Flags in Children (00:41:25) Identifies symptoms parents should watch for to address mental health issues early.

Behavior Problems as Indicators (00:43:05) Discusses how frequent behavior problems can signal deeper issues needing attention.

Preventative vs. Reactive Care (00:45:11) Contrasts preventative healthcare practices with reactive approaches in mental health treatment.

Don’t Let It Fester (00:46:32) Discussion on the importance of addressing mental health issues before they escalate.

Starting the Conversation (00:46:58) Exploring how to initiate mental health discussions with family doctors and professionals.

Advocacy for Your Child (00:48:09) Emphasizing the need for parents to advocate for their child’s mental health.

Finding Mental Health Professionals (00:49:04) Resources and organizations to help locate mental health professionals.

Building a Support Team (00:50:06) Encouragement to assemble a professional support team for children’s mental health.

Processing Trauma from Violence (00:51:13) Addressing the emotional impact of violence, particularly on Black and brown communities.

Racial Trauma and Mental Health (00:52:11) Exploration of how racial trauma affects mental health, especially in the wake of violence.

Managing Online Consumption (00:53:17) Advice on limiting exposure to disturbing content to protect mental health.

The Importance of Self-Awareness (00:55:25) Encouraging self-reflection and processing feelings related to trauma and anxiety.

Impact on Youth Mental Health (00:56:47) Discussing how societal issues affect children’s psychological safety and behavior.

Maslow’s Hierarchy and Safety Needs (00:58:10) Linking children’s need for safety to their mental health and development.

Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma (00:59:39) Examining how childhood trauma can lead to ongoing anxiety and relationship issues.

Calls for Help in Crisis (01:00:06) Insights into the types of calls mental health professionals receive during crises.

The Importance of Social Connection (01:01:25) Highlighting the impact of social isolation on mental and physical health.

Disparities in Mental Health Services (01:02:17) Discussing the barriers minority communities face in accessing mental health care.

Distrust in Mental Health (01:02:49) Discussion on historical distrust in mental health treatment within minority communities.

Cultural Barriers to Therapy (01:03:36) Exploration of generational and cultural beliefs affecting therapy acceptance in various communities.

Impact of Technology on Mental Health (01:04:22) Examination of technology’s dual role in mental health, including social media’s effects.

Social Media and Mental Health (01:06:49) Analysis of social media’s influence on anxiety and depression, particularly among teens.

Comparing Lives on Social Media (01:07:18) Discussion on unrealistic comparisons made through social media and its impact on self-esteem.

Parental Responsibility in Mental Health (01:09:37) Emphasis on the importance of parental involvement in children’s mental health amid social media.

Community Responsibility for Youth (01:10:35) Call for collective community efforts to support youth mental health and well-being.

Assignments for Community Leaders (01:11:17) Suggestions for different community roles to enhance youth mental and emotional health.

Self-Care for Mental Health Professionals (01:14:04) Advice on prioritizing self-care for those in the mental health field to prevent burnout.

Burnout and Compassion Fatigue (01:16:38) Discussion on high burnout rates and compassion fatigue among mental health professionals.

Exciting Future Projects (01:18:00) Introduction of Dr. Hammond’s upcoming book focused on holistic self-care and mindset training.

Tools for Getting Started (01:18:42) Discussion on the various stages individuals may be at in their mental health journey.

Mindset Training (01:18:58) Introduction of mindset training concepts and the importance of goal setting.

Defining Success (01:19:20) Dr. Hammond shares her vision of success in helping millions achieve emotional health.

Publishing Journey (01:20:25) Inquiry about Dr. Hammond’s book publishing process, highlighting hybrid publishing.

Contact Information (01:20:45) Dr. Hammond provides her website and social media for audience connection.

Closing Remarks (01:21:26) Appreciation for the conversation and emphasis on the importance of mental health advocacy.

Final Thoughts (01:21:29) The host encourages listeners to engage and share additional mental health tips.