Minority Mental Health Month

July is Minority Mental Health Month. The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) wants to bring awareness to the increased barriers that arise when trying to address mental health in minority communities. Some of these are access and within the African American community, I know that there is a cultural stigma.

History: 

In May of 2008, July was announced at Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The goals set for the campaign were to improve access to treatment and enhance public awareness of mental illness.

Bebe Moore Campbell was an author and co-founder of NAMI in Urban Los Angeles. She was also a national spokesperson who eventually fell ill and lost her battle to cancer.

• Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the US experience mental illness in a given year
• 16 million adults in the US had at least one major depressive episode in the past year

As an African American, this is especially a difficult time for minorities who are being inundated with violent images of their own people being killed along with the frustrating cycle of police brutality and retaliation from that. It is heartbreaking to watch and depressing to know that you are in danger because of something you have no control over. We all know at least five people, so that gives you an idea of how many may be struggling with mental illness in silence. If you know anyone who may be suffering with a mental illness be open to listening to them (judgment free) and supporting them by assisting them with getting help. Also, make your own mental health a priority because the rest of your well being will flow from it.

-XOXO

Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile

Atlanta Eats

I did a separate post for Atlanta food because this city is full of good food!

So Atlanta has a few nicknames for those who are not familiar with it and one of them is HOTlanta. On Sunday afternoon it was exactly that! The last time I was in Atlanta I saw a food truck selling popsicles, so I tracked it down. King of Pops makes all natural popsicles. I had the peach popsicle and it was SO good that I ate it before it had the chance to melt in the warm weather.

I met one of my friends at the popular restaurant Poor Calvin’s. This restaurant that fuses Thai and Southern food. We went for brunch and while the menu is not very large all of the dishes were good. Below is the Lobster fried rice dish. I actually had the seafood omelet. I LOVE seafood and it was packed full, very tasty and filling. I barely finished it!

Last, but not least since I am from the south Bojangles' is a place I have to go to whenever I have the chance! It seems to be mostly in the south eastern states so I can’t get it in Houston. Disclaimer: it is not healthy at all. I sent this picture to my friend and he called it a Public Health Hazard lol. I think things are fine in moderation and even though it seems like I am always getting fried chicken, I don’t fry foods at home. So if you ever have the pleasure of being in the south “treat yo self” as they say! Of course get the fried chicken or chicken supremes (strips) and get some Bo berry biscuits: a biscuit with blueberries and drizzled with a sweet icing.

-XOXO

Atlanta

Atlanta is a city in Georgia that I absolutely love. There is so much to do. I recently went to Atlanta with my boy friend so we did a few touristy things including:

Stone Mountain

This is a Confederate monument that is a great workout with a great view.

Skyview

Syyview is a huge Ferris Wheel near Centennial Olympic Park (I got the chance to attend the Outkast concert there a few years ago!) This provided another great view of the city (much closer) and it was so romantic at night. They sell drinks and even alcohol.

The King Center

This is a place with lots of history relating to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. including his childhood home and the Church where he co-pastored with his father. His house is down the road. This image is from the NY times.

Another place to check out as a newbie in the city is the Coca-Cola factory. Atlanta has a drive in movie, nice bars (we went to the Edgewood area), a huge mall etc.  If you ever find yourself here, you will not find a shortage of things to do or food to eat!

-XOXO

Looking Forward

Just checking in to do a little status update. I am approaching my first blogiversary and I am so glad that I decided to start it! Although I don’t consider myself a writer, I really love sharing helpful information (and the various foods that I eat) with you all. I am thankful to everyone who takes the time out of their day to read a post by little ole me. I have been reviewing my highest read posts of the year and I will be giving you more of that type of content as well as new features. You all really liked the NY post, but who doesn’t love/hate New York lol.

If you have been keeping up with my Instagram then you know that I recently graduated with my Masters of Public Health…Yay! I have been on the hunt for a job, which has proven to be very frustrating as it takes time and patience. Nevertheless, I am staying optimistic and looking forward to what the next year has in store for me. Some goals for my blog are to:

• Attract more readers with quality content that you are interested in
• Contribute more to the wanderings portion of my blog

 Which goes into some personal goals for the next year to:

• Travel more
• Save money

 I am going to try to live off of only half of my income (when I get one) and save the rest. I have so many money saving posts on my Pinterest, so now it's time to put them to good use.

I am looking forward to going back to my hometown soon to spend some time with my family and friends. Even though I just saw them it seems like it’s been a while, besides what is better than time spent with the grandparents! I will not neglect you during this time. I will be posting and I hope to have more exciting news soon.

With that being said, I wrote this post before the latest two recent killings of Black men by police. I am tired and emotionally drained. Tired of not being safe simply because of the color of my skin. We are dragged through the mud even as victims and in death. This man #PhilandoCastille did everything and followed all of the “rules” and that did not stop him from being unnecessarily murdered by an officer. We pay taxes to be protected, not profiled and murdered. At this point not sure what to do regarding this, but I will continue to be pro-Black, support Black owned initiatives and I am going to push for police reform to be a priority for our elected officials until we actually have liberty and justice for ALL.

This image is not my own. I found it here. 

-XOXO