Breaking Stigmas: Should I See a Therapist?

Welcome back to "Healed for the Holidays: A Mental Health Rewind." In this remastered episode, we delve into the heart of breaking stigmas surrounding mental health as we revisit the inaugural episode of Marissa the Thinker's solo journey on Thinker vs. Speaker. Joining us is the incredible Ka’Cheena (Kay) Lucas, a seasoned social worker and therapist. Together, we embark on a candid exploration of our personal therapy journeys, unraveling the societal beliefs and misconceptions that once held us back. We share the circumstances that finally propelled us to take the courageous leap into therapy. In a raw and vulnerable conversation, Kay courageously shares her battle with suicidal ideation, navigating the hesitancy to seek help, and the transformative journey towards securing a brighter future. (🚨 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about self-harm and emotional distress. Listener discretion is advised.) Throughout the episode, we tackle essential questions like: What makes a good therapist? What should one look for in their therapeutic journey? We emphasize the importance of creating a receptive headspace for the therapy process and discuss the distinctions between therapy and conversations with loved ones. Our aim is to reshape the narrative around mental health within the black community, shedding light on available resources and their life-changing impact. This episode underscores the significance of prioritizing mental health, recognizing that therapy may not be a universal solution but is a valuable resource for many. Key themes and keywords such as accountability, self-reflection, mental health resources, healing trauma, breaking stigmas, overcoming obstacles, mental health crisis, trusting the process, self-love journeys, and releasing control weave through our conversation. The underlying message resonates—there are options, and it's essential to value oneself enough to seek the help needed, fostering the necessary changes for a more fulfilling life. Tune in as we challenge perceptions, share stories, and encourage a shift towards a more open, understanding, and supportive approach to mental well-being. This is "Breaking Stigmas: Should I See a Therapist? Remastered," part of our special December series on "Healed for the Holidays."