Unlearn The Lies About Mental Health

Diversity is a factual reality, equity is a conscious choice, inclusion requires proactive action, and belonging is the ultimate result. The episode highlights the significance of choosing equity to create a just and inclusive environment.

In this episode, we want to help individuals better understand diversity, equity, and inclusion. As we live in a highly diverse society, encompassing various backgrounds and identities. Equity, on the other hand, is a choice, and it involves treating individuals fairly and providing them with what they need to succeed, rather than treating everyone the same. Join us as we discover how we can create a sense of community and self-assuredness, where individuals feel wanted and needed for their unique talents and contributions.

Today, we're joined by Blane Allen Harding, the former Director of Diversity Engagement for the Office of Inclusion and Diversity at Virginia Tech University and currently serves as a national consultant. He also served as the Director of Advising, Recruitment, and Retention for the College of Science at the University of Nevada, Reno from 2017-2020 as well as the Director of The Cultural Center at the University of Nevada Reno from 2015-2017. He retired from Colorado State University, after 24 years of service, in 2012 where he served as the Director of Advising, Recruitment, and Retention for the College of Liberal Arts as well as a professor in the Ethnic Studies Department.

Blane served as a retention faculty member with the Council for Opportunity in Education which oversees the national TRIO programs as well as a faculty member, for 16 years, and past Chair of the Summer Institute Advisory Board for the National Academic Advising Association and Chair of their Multicultural Concerns Commission. In 2018 he was recognized as the Leading Light Award Winner presented to a NACADA member in recognition of significant contributions to diversity within NACADA.

"Belonging is an outcome. There's got to be a feeling of community, self-assuredness, and the feeling that people not only want you there, but they need you there." - Blane Harding

Show Highlights:

[00:04:54] Exploring Interests in Auburn, New York: Blane's Involvement with Community College and Cougar Museum.

[00:07:08] Unplanned Career Shift: Blane's Story of Becoming a Teacher at Colorado State University.

[00:11:08] The Importance of Genuine Student Relationships.

[00:13:30] Embracing Flexibility: Blane's Message to Young People on Seizing Opportunities.

[00:16:17] Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

[00:19:23] Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

[00:22:52] Measuring Outcomes: Blane Highlights the Significance of Belonging.

[00:24:06] Learn how you can bring a Speaks 2 Inspire speaker to your campus by visiting www.speaks2inspire.com/speakers.

[00:25:15] Importance of having sufficient staffing and funding for effective DEI efforts.

[00:25:45] Recognizing the value of knowledge and experience in the field.

[00:26:22] The significance of convincing those on the fence about the importance of DEI.

[00:27:27] The need for tangible results and benefits for the institution.

[00:28:36] Advocating for collaboration and partnership in developing effective DEI programs.

[00:29:27] Highlighting the need to include student voices in DEI initiatives.

[00:30:03] Discussing the need for customized approaches for different audiences.

[00:32:05] Emphasizing the value of authentic relationships with students.

[00:34:01] The need to break down the stigma around mental health in certain communities.

[00:38:33] Open conversations without judgment.

[00:42:59] Recognizing the value of mental health support for everyone, regardless of background.

[00:45:26] The importance of cultural competence in mental health services.

Key Takeaways:

"You learn from everybody. If you're not learning from them, then your interactions with them are not being very productive." - Blane Harding

"Just use the skills you have. We all have different skills, and it's all different too. My way of presenting isn't other people's ways of presenting." - Blane Harding

"Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome." - Abraham Sculley

"Equity is fairness, and equality is sameness." - Blane Harding

"If you're of good character, you believe in fairness, and if you believe in fairness, then you believe in equity." - Blane Harding

"If it's personal and emotional, it's a choice. If you are of good character, you believe in fairness, and if you believe in fairness, then you believe in equity." - Abraham Sculley

"You've got to take your time, and it's going to be, it's going to happen, but you gotta take your t...

Anxiety has been the number one mental health concern that is widely encountered nowadays. It has many different symptoms, ranging from hyperarousal to behavioral issues, which indicates a significant global health burden. However, when in this state, it can sometimes be challenging to speak up freely. There are misconceptions about mental health that we can visibly see around us.

People often view mental health issues as nothing more than temporary hormonal swings, and a person acts out in an effort to get attention. Thus, we must realize that mental health is not a destination but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you're going.

So, in this episode, we aim to help people realize the value of normalizing the conversation about mental health and raising awareness on how to be someone capable of supporting another. Join us as we learn about the importance of self-care, validation statements, and empowering conversations in a person's mental health.

Today, we're joined by Francesca Reicherter, the Founder and President of Inspiring My Generation, a 501(c)3 supporting mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Inspired by her mental health journey, Francesca works to make resources and information accessible. In 2021, Francesca published "You Are Not Alone: The Workbook" as a guide to help the reader build a coping toolbox. In 2022, Francesca published "I AM," an interactive workbook to help readers make the tools needed to advocate for their mental health.

Dedicated to ending the stigma, Francesca hosts Normalize the Conversation, a podcast series amplifying the voices of mental health professionals, advocates, and anyone interested in sharing their stories. Francesca's mission is to make preventative resources available, eliminate barriers, and normalize the conversation so that no one else has to lose themselves or someone else to suicide.

Show Highlights:

(00:00:00) Episode disclaimer, highlight, and introduction

(00:02:44) "Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you're going.": What does it mean for me?

(00:03:09) Welcoming today's guest, Francesca Reicherter

(00:05:41) How did Francesca rise beyond being exposed to painful circumstances to becoming a dependable mental health advocate?

(00:10:45) Recognizing anxiety: The fear of not being good enough

(00:12:37) The importance of having a support system

(00:13:53) Nobody is ready to lose the person they care about the most.

(00:17:50) The inability to cope with emotional pains: How did Fran attempt suicide on Christmas eve?

(00:21:30) Do not ignore your mental health: Being unable to manage your discomfort is not a good position to be able to take care of others.

(00:24:37) Being weak is part of the human experience: Strong people still encounter weakening situations.

(00:26:13) Being quiet versus reaching out: What do you think was one of the most significant barriers to having self-awareness?

(00:29:21) Internal and external self-care: How can we prioritize our mental health nowadays?

(00:32:31) The power of setting healthy boundaries

(00:34:52) The goal of creating coping tool boxes workbooks: How does it help people to develop their mental health routine?

(00:39:28) How do we bridge the communication gap?

(00:41:13) The labels people give us don't define us.

(00:44:30) What does mental health mean to Francesca?

(00:45:26) Sign up and be part of the upcoming workshops: Introduction to Youth Advocacy & Introduction to mentoring.

(00:49:03) Where to find Francesca to connect and learn from her

(00:49:45) If you need that support for your mental health, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 9-8-8 now. For local and national resources, go to http://www.speaks2inspire.com/resources. Join the Unlearn The Lies About Mental Health Facebook group: https://bit.ly/UTLcommunity.

Key Takeaways:

"I think the more we normalize the conversation about mental health, the more we're able to take care of our mental health to put ourselves in the best position possible so that we can be overall healthy and we're taking care of our well-being." - Abraham Sculley

"I wanted to talk about my feelings, but I was acting like a baby to other people. So, all those praises they throw were to invalidate instead of giving you space to feel." – Francesca Reicherter

"I put myself in a situation I wasn't ready to be in. I didn't know how to take care of myself, which was not a good position to be able to take care of others. I learned now how important it is to put that mask on yourself first, or at least be putting it on yourself as you're trying to put it on someone else, and not just comp...

Sheri A Brooks Jr. is an author, speaker, and relationship coach. As the co-founder of the Marriages and Parenting Successfully (M.A.P.S) Relationship Academy, she is committed to helping couples and parents thrive in their relationships.

This conversation was so impactful that we had to split it up into two episodes.

In this first episode, we talk about:

• The signs and symptoms of depression,
• The difference between sadness and clinical depression,
• Risk factors that lead to depression,
• and the importance of having family support when dealing with a mental health disorder.

Join the Unlearn The Lies community: https://bit.ly/UTLcommunity

Check out Sheri’s Book: The Journey From Rejection To Significance

Connect with Sheri A brooks Jr:

• Visit Marriages and Parenting Successfully to learn more about the M.A.P.S Relationship Academy!
• Follow Sheri on Instagram @sheriabrooksjr
• Connect with Sheri on Facebook Sheri A. Brooks Jr

If you need to talk to someone or are in crises please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800.273.8255

Mental Health Resources: https://bit.ly/3eZgxR8

SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER: Buy 1 Get 1 FREE of the book Unlearn The Lies: A Guide to Reshaping The Way We Think about Depression only for a limited time in recognition of BIPOC Mental Health Month (July). Use promo code BIPOCFREE in the checkout for your free gift!

Order a copy of Unlearn The Lies: A Guide to Reshaping the Way We Think about Depression https://bit.ly/utlbook

Get your Unlearn The Lies Merch now! https://bit.ly/utlshop

FREE list of mental health resources: https://abrahamsculley.activehosted.com/f/27

Schedule a call to work with the Speaks 2 Inspire team: https://calendly.com/fanisculley/programinquiry

Connect with Abraham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrahamsculley/

Follow Abraham on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abrahamsculley/

If you need to talk to someone or are in crisis, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

Join the Unlearn The Lies community: https://bit.ly/UTLcommunity

Mental health is discovering and embracing your authentic self while equipping yourself with the tools to stand in your truth confidently. It's an ongoing process of self-discovery, self-care, and maintaining a balance that allows you to thrive. Just as you can't pour from an empty cup, taking care of your mental health ensures you can support not only yourself but also those around you. It's about acknowledging the importance of inner well-being and actively nurturing it.

In this episode, Victoria passionately discusses the unique challenges Black students face regarding mental health and explores the intertwining factors of stigma, lack of resources, and cultural nuances that impact mental health conversations within the Black community. Join us as we gain a deep understanding of how the Unapologetically Free initiative is making a difference through partnerships, awareness campaigns, and research in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Be encouraged into this enlightening episode that unpacks the significant impact of prioritizing our mental health in nurturing holistic growth within the Black community and empowering future generations.

Today, we're joined by Victoria works alongside the Director of Strategy to help develop strategies that improve the resilience and sustainability of Black colleges and universities, as well as the cultivation of ICB's mission and vision. Specifically, Victoria oversees emerging initiatives, including those related to mental health and the future of work.

The daughter of two educators, Victoria, has experience as an attorney. She uses her experience with researching, innovative thinking, attention to detail that she honed as a lawyer and love for education to propel her drive to strategize creative ways to lead HBCUs to continue to lift as we climb. Victoria holds a bachelor's degree from Howard University. She earned her Juris Doctorate from The University of Georgia School of Law.

"You can't fill up anybody else's cup if you're on empty." – Victoria Smith

Show Highlights:

(00:00:00) Episode disclaimer, highlight, and introduction

(00:02:33) Welcoming today's guest, Victoria Smith.

(00:03:19) Who is Victoria Smith?

(00:05:35) State of Black Mental Health at HBCUs

(00:08:17) Factors Supporting Mental Health at HBCUs

(00:09:21) The existing sense of community

(00:10:23) How does the TRIO program help Abraham?

(00:11:47) Abraham's personal experience with depression and stigma

(00:13:22) Depression is a real thing.

(00:14:24) Barriers to Seeking Help

(00:15:30) Lack of knowledge, access, and trust in the medical field

(00:19:24) What is an endowment?

(00:20:29) The significant disparity in endowments between HBCUs and PWIs.

(00:23:16) This episode is powered by Speaks to Inspire, the mental health solution for young adults suffering in silence. Speaks 2 Inspire works with colleges and universities to create and implement safe, comprehensive programs for campuses nationwide.

(00:23:59) What does the Unapologetically Free do?

(00:25:34) Providing an inclusive environment for students to learn and thrive.

(00:26:17) What kind of assistance does unapologetically free provide to black colleges?

(00:27:00) Upcoming event: The Unite 2023

(00:29:50) The legacy and connections of UNCF within the HBCU community.

(00:32:21) How can we eradicate the mental health stigma?

(00:34:37) Increasing black people's access and utilization of mental health support.

(00:36:17) Eradication is the ultimate goal.

(00:36:30) What is mental health to Victoria Smith?

(00:37:04) Mental health is a journey of self-discovery and self-care.

(00:38:04) Unapologetically Free resources available on the website: https://www.unapologetically-free.org/

(00:40:06) Where to connect with Victoria?

(00:41:01) The 14 Ways to support your students' mental health guide

(00:41:47) If you need that support for your mental health, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 9-8-8 now. For local and national resources, go to http://www.speaks2inspire.com/resources. Join the Unlearn the Lies About Mental Health Facebook group: https://bit.ly/UTLcommunity.

(00:43:13) Outro

Key Takeaways:

"I believe in the importance of HBCUs in the Black community. I believe in their legacy." – Victoria Smith

"Thinking of everybody else in your family who you're there for and the legacy can sometimes be overwhelming as well, and so, you tend not to put yourself first." – Victoria Smith

"Being able to see yourself experience different cultures within your cultures, certain things you don't have to worry about because there's already a level of under...

COVID 19 made a huge impact on everyone’s lives, especially students. Today, we talk about the state of student mental and emotional health pre and post-pandemic and how our educational leaders can support them.

In a study conducted by The Jed Foundation (JED), 63% of students say that their emotional health is worse than before the COVID 19 pandemic, and 56% of students were significantly concerned with their ability to take care of their mental health hall. Students' emotional and mental health was negatively impacted during and as a result of the pandemic.

The reality is that we have all been affected in some way by the COVID 19 pandemic. And when we think about educational leaders, when we think about leaders in general, and especially students, we're all under a lot of pressure to still perform at a level that is effective and efficient, even in the midst of the pandemic.

Listen to this conversation to uncover the reality of students' emotional and mental health during the pandemic and learn practical steps you can take to support them.

Show Highlights:

(00:00:00) Episode disclaimer & highlight

(00:01:03) Introduction: Welcome to Unlearn the Lies Podcast

(00:02:05) We are back and in full effect!

(00:03:40) The state of student mental health during the pandemic

(00:06:26) 63% of students say their emotional health got worse during the pandemic

(00:10:53) Students are now looking for support for their mental & emotional health

(00:13:12) Message from our sponsor: Speaks 2 Inspire is the mental health solution for young adults suffering in silence. Learn about how your campus can benefit from partnering with Speaks 2 Inspire by visiting www.speaks2inspire.com.

(00:14:55) You don't need to be an expert to help.

(00:16:50) Step 1: Shift to a growth mindset

(00:18:16) Step 2: Model empathy & create a safe space for students

(00:20:33) Step 3: Decrease stigma and normalize these conversations (talk about mental health, mental illness, seeking support)

(00:22:13) Step 4: Make a list of and promote campus resources (CAPS, Health/Wellness Center, student organizations)

(00:27:25) Step 5: Host an event (mental health awareness, campus-wide mental health screening.) Contact Speaks 2 Inspire to bring an S2I Speaker to campus www.speaks2inspire.com

(00:30:18) Join our growing community on Facebook (https://bit.ly/UTLcommunity)

(00:32:12) Summary and outro

Key Takeaways:

“You don't need to be an expert to help, you just need to care and be willing to meet students where they are. When you understand that you don't need to be the expert, it now puts you in a position to point your students to an expert if they so choose or need to get that sort of support.”

“Shifting to a growth mindset says that ‘this situation that my students are experiencing or that I'm experiencing is not the end all be all. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope from this situation. I can do something.”

“The more we decrease stigma and normalize these conversations, the more likely students are to open up. The more likely they are to get support. And if students are getting support, they're more likely to finish school and become successful professionals.”

Unlearn The Lies About Mental Health is Hosted by Abraham Sculley

• Contact Speaks 2 Inspire to learn about S2I programs: https://speaks2inspire.com/services/.
• Mental health resources for students: https://speaks2inspire.com/resources/.
• Connect with Abraham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrahamsculley/.
• Order a copy of Unlearn The Lies https://amzn.to/32B2jRh.
• Join the Unlearn The Lies About Mental Health Facebook group: https://bit.ly/UTLcommunity.

This episode is powered by Speaks 2 Inspire, the mental health solution for young adults suffering in silence. Speaks 2 Inspire works with colleges and universities to create and implement safe, comprehensive programs for campuses across the nation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis please reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting “Home” to 741741 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255.