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Have you ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of constant productivity, feeling guilty at the mere thought of taking a break? That nagging voice saying you're lazy if you rest, or the fear that everything will fall apart if you step away? You're not alone. Breaking free from productivity addiction requires recognizing that your worth isn't measured by output. Your value exists independent of what you produce.

In this episode explores how important rest is to our mind, body and spirit. Rest isn't laziness or weakness—it's essential maintenance.  Drawing on the folk legend of John Henry, we examine how this "John Henryism" syndrome particularly impacts Black men, contributing to alarming rates of heart disease, hypertension, and mental health challenges.

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Part 2 of our discussion provides further insight into how spiritual healing, personal growth and transformation takes place in the therapy space. We tackle the profound question: "What does a church with healthy counseling look like?" by exploring the parallels between therapeutic principles and biblical truths. From David's raw emotional processing in Psalm 51 to Jesus demonstrating emotional regulation throughout his ministry, the Bible showcases numerous examples of mental health concepts. 

Are you struggling to reconcile your faith with your need for mental health support? This conversation offers permission and encouragement to embrace both paths as complementary aspects of your healing journey. You don't have to choose—the fullness of your wellbeing includes both your spiritual and emotional health.

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What happens when your mental health crisis collides with your spiritual identity? Depression doesn't discriminate, even among the faithful. Faith is the foundation for believers, but therapy is faith at work. 

Featured in this episode is, Gregory Alexander, who opens up about his journey through homelessness, depression, and suicidal thoughts despite his faith and commitment to the church. "When everything around you is crumbling and it seems like you're the linchpin to everything," Gregory reflects, "you often think that if everything doesn't go right, it's because you dropped something."

The episode challenges the narrative that Christians don't need therapy if they have faith. Host Joe Blue and Gregory explore how this mindset prevents countless believers from accessing mental health support while honoring their faith. The solution lies not in choosing between faith and mental health support, but in recognizing how they complement each other.

For believers struggling with depression or anxiety, for therapists of faith navigating professional boundaries, and for anyone wanting to understand the powerful integration of spirituality and mental healthcare – this episode offers wisdom, vulnerability, and hope. Subscribe, share with someone who needs this message, and join the conversation about faith and feelings.

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When life forces us to step outside our comfort zones, why do we as men struggle so much with the vulnerability that change requires? Transitioning through life's changes requires vulnerability, self-reflection, and community support as we navigate the fear of judgment, redefine success, and embrace new identities beyond our professional titles. This episode touches on the following topics:

• The challenge men face in stepping outside comfort zones when transitioning through life changes
• How our identities become intertwined with professional titles and accomplishments
• Fear of judgment and the recurring thought "what will people think of me?"
• Importance of having the right people around you who can provide honest feedback
• Developing effective communication skills during transitions
• Corporate identity crisis when leaving long-term positions
• Learning to trust the process rather than controlling every outcome
• Finding spiritual grounding as an anchor during times of change
• Navigating family dynamics and relationships during career transitions
• Redefining success as a non-linear journey rather than perfect execution
• Allowing ourselves to grieve past identities to embrace new growth

Join us in our monthly mental health support group for Black men on the first Tuesday of every month where we continue these important conversations in a safe space. 

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This episode discusses the transformative journey of embracing therapy and mental health. The host shares his personal experiences with panic attacks, the stress of corporate life, and the vital lessons learned through therapy on establishing boundaries, vulnerability, and self-acceptance. 
• Exploring personal encounters with panic attacks 
• The impact of stress on mental health and well-being 
• The essential role of therapy in personal growth 
• Navigating feelings of invisibility in professional settings 
• Establishing boundaries to protect mental health 
• Understanding different types of therapy and therapists 
• The link between mental, emotional, and physical health 
• Breaking the stigma around seeking help and vulnerability 
• Recognizing therapy as vital maintenance for mental health

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Let's stay connected - linktr.ee/blackmenembracingfeelings

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Your presence is needed! This episode emphasizes the critical importance of a male presence in the lives of children and communities. Topics discussed include detrimental effects of a father's absence, or the absence of a positive male figure, its impact on one's identity and self-worth, and advocating for emotional engagement and accountability amongst men. The conversation highlights the need for healing, the role of positive male influences, and the importance of mental health in fostering supportive relationships.

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In this episode, we'll talk about different ways to challenge our anxious and depressive thoughts. One of the ways is through identifying the core beliefs that may be contributing to our depressive and anxious thoughts. Our core beliefs are the governing beliefs that we we hold about ourselves, others, and the world around us. What we say, think and believe about ourselves matter. Also, why we think this way about ourselves or others matters just as much! It's important to understand how and why we hold certain beliefs about ourselves, challenge them and work to change them, especially if it contributes to our depressive and anxious thoughts. 

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Let's stay connected - linktr.ee/blackmenembracingfeelings

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This episode raises the awareness of the "mask(s)" that we casually wear to protect us from the fear of our vulnerabilities being exposed. During this episode, we look to challenge  the purpose of our mask(s) that we wear and assess if it really does help us or contribute to the challenges we believe our mask is protecting us from. We'll then cover effective ways in which we can safely dismantle our mask(s) which are ineffective. This is pivotal in satisfying our desire to live as authentically as possible without relying on a mask which may hinder our self-expression, understanding of self and allowing our true needs and desires to be met. 

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