Blacks, Asians, and Latinos each have differing beliefs regarding the causes of mental illness when compared to White Americans... Black folks tend to view mental illness as caused by stress and loss. For Asians, family issues, medical illness and cultural differences... Latinos? Loss of family and friends, family issues, and moving to a different place... Vince and Makeba discuss some of the differences and similarities with Cuban born Joaquin Martinez of Encite Counseling as we work to build Cultural Partnerships!

When you are involved in activism, community organizing, or social justice work, caring for yourself is tough. The emotional demands can quickly drain your energy reserves. People who pour themselves into advocating for the less fortunate forget to prioritize their own needs. Vince and Makeba are here to teach you that with a consistent regimen of self-care strategies, you can stay sustained over the long haul to keeping doing the important activist work you do.

Many parents grapple with what it means to have a kid with mental illness. Am I a bad parent? Have I failed my child? Is there anything I could have done differently? Join Vince and Makeba as they tackle this tough topic. You are not alone! There are many resources there to help you and your child. Ultimately the most important thing you can do is to love and support your child. Just remember: it’s a process.

In the Black American community, many people misunderstand what a mental health condition is and don’t talk about this topic. Some may think of depression as “the blues” or something to snap out of. Spiritual beliefs, finances, the lack of therapists that look like you etc., all adds up to folks not getting the help they deserve! Vince and Makeba discuss the barriers and provide some solutions to getting the help you need!

Whether young or old, the verdict is still out if social media is having a detrimental effect on our mental health. While social media platforms can have their benefits, using them too frequently can make you feel increasingly unhappy and isolated in the long run. On this episode Vince and Makeba tackle this subject and uncover ways social media could be negatively affecting your mental health without you even realizing it...

On this episode, Makeba and Vince attend a Therapist Mixer in the Atlanta area where they meet Mother and Daughter Licensed Professional Counselors Donna Wade and Magaen Harris of CEO Professionals Services LLC. We spotlight this unique dynamic duo and learn what a rewarding career can be had for those that work to help others in the mental health arena!

We talk with Dr. Katrina Pittman, owner of A Paradigm Shift, LLC, a Counseling, Psychotherapy, Coaching and Consulting practice located in East Point, Georgia.

With over a decade of diverse experiences and a terminal degree in Counseling Psychology, Dr. Pittman works with young children, adolescents, and adults providing an array of services. Her professional experiences reach across educational, psychological, behavioral, judicial and social spectrums.

Depending on the data source, the statistics for divorce in the Black Community has been placed as high as 70%! Many reasons abound, however that number is truly mind blowing... On this episode we discuss with Dr. J Parker Griffin Jr., a behaviorally-based approach designed to help couples thrive in their relationships. Let's start this new year with Renewed Love Relationships!!!

On the next #BlackMentalMatters Podcast... Holiday-related stress and the ‘holiday blues’—feelings of disappointment, sadness, fatigue or frustration—are not unusual” during this time of year. The Holiday Blues are often temporary, but for many the holidays can be immensely stressful and emotionally taxing... Listen in as Vince and Makeba provide some tips and advice on how to make this Season bright!

Georgia-based teen entrepreneurs Hannah and Charlie Lucas are the creators of the notOK App™, a digital panic button to get immediate support from a trusted group of pre-selected people. Whether you’re a teen or an adult suffering from loneliness, anxiety, depression, stress, suicidal thoughts, or anything else, immediate help is only the tap of a button away. Hear Hannah's story and learn how this family turned the technology tables on mental illness...