Nurjahan Boulden: Part 1

Before you listen to this week’s episode, please be cautious as we will be discussing gun violence and other trauma. If you think that this information could be potentially triggering for you, please be aware of and nurturing to your mental & emotional wellbeing and listen at your own discretion. I am so excited to have this discussion with Nurjahan, but just want to remind you that none of what you are hearing today is an attempt to diagnose. It should also not be taken as a replacement for professional care, or a reason to dismiss or delay it.

Lana has a conversation with Nurjahan about surviving gun violence, how to not let triggers consume you, and the inner work needed to heal. The ladies talk about common anxiety reactions and why we do them. Nurjahan walks us through the night she was shot and her mindset during the event. How did she process what was happening? What was she focusing on in the moment? And who helped her release guilt for surviving? The ladies talk about how dealing with trauma is the only way to heal it, and that trying to run from it only prolongs the process and pain. Nurjahan talks to us about what things might still trigger her and how she actively works against those things so that they don’t consume her.

We hear Lana and Nurjahan talk about how some of the stereotypes they have been put into has contributed to their strength, and why they believe generalizing isn’t the way to go. What does talking about your trauma do? How we can we prepare ourselves to talk about it? How do we teach people to give us what we need in that moment?

Strong & supportive friends need support too, check on your strong friends.

Nurjahan’s Instagram: instagram.com/nurjahanboulden

Podcast Instagram: instagram.com/whiskeyandlemonpodcast

Podcast Website: whiskeyandlemon.com

Lana’s Instagram: instagram.com/heylanamercedez

Lana’s Website: lanamercedez.com

Resources:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjodxuhgNGA

If you are in a potentially life-threatening situation, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day.

Get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area. Speak to a live person, Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST. SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline: 877-SAMHSA7 (877-726-4727).

If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your confidential and toll-free call goes to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals. 800-273-TALK (8255) or use their live online chat.