In this week's episode, Kea speaks candidly about how a conversation with friends made her realize that she has a hard time explaining what depression is like for her. It also makes it challenging for others to understand. She encourages us to be mindful when comparing experiences because it can minimize the other person's experience. According to the WHO study, depression is the leading disability in the world and it should be treated as such. 

References/Resources:

Therapist Shout-Out: Pathways To New Beginnings Located In Largo, Md
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/pathways-2-new-beginnings-llc-largo-md/403541?sid=1539559162.8611_2893&search;=20774&zipcode;=20774&ref;=2&tr;=ResultsName 

Mind, Body & Soulness: Win The God Is My CEO Prayer Journal: Here’s how to enter! 1. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and join the Fireflies Unite Facebook group. 2. Leave the podcast a review on Apple Podcasts. 3. If you do not listen on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fireflies-unite-podcast-with-kea/id1318497888?mt=) , leave a review on the podcast page on the website (www.firefliesunitecom/podcast or Soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/firefliesunite) 

Where to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation? Twitter: www.twitter.com/firefliespod Instagram: www.instagram.com/firefliespod “Like Us” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firefliespod Join the Fireflies Unite: Healthy Minds Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1714131805325103/ 

Send suggested topics to kea@firefliesunite.com 

Hear from the stories of those thriving in their mental health recovery LIVE on stage!  Kea is producing the This Is My Brave Arlington Show on October 21, 2018 Get your tickets! https://app.mobilecause.com/form/Rao--w 

I'm Not Lazy. I'm In A Depression (It's A Disability)

Black People Die By Suicide Too Podcast&nbsp; (formerly Fireflies Unite Podcast with Kea) is hosted by T-Kea Blackman and Jordan Scott. Their mission is simple; normalize the conversation about suicide in the Black community, provide hope, and resources.&nbsp; New episodes are available bi-weekly on Wednesdays.


Follow Podcast On IG &amp; TikTok: @blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo
Podcast Website: www.blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org/
Email Us: info@blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org

T-Kea's IG: @t_keablackman
Jordan's IG: @thelatebluumer

If you are in a mental health crisis, dial "988."

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

Social Sciences

Science & Medicine

Science

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

Self-Improvement

Introduction
T-Kea and Jordan discuss the ins and outs of anxiety and its potential effects on the ability to manage day to day life.

Spotlight
Malik Webber died by suicide on March 17, 2020 at the age of 21. Click here to read more about Malik and metro Chicago's increase in suicide deaths during 2020.

Resource
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occuring disorders through aligning research, practice, and education. Check out their website.

Additional Resources
Listen to the Redefining Wealth Podcast by Patrice Washington.

Check out this template for more information on how to use a thought record. Community Changemaker 
Amber Benziger, MS, LPC, CCTP, is a therapist and coach who focuses on those with anxiety and over-thinkers. She is the creator of The Anxiety Lab and The Managed Mind Podcast.

 Moment of Inspiration  
Que sera, sera: Whatever will be, will be! Jay Livingston and Ray Evans

 God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. - The Serenity Prayer 

 Connect with Us 
Follow us on IG
Follow us on TikTok
Follow us on Youtube
Follow T-Kea on IG and TikTok
Follow Jordan on IG

Donate 
Your support helps us to fulfill our mission of preventing suicide in Black community. 
Support the cause! 

Shop 
Get your merch and support the show!

Events
Black & Suicidal: Peer Support Group
Date: Monday, April 29, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Get your tickets now!

Disclaimer
Information shared on our platforms, including details about individuals lost to suicide, is sourced from loved ones, social media, and/or news. Efforts are made for accuracy and sensitivity, but data may be incomplete. If you're a family member seeking to add or correct information, email us at info@blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org. We honor families' wishes and promptly address concerns. We approach this topic with care and respect. Thank you for understanding. Sending love and light!

Anxiety Unfiltered! - Part 2

Introduction
T-Kea and Jordan discuss the ins and outs of anxiety and its potential effects on the ability to manage day to day life.

Spotlight
Malik Webber died by suicide on March 17, 2020 at the age of 21. Click here to read more about Malik and metro Chicago's increase in suicide deaths during 2020.

Resource
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occuring disorders through aligning research, practice, and education. Check out their website.

Additional Resources
Check out The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health by Dr. Rheeda Walker. Watch and listen to Dr. Walker's episode on our podcast! Community Changemaker 
Amber Benziger, MS, LPC, CCTP, is a therapist and coach who focuses on those with anxiety and over-thinkers. She is the creator of The Anxiety Lab and The Managed Mind Podcast.

 Moment of Inspiration  
Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles; it takes away today's peace. - Randy Armstrong

When thinking about life, remember this: not amount of guilt can change the past, and no amount of anxiety can change the future. - Unknown

 Connect with Us 
Follow us on IG
Follow us on TikTok 
Follow us on Youtube
Follow T-Kea on IG and TikTok
Follow Jordan on IG

Donate 
Your support helps us to fulfill our mission of preventing suicide in Black community. 
Support the cause! 

Shop 
Get your merch and support the show!

Events
Want to become involved with BPDBST? Attend our committee interest meeting!
Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Sign up here!

Black & Suicidal: Peer Support Group
Date: Monday, April 29, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Get your tickets now!

Disclaimer
Information shared on our platforms, including details about individuals lost to suicide, is sourced from loved ones, social media, and/or news. Efforts are made for accuracy and sensitivity, but data may be incomplete. If you're a family member seeking to add or correct information, email us at info@blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org. We honor families' wishes and promptly address concerns. We approach this topic with care and respect. Thank you for understanding. Sending love and light!

Anxiety Unfiltered! - Part 1| Black People Die By Suicide Podcast

Introduction
T-Kea and Jordan are joined by Mark Harrison to discuss the importance of recognizing and supporting the mental health of Black men and boys. Mark is a clinical mental health counselor, mental health advocate, and Army veteran who survived two suicide attempts. 

Spotlight
Charles Johnson, former NFL wide receiver, died by suicide on July 17, 2022 at the age of 50. Charles played for the Steelers, Eagles, Patriots, and Bills before retiring. He was the Assistant Athletic Director at Heritage High School in Wake Forest, NC at the time of his passing.

Resource
The Confess Project of America is a national organization that fosters mental health advocacy in the Black barber and beauty industry by building awareness, breaking stigma, and increasing access to care within the communities they serve. You can check out the organization’s IG at @theconfessprojectofamerica.

Community Changemaker 
Kofi “Kizzle” Forson, founder of Express Yourself Black Man, a podcast and healing community for black men. You can check out Kizzle's work on IG at @ExpressYourselfBlackMan. 

Moment of Inspiration  
“Black man, it’s okay to not be okay. Black man, there is nothing you cannot do or attain in this world. Black man, you are a powerful force in this world. Black man, you are not alone. Black man, you are loved.”  - Kizzle

Connect with Us 
Follow us on IG
Follow us on TikTok 
Follow us on Youtube
Follow T-Kea on IG and TikTok
Follow Jordan on IG

Donate 
Your support helps us to fulfill our mission of preventing suicide in Black community. 
Support the cause! 

Shop 
Get your merch and support the show!

Events
Black & Suicidal: Peer Support Group
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Get your tickets now!

Disclaimer
Information shared on our platforms, including details about individuals lost to suicide, is sourced from loved ones, social media, and/or news. Efforts are made for accuracy and sensitivity, but data may be incomplete. If you're a family member seeking to add or correct information, email us at info@blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org. We honor families' wishes and promptly address concerns. We approach this topic with care and respect. Thank you for understanding. Sending love and light!

Reflecting on the Mental Health of Black Men and Boys featuring Mark Harrison

Introduction
T-Kea and Jordan discuss the importance of speaking up when you have questions or concerns during the course of mental health treatment. Advocating for your needs is a great way to become an active participant in your recovery.

Spotlight
Chris Vaughn died by suicide in 2021 after struggling with PTSD. The following year, his mother, Deneen Vaughn, and brother, Cameron Vaughn, founded the Mind and Wellness Foundation in Chris’ honor. To learn more about Chris’ life and the foundation, visit https://www.mindandwellnessfoundation.org/.

Resource
The Black Women’s Mental Health Institute is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to building awareness of and support for the mental and holistic wellbeing of Black women and girls. BWMHI’s No More Martyrs Sisterhood Support Collective is an online community of support for Black women and girls managing mental health concerns. You can follow BWMHI on IG at @blackwomensmhi and @no_moremartyrs. 

Community Changemaker
Hydeia Broadbent was a prominent HIV/AIDS activist who gained media attention for being a part of America’s “first generation of children born HIV positive.” Hydeia’s mission was to use her life “as a prevention tool for those who are HIV negative to make informed decisions to stay HIV negative, and also for those living with HIV/AIDS to find hope and inspiration to not allow HIV or AIDS to hold them back from living their best life”. Hydeia passed away on February 20, 2024 at the age of 39. 

Moment of Inspiration
“We are no longer glamorizing being overly busy. We’re focusing on delegating, outsourcing, saying no, and organizing our current tasks. But we’re not chasing exhaustion this year.” - Kaya Nova

Connect with Us 
Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo/ 

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackpeoplediebysuicide2?_t=8cjqDTiqHbq&_r=1

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BPDBSTPodcast 

Follow T-Kea!
IG: https://www.instagram.com/t_keablackman/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@t_keablackman?_t=8bmrLfPUQV4&_r=1 

Follow Jordan!
IG:https://www.instagram.com/thelatebluumer/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D 

Donate
Your support helps us to fulfill our mission of preventing suicide in Black community. 

Support the cause! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=FQZGPR7S9CJUN 

Shop
Get your merch and support the show: https://bpdbst-podcast.printify.me/products 

Events
Black & Suicidal: Peer Support Group
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/march-black-suicidal-peer-support-group-tickets-850301252937?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Disclaimer
Information shared on our platforms, including details about individuals lost to suicide, is sourced from loved ones, social media, and/or news. Efforts are made for accuracy and sensitivity, but data may be incomplete. If you're a family member seeking to add or correct information, email us at info@blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org. We honor families' wishes and promptly address concerns. We approach this topic with care and respect. Thank you for understanding. Sending love and light.







Self-Advocacy During Mental Health Treatment

Introduction
T-Kea and Jordan are joined by Victor Armstrong, Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), to discuss a new initiative called L.E.T.S. Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities. 

Spotlight
Join us as we celebrate Renewed Resilience Day (considered one’s second birthday), created by Jordan and T-Kea. This is a special day designated for reflection and celebration of individuals who have survived suicide attempts. The primary goal is to encourage survivors to reshape their narrative and perceive this day as a meaningful opportunity to honor themselves. It serves as a powerful acknowledgment of resilience, fostering a sense of empowerment among those in recovery, and collectively appreciates the strength demonstrated in one’s journey.

Feb. 11th is T-Kea’s Renewed Resilience Day.

Fun fact: Feb. 13th is Jordan’s birthday.

Resource
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death. To learn more about AFSP and the L.E.T.S. Save Lives initiative, visit https://afsp.org/letssavelives/. Follow AFSP on Instagram at @afspnational.

Community Changemaker
Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble (known professionally as Dr. Alfiee) is a psychologist and founder of the mental health non-profit The AAKOMA Project. She also hosts the “Couched in Color with Dr. Alfiee” podcast.

Follow Dr. Alfiee on IG: @dralfiee

Check out the Aakoma Project: https://aakomaproject.org/

Check out the “Couched in Color” Podcast: https://dralfiee.com/couched-in-color/

Moment of Inspiration
We want to encourage survivors of suicide to think about your Renewed Resilience Day, your second chance at life. Whether your Renewed Resilience Day/Second Birthday is this month or not, we want you to take time to honor yourself and do something that will celebrate your recovery. 

Connect with Us 
Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo/ 

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackpeoplediebysuicide2?_t=8cjqDTiqHbq&_r=1

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BPDBSTPodcast 

Follow T-Kea!
IG: https://www.instagram.com/t_keablackman/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@t_keablackman?_t=8bmrLfPUQV4&_r=1 

Follow Jordan!

IG:https://www.instagram.com/thelatebluumer/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D 


Donate
Your support helps us to fulfil our mission of preventing suicide in Black community. 

Support the cause! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=FQZGPR7S9CJUN 
Shop
Get your merch and support the show: https://bpdbst-podcast.printify.me/products 
Events
Black & Suicidal: Peer Support Group
Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024
Time: 11 AM to 1 PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/797342572097?aff=oddtdtcreator 


10th Annual Peer Leadership Conference (virtual)
Date: February 21, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
https://www.edgereg.net/er/Registration/StepRegInfo.jsp?ActivityID=42465&StepNumber;=1&v;=ODA3NzBhZTgtZGEyOC00NGYzLTg3YTktZmRmODM0ZWFmN2Q4






I'm Not Lazy. I'm In A Depression (It's A Disability)

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