Mental Black Mom

What happens when the "gifted kid" grows up, loses everything, and almost doesn't make it out?

In this episode, Cimone Anique — Certified Peer Specialist and founder of MentalBlkMom, Inc. — tells her whole story. From Spelman College to single motherhood, from a late ADHD diagnosis to a major depressive episode that brought her to her knees, Cimone holds nothing back.

She talks about the anxiety she carried for years without a name for it. About hitting a rock bottom so deep she wasn't sure she'd find her way back. And about what saved her — community, therapy, peer support, and learning that everything she'd been through wasn't failure. It was preparation.

This one is for every Black woman who has ever felt like too much and not enough at the same time.

You are not broken. And you don't have to do this alone.

🖤 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Keep in touch:

www.cimoneanique.co

IG: cimone.anique

Threads: cimone.anique

TikTok: youciiime

Support The Mental Health Mission:

www.mentalblkmom.com

IG: mentalblkmom

DONATE:

www.mentalblkmom.com/donate

https://givebutter.com/mentalblkmominc

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M2DVVZZZYA32G

In this episode, Cimone Anique discusses the significance of Black joy in the face of societal challenges. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, mental health, and the need to prioritize joy as a form of resistance. Cimone shares personal experiences and encourages listeners to create a joy list to help navigate through difficult times while maintaining a positive mindset.

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Change and Celebrating Joy

00:59 The Importance of Black Joy

06:25 Navigating the Weight of the World

09:53 Finding Joy Amidst Struggles

13:49 The Radical Nature of Joy

17:41 Creating Your Joy List

Keywords:

Black Joy, self-care, mental health, resistance, community, joy, black women, happiness, personal growth, emotional well-being

Socials:

CImone Anique - IG: @YouCiiiMe

MBM Inc IG/TikTok: @MentalBlkMom

www.mentalblkmom.com

Need support & Community? Check out our FREE support group from black moms

⁠www.mentablkmom.com/bloomhouse

Ever wonder what it really means to be a Certified Peer Specialist In Mental Health (CPS-MH)— or how this certification can change the way you show up for your healing and your community? In this episode, host Cimone Anique gets personal about her own journey through CPS-MH training, why it was more than a class — it was a calling — and how Black women can use peer support as a powerful tool in therapy, motherhood, and self-discovery.

We dive into:
What a CPS-MH is and the history behind the certification
How peer support bridges the gap between clinical therapy and lived experience

How Black women can use CPS-MH services alongside traditional and holistic mental health care
My personal story — from training to transformation
Ways to find or become a CPS-MH in your area

If you’re a Black woman looking for mental health support that understands your culture, your motherhood journey, and your healing style, this episode is your sign.

• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS-MH) Information:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

  • National Association of Peer Supporters (NAPS)

  • Mental Health America – Peer Support Training

  • Check your local state mental health department website for CPS-MH certification requirements.

• Additional Resources for Black Women in Mental Health:

  • Therapy for Black Girls

  • Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)

• The Loveland Foundation

  Free Virtual Mental Health & Wellness Support Group for Black Mothers : https://www.mentalblkmom.com/bloomhouse

  
  

  CONNECT WITH US:

  
  

  Instagram @ mentalblkmom

  TikTok: @ mentalblkmom

  Email: [email protected]

In this episode, host Cimone Anique delves into the complexities of PMDD, ADHD, and the impact of hormonal fluctuations on mental health. She shares personal experiences and insights on how these conditions intertwine, offering practical advice on cycle syncing and self-care. Cimone emphasizes the importance of understanding one's body and mental space, encouraging listeners to honor their unique rhythms and challenges. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that aims to empower and support those navigating similar journeys.

Socials:

CImone Anique - IG: @YouCiiiMe

MBM Inc IG/TikTok: @MentalBlkMom

www.mentalblkmom.com

Need support & Community? Check out our FREE support group from black moms

www.mentablkmom.com/bloomhouse

Episoded Sources:

https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/health/period/hormone-levels-during-cycle

https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd 

https://adhdonline.com/articles/adhd-and-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder/

https://ibcces.org/learning/menstrual-cycle-phases-and-adhd-why-cycle-syncing-is-essential/

https://www.absoluteadvocacy.org/dopamine-and-estrogen-a-surprising-relationship/ 

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/what-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/premenstrual-dysphoria-disorder-its-biology-not-a-behavior-choice-2017053011768

In this episode of the Mental Black Mom podcast, Cimone Anique shares her personal experiences with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and its intersection with ADHD. She discusses how RSD has impacted her self-esteem, career aspirations, and social interactions. Through her journey, she highlights the importance of self-awareness, therapy, and community support in overcoming the challenges posed by RSD. Cimone encourages listeners to face their fears and embrace their worth, reminding them that they are... magic

Connect with us!

Instagram:

@mentalblkmom

@youciiime

Audio clip:

TIKTOK @ireadhuney - Jina with a J

https://www.tiktok.com/@ireadhuney/video/7479914339328134430

website: www.mentalblkmom.com

DONATE: https://givebutter.com/mentalblkmominc

Email: [email protected]

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

01:21 Exploring Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)

02:19 Understanding RSD and Its Impact

10:26 Personal Experiences with RSD and Self-Esteem

13:44 Career Aspirations and Self-Sabotage

20:44 Social Anxiety and Networking Challenges

25:49 Rumination and Overthinking

32:17 Grieving Missed Opportunities and Growth

35:03 Tools for Overcoming RSD

38:38 Conclusion and Encouragement

In this raw and transformative episode, Cimone Anique sits down with Jemanekia Eborn—also known as The Trauma Queen—to unpack the complexities of trauma, survival, and reclaiming agency. Jemanekia shares her powerful origin story, from surviving the murder of her mother to becoming a fierce advocate, sexuality educator, and founder of Tending the Garden, a healing space for marginalized sexual assault survivors.

Through laughter, brutal honesty, and radical empathy, they discuss the limitations of traditional mental health models, the importance of culturally relevant care, and why Jemanekia prefers the title “trauma companion” over therapist or coach. This episode is a masterclass in meeting people where they are, the need for community-based healing, and the urgency of breaking generational cycles.

Topics Covered:

• Jemanekia’s deeply personal journey through trauma and survival

• Her work as a rape crisis counselor and trauma companion

• The failures of traditional clinical mental health systems

• The power of culturally competent, non-clinical healing spaces

• Why sex education must be comprehensive, inclusive, and age-appropriate

• The intersections of race, trauma, and societal shame

• Building Tending the Garden and creating spaces for survivors that don’t exist elsewhere

• Eastern vs. Western medicine in healing and mental health

• The role of humor in trauma-informed support

• The mental toll of being a Black woman in America—and the power in reclaiming joy

Resources Mentioned:

• Tending the Garden

• The Jimanekia Project

• Sentima (Intimacy Coordination Co.)

• Follow Jemanekia on Instagram

Cimone is joined this week by Sunshine Lewis for a conversation on utilizing religion and spirituality to maintain a positive outlook and mental space in the face of darkness be it external or internal.Sunshine Lewis is an author, speaker, and mental health advocate dedicated to creating spaces for healing, growth, and real conversation. Through her books and events, she helps people navigate their mental health journey with honesty, compassion, and courage. Sunshine is passionate about reminding others they're not alone and that their story matters. https://sunshinelewis.gumroad.com/l/devotionalIG @sunshinemlewis TikTok @2blovedbyshine

This week Cimone is joined by Dani Ellison who specializes in helping black women heal from narcissistic relationships with their mothers. Tune in to hear what she recommends to start your healing journey, what options you have, steps to help you re-parent your inner child, and learn what it could be like if you choose to no contact.

If you are interest in learn more please connect with Dani using the links below:

Subscribe to my Mailing List: https://ellisonink.com

Book Your First Session: calendly.com/ellisonink/enroll

1:1 Coaching for Black Moms: https://ellisonink.com/momdetox

The Going NoContactGuide: ttps://www.ellisonink.com/product-page/the-going-no-contact-guide

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@daniwentnocontactIG: instagram.com/daniwentnocontact

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1126982218186471

Let's talk about digital wellness, what it is, and the truth about cyberstalking. Joined by Raenae Thompson of SociaLight Stars, we will explore the truth about social media and how it can impact mental health.

" SociaLight Stars is a non-profit organization that educates the community and guides those who have been affected by social media trauma and cyberbullying, into a space of healing, through motivational videos, digital citizenship education and the SociaLight Stars podcast on YouTube. "

Connect with Raenae:

@socialightstars on IG, FB, TIK TOK & YOUTUBE

www.socialightstars.org

Support the MBM mission and stay connected:

Donate:

⁠⁠https://givebutter.com/mentalblkmominc⁠⁠

Instagram:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mentalblkmom/⁠⁠

Facebook:

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mentalblkmom/⁠⁠

Join the Online Community:

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/mentalblkmom⁠⁠

Threads:

⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@youciiime⁠⁠

Website:

⁠⁠www.mentalblkmom.com

This week Cimone is joined by Chandel Stallworth of Curls and Pilates.

Join us as we discuss the differences in perimenopause for Black women, all things pilates, and holistic remedies.

Connect with Chandell:

IG: @curlsandpilates

TikTok: @thepilatesintrovert

www.curlsandpilates.com

Support the MBM mission and stay connected:

Donate:

⁠https://givebutter.com/mentalblkmominc⁠

Instagram:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/mentalblkmom/⁠

Facebook:

⁠https://www.facebook.com/mentalblkmom/⁠

Join the Online Community:

⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/mentalblkmom⁠

Threads:

⁠https://www.threads.net/@youciiime⁠

Website:

⁠www.mentalblkmom.com