Mental Health Download: Exploring Mental Illness, Suicide, Homelessness and Incarceration

I am probably one of the most blessed people to come out of the building alive. I say that because I have no memory of that day and in getting to know others that were there, they seem to have a much harder time recovering from their memories than I did from my physical injuries. — Susan Walton, OKC Bombing Survivor

In this podcast, you’ll hear stories from a survivor of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, a firefighter and the grandmother of a survivor who was just a baby that horrible day. We are grateful for their courage and willingness to share these heartbreaking stories with us.

On today’s episode, you’ll hear Dr. Linda Barnum presenting at the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium to a virtual audience of approximately 500 attendees. That’s one of the largest breakout sessions we offered.

Dr. Barnum is an Assistant Professor of Human Relations for the University of Oklahoma. She is also a Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice focusing on trauma resolution.

In this episode, you’ll hear Dr. Barnum’s presentation that explores how the impact of

trans-generational trauma effects our experiences of who we are, how we relate to each other,

and how we understand our own traumatic experiences regarding events that happened before

we were born.

"All grief responses are normal, however, prolonged, unresolved, intense grief is not normal - Joanna Majka, the Grief Center

Listen to the Grief Center's Joanna Majka speak at the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium about the impact that grief and trauma have on the brain. You will discover how unresolved trauma can impact the ability to grieve. We will also look at the different strategies to help regulate a person who is stuck in a trauma response.

Download Joanna's presentation at zarrowsymposium.org/media.

Watch the video that Joanna played during this session (it's not included in the podcast): 

And you can still register for the virtual Symposium through March, 2021 and see all the keynotes and breakout sessions. Register at zarrowsymposium.org.

As the five score anniversary of the Tulsa tragedy approaches, let us exhale and let us breathe freely, oxygenating our efforts on three fronts. One, healing our history, Two, making an appreciative inquiry into our past. And, three, recommending to diversity, equity and inclusion. If we do this, we will have honored the memory of one of our darkest days by illuminating it with a bright new light. — Hannibal B. Johnson

On today’s episode, we’re playing Hannibal B. Johnson’s keynote address at the recent Zarrow Mental Health Symposium - Healing from Historical Trauma.

In Hannibal’s keynote titled "The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and Historical Racial Trauma," he explored the history of racial historical trauma in the United States and Oklahoma and discussed how we must think critically about our strategies for addressing the present legacy of historical racial trauma in America to pursue justice and healing.

You can still register for the virtual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium through March 2021 to see all keynote and breakout sessions. Register at zarrowsymposium.org.

"I couldn't help to think that, man, my great-great grandfather was running with my great-great grandmother and my great-grandfather in her belly during this time. They were running. They were experiencing what these people are experiencing in this series." —  Nehemiah D. Frank, The Black Wall Street Times

On today’s episode, we’re exploring the acclaimed HBO series, "Watchmen," and how it relates to Healing from Historical Trauma, which is the theme of this week’s virtual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As many fans know, the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre plays a key part in the series.

Our guest is Nehemiah D. Frank. The Tulsan is the founding publisher and editor-in-chief of The Black Wall Street Times.

Read Nehemiah's piece on "Watchmen" by clicking here.

And you can register for the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium by clicking here.

"1921 was a point in history that we all experienced, especially we can see that, that impact here in Tulsa, but guess what? The lingering effects are still here. And I feel like that is something that needs to be highlighted bolded and really still spoken about." --Joya Cleveland, Speaker, Zarrow Mental Health Symposium

On today’s episode, our guests are Joya Cleveland and Erika Stone-Burnett. They will be the co-presenters during the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium. They share about their session, "Historical Trauma: From Shackles to Sooners," and how it will provide mental health care providers with best-practice techniques for working with clients experiencing Colorist Historical Trauma, as well as ways to advocate.

Register for the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium at zarrowsymposium.org.

"I cannot ignore people who are facing poverty, discrimination because of their race and, of course, in the work I do every day with individuals who are being stigmatized or marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression." --Toby Jenkins, CEO & Executive Director of Oklahomans for Equality and the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

On today’s episode, our guests are Toby Jenkins, CEO & Executive Director of Oklahomans for Equality and the Dennis R Neill Equality Center, and he’s joined by Jose Vega, who serves as the Deputy Director of Oklahomans for Equality. You can learn more about Oklahomans for Equality at okeq.org

Our friend, Avarie Wilson, who serves as the Association’s Assistant Director of Development, asked Toby and Jose to be on the show today to talk about the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium session titled “Hxstories of Healing: LGBTNB+ Community Resilience.” You can register today for the virtual Symposium at zarrowsymposium.org.

"I would just want to tell everyone, please use your voice and be an advocate for transgender individuals -- not only to recognize and validate their identities, but to recognize their humanity. I hope everyone can take a moment out of their busy lives to tell HUD that they do not agree with this proposed rule change, but also signal to other people and the community that they are an ally, and that they're willing to stand up for the LGBTQ+ community." Whitney Cipolla, Advocacy Specialist, Mental Health Association Oklahoma

HUD's proposed rule change to the Equal Access Rule creates additional roadblocks for #transgender people who need access to shelters. For details, listen to this pod featuring Greg Shinn and Whitney Cipolla explaining why we need you to act today.

You can submit comments via the link > https://beta.regulations.gov/document/HUD-2020-0047-0001 until 11:59PM eastern time on September 22, 2020.

Read Greg Shinn's public statement on the rule change: 

"All these evil things are being done to us and around us, but we're still here and we're still fighting. And, you know, historically music has always been those kinds of roles,  in particular in war time. But it takes on a much more, I believe, intense meaning when it comes to people who know that every moment that deaths is around the corner for them." -- Drew Diamond, Presenter, Zarrow Mental Health Symposium

On today’s episode, our guests are Drew Diamond, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, and Nancy Pettus, its director of Holocaust Education.

Drew and Nancy will be featured at the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium during their session, "Holocaust Music: Playing for Our Lives."

The story of music in the ghettos and concentration camps is the story of a people's capacity to endure the most horrific of circumstances.

Register today at zarrowsymposium.org.

Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Tulsa: https://jewishtulsa.org/

NEW EPISODE > Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group Leader > mhaok.org/podcast

"Don't keep these things inside. Don't find unhealthy ways to try to make the feelings go away. Face them head on and find people that will support you as you face those battles."

Richard Turnham

Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group Leader

On today's episode, we continue celebrating National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week with an interview with Richard Turnham. He leads the Association's Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group. This group offers the opportunity to share, listen, teach and learn with others also overcoming the loss of a loved one to suicide. Get all the details at mhaok.org/supportgroups.

Additionally, learn more about the Association's Empowered Voices initiative at https://www.instagram.com/empoweredvoicesmhaok/