In this episode of Mental Health Unscripted, Iyana Anderson, Licensed Social Worker and CEO of Well Together, invites you to pause and reflect on a question that’s often overlooked: How are you truly taking care of yourself?

Iyana shares personal insights about why self-care can feel so challenging and how guilt, societal expectations, and outdated narratives can stand in the way. She offers practical and compassionate tools to help you reconnect with your needs and prioritize your well-being.

Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. As Iyana reminds us, “Self-care is giving the world the best of you instead of what’s left of you.”

Tune in for this thoughtful and inspiring check-in episode, packed with affirmations, actionable strategies, and gentle reminders to honor yourself as you navigate the challenges and joys of life.

This special episode is a short but meaningful dose of gratitude, perfect for your busy day or navigating the holiday season. In just a few minutes, we’ll explore how gratitude can anchor us when the world feels heavy and why it’s more than just a buzzword—it’s a lifeline. I’ll share a personal reflection, some science-backed benefits of gratitude, and practical ways to embrace it, even when it feels hard. Join me as we pause, reflect, and find moments of light together. Because no matter what’s happening around us, gratitude can help us through. Let’s take this moment to breathe, be present, and give thanks.

In this episode, we dive into the 8 Dimensions of Wellness framework, exploring how each dimension contributes to our overall well-being. I’ll introduce you to the eight dimensions emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual—and walk you through practical examples of how you can nurture each one.

You’ll learn how to integrate these dimensions into your daily life, empowering you to create a holistic approach to wellness. For instance, you can enhance your emotional wellness by practicing gratitude through journaling, and you can support your social wellness by reaching out to friends and family regularly. By the end of this episode, you'll have three practical strategies to start using the 8 Dimensions of Wellness framework today, helping you build a more balanced and fulfilling life.

To assist you on this journey, I invite you to check out the Wellness Starts with You wellness journal, designed around the 8 Dimensions of Wellness framework. You can find it here. Additionally, the Feelings Wheel is a great tool for better understanding and expressing your emotions, while the 8 Dimensions of Wellness Assessment can help you evaluate your current wellness levels in each area.

Join me as we explore these dimensions and uncover the small, actionable steps you can take to foster a more holistic approach to your mental and emotional health!

In this powerful episode, we delve into the sensitive but vital topic of suicide prevention. We share crucial statistics to provide perspective, reflect on personal and professional experiences, and discuss how to navigate conversations about suicide with compassion and understanding. You'll also hear practical tips on supporting someone in crisis, including how to ask the right questions, listen without judgment, and connect them to help. For more tools and resources, including our mental health pocket guide, visit www.mindfulnavigator.org. Let's continue spreading hope and breaking the stigma together.

Welcome to Mental Health Unscripted, hosted by Iyana Anderson, a licensed social worker and CEO of Well Together LLC. In this premiere episode, Iyana introduces the vision behind the podcast—an open, non-judgmental space where mental health and holistic wellness are front and center. This episode is filled with personal insights, professional experiences, and a deep dive into the Eight Dimensions of Wellness framework.

Key Highlights: Iyana briefly shares her personal story of grief, depression, and anxiety, which inspired her to create a platform focused on mental health. Her lived experiences, along with her professional work with Black and Brown communities, highlight the importance of breaking mental health stigma.    She also introduces the Eight Dimensions of Wellness—emotional, physical, spiritual, financial, environmental, intellectual, occupational, and social—and how balancing these can lead to improved mental health. Each dimension plays a role in shaping overall well-being.

Finally, this episode explores the significance of community professionals, entrepreneurs, and wellness practitioners who support mental health and holistic well-being. Iyana promises a diverse lineup of guests in future episodes; all focused on bringing practical tools and real stories to help listeners in their mental health journeys.

Resources Mentioned: Eight Dimensions of Wellness Framework by Dr. Margaret Swarbrick

Stay Connected: Follow Iyana on Instagram: [@WellTogetherLLC] Visit her website: [Well Together LLC]

If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a review. Share it with friends and family who might benefit from these important discussions on mental health. Remember: Wellness starts with you, but ends with us!

Are you just starting your mental health journey or finding it tough to pick up where you left off? Welcome to Mental Health Unscripted. I’m Iyana Anderson, a Licensed Social Worker and CEO of Well Together, and I’m here to offer you a safe, non-judgmental space for whole-person mental health discussions.

I remember when I was 14, and my younger cousin, just 12 years old, passed away. Coming from an Antiguan family, we didn't really know how to cope with the grief. The impact of that loss lingered for years, and without the right support, I struggled to understand and process what I was going through. This experience profoundly affected my mind, body, and spirit.

As I got older, I finally learned more about mental health and took the courageous step to start therapy, which transformed my healing journey. Facing my own mental health challenges and the stigma within my community, I want to create a space where we can openly discuss mental health, understand its impact on the whole person, and fill our wellness toolbox with various practices and resources.

Each week, I’ll be joined by a diverse range of experts—from mental health professionals and wellness practitioners to entrepreneurs. Together, we’ll share our expertise, relatable experiences, and tangible tips to help you achieve mental wellness.

So whether you’re looking for guidance, inspiration, or just a comforting voice, tune in to Mental Health Unscripted. Your journey to mental wellness starts here.

As we like to say, Wellness starts with you, but it ends with us. Visit our website at www.welltogether.us to join us on the journey.