On this special edition episode of Kea's 30th birthday, Kea's mom joins the podcast to discuss her personal mental health journey and what she's learned from her daughter.

References/Resources: 

 Online Therapy With BetterhelpTake an assessment and get matched with a therapist, click here.Online therapy via video, phone, chat and audio with a licensed therapist at a fraction of the cost of traditional therapyGet 10% off your first month just for being a supporter of this podcastWhere to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation?

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Momma Firefly (Happy 30th Birthday)

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 a common dilemma that peer support specialists and loved ones face when providing support to people who are struggling emotionally. When is it appropriate to share our personal stories of recovery? Does sharing our story take away from the individual who needs support? 

Spotlight
Dr. Antoinette "Bonnie" Candia-Bailey served as Lincoln University's Vice President of Student Affairs. She died by suicide on January 8, 2024 at the age of 49. 

Resource
The Maryland Addictions and Behavioral Health Professionals Certification Board (MABPCB) oversees the process of becoming a certified peer support specialist in Maryland.  The Board provides a detailed overview including mandatory trainings, education requirements, employment opportunities and much more. 

If you are outside the state of Maryland, please search peer support/peer recovery in your state. Most states will have their own process if you are interested in becoming a peer.  Community Changemaker 
Jason Phillips, LCSW, is a mental health therapist, life coach, speaker and college professor who founded Peace & Prosperity Coaching where he helps others to enhance their self-love and confidence. Jason hosts a podcast of the same name, the Peace and Prosperity Podcast, which covers topics related to peace, happiness, and success.  Moment of Inspiration  
If you struggle to find the right words to say when providing support to a loved one, peer, or client, do not fret. Collectively, we can learn effective ways to provide support. As more people learn, we increase opportunities to assist others during their time of need.  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 the 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!

To Share or Not to Share? Deciding When It's Appropriate to Share Your Recovery Story

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.







Momma Firefly (Happy 30th Birthday)

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