Refuse to Sink

Warning! Parental Advisory- (consists of strong language) Lauren discusses the different factors of bullying and how it can manifest into suicidal ideations. Bullying is often overlooked, causing the victim to feel hopeless and unworthy. It can build up for years within the victim until they have had enough and snap! For this episode, Lauren interviews Beck on their own personal experience from being bullied. Beck was bullied in the hallways at school for race, sexual identity and dressing androgynous . Beck had enough and stood up to them once and for all. Confidence was built, a diversity club was established, and Beck remained standing with a strong voice for others who have gone through similar situations. Just like Beck's story, victims continue to get bullied in the hallways, the workplace, at home and through the cyber world. These victims often feel trapped, or may feel like a burden to speak out. Lets continue to raise awareness on bullying and check on those who might be in the current struggle.

In this episode, I discuss the different types of depression and what their symptoms look like. Some of these include, major depressive disorder, depression with psychotic features, perinatal / postpartum depression, situational depression and depression with atypical features. After I discuss each diagnosis, I then speak about the importance of natural coping skills that can help lift the mood and how medication can also be beneficial to some. If you, or someone you know is currently struggling and having suicidal thoughts please call 911, or contact the suicidal prevention hotline at 800-273-8255.

Christina is one of the brave individuals who reached out to me on Instagram. Christina was ready to share her own story on how she refused to sink. She discusses the challenges she was faced with during childhood and how difficult it was living in a narcissistic environment. To this day, Christina continues to work through these layers and has been a wonderful role model for her children and those who have been in similar situations. She is now writing her own narrative for her current and future life. She is currently in control of her own story. You can check out her journey on Instagram at: _reclamationproject

Lauren interviews her colleague Rachel Taylor. Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor who her Masters Degree in Counseling and Bachelors in Art Therapy. Rachel discusses what art therapy is to her and how she implements this therapeutic approach into her practice. She also signifies the importance of having an inviting, warm space for art-making. Lauren then explains her own personal journey with art and how it has helped channel her emotions, thoughts and feelings. Lastly, this episode explores the pathways of art therapy and how it can be utilized as "art psychotherapy" or "art as therapy".

Find an art therapist:

www.psychologytoday.com

https://arttherapy.org/

Art Therapy Textbooks:

https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Therapy-Clinical-Psychology-Handbooks/dp/1118306597/ref=sr_1_2?crid=6D7XMCGR8ZNZ&dchild=1&keywords=wiley+handbook&qid=1597107293&sprefix=wiley+hand%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Therapy-Second-Cathy-Malchiodi/dp/1609189752/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=cathy+malchiodi&qid=1597107331&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Therapy-Trauma-Neuroscience-Juliet-King/dp/1138839388/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=art+therapy&qid=1597107352&sr=8-7

This episode discusses how self-esteem can begin around childhood and follow into adulthood. We also explore other ways that self-esteem can enter into our lives from our external world. Lauren then shifts into Maslow's Hierarchy of needs and how it's relatable to the way we live our lives and view ourselves. In addition, Lauren reviews healthy tools that has helped her improve the way she views herself. Oftentimes, we catch ourselves comparing our lives to others and begin to feel inferior. This episode encourages you to look at your own journey and see the accomplishments and progress you have made from where you were ten years ago Instead of looking at other's. To wrap it up, three brave, talented individuals shared their own stories of where they were ten years ago and how much they have grown and blossomed into a better them.