Society is SUS

Join Lexi as we discuss removing the societal stigma behind mental illness. This should not be some taboo topic we are ashamed of admitting or simply talking about. SO many individuals struggle and it is viewed in a negative light, when in reality, it is a very common and real issue. We must stop following sterotypes or underestimating people's ability. Your mental illness is valid and very real, and does NOT make you any less of a human being. As we as a collective release the stigma, more help and resources will begin to open up, we need them easily accessable for ALL. 

References:

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination

Mental Health Resources:

https://www.betterhelp.com/

https://www.nami.org/home

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON INSTAGRAM: @SOCIETYISSUS

Acknowledge. Listen. Educate. Empathize. Understand. Use your voice. White privilege is an innate ability acquired at birth; for ALL. No one is exempt from this. As white people, injustices are not faced for simply being. While all humans have valid struggle and no one is taking that away, no white person is struggling BECAUSE they are white...and that is the sad difference. Systemic racism trickles down into society engulfing a population with negative sterotypes, unfair disadvantages, and in some cases, a fear for one's own life. Join Lexi as we discuss how this impacts society and what we all can change to slowly overturn the very real racism that occours every single day.

Consider Checking Out & Donating:

https://globalexchange.org/2020/06/03/global-exchange-stands-in-solidarity-with-the-movement-for-black-lives/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwl9GCBhDvARIsAFunhskKp6EwG7YPaHVBFb8dqeL7n82bf21TvcJPpFkXFiqYHFmhXiXU6XAaAgixEALw_wcB

https://www.classy.org/give/253719/#!/donation/checkout

https://muslimadvocates.org/donate/

Interact with Lexi on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/lexblackb/

Alexa, play Kids by MGMT. Cute little babies, amazing right? Sure, but that does not mean all feel the same way. Having children is a lifelong commitment, and while some are ready to embrace that in stride; others may be completely turned off by the mere thought of it. AND THAT'S OKAY. Society loves to tell us how we should be living, it loves to scream the "CORRECT" lifepath in our face. Our own well being and mental health? Who cares just do as we say!!!

LETS STOP THIS THINKING. Continue questioning norms as we dive into the societal expectation that is having kids.

References: https://positivepsychology.com/parenthood-paradox/

Interact w/ Lexi on social media: https://www.instagram.com/lexblackb/

What's your purpose in this life? Okay don't think too hard. Lexi discusses how she has struggled with this concept for years, as society always makes us feel as if we need some grand obvious purpose to define our life. Purpose can be eating a piece of toast, walking on the beach, singing songs poorly as you drive; you get it. Purpose does not need to be some obvious part of who we are, and furthermore, it can change daily! Find joy and peace in the little things that fill you with passion. 

Books I Recommend:

It's Not Your Money - Tosha Silver 

How to be Alive - Collin Beavan

Notes From The End of Everything - Robert Pantano

Interact With Lexi on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/lexblackb/

LACE UP YER BOOTS AND GRIND IT OUT SNOWFLAKE! just kidding. Working 40 plus hours? Every single week? At a job you do not even like?! Whew, sounds exhausting. Join Lexi as we discuss the potential harm this demanding schedule can cause and how we as a society can demand BETTER. While we may be set up to fail in many areas, there are changes and expectations we as individuals can present as we attempt to find a work-life balance that brings us joy and overall life satisfaction. 

References: https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/how-working-40-hours-a-week-is-killing-your-mental-health

Interact with Lexi on social media: https://www.instagram.com/lexblackb/

You can't xoxo. Listen to a personal trainer's point of view on the fitness community. Today we chat about the societal fitness standards and how they impede on us all. We are given an image of what health looks like, when in reality health has NUMEROUS dimensions and is not always seen from an external point of view. We are constantly given a body image of what we should aim for; but the harsh truth introduces demons like self loathing, disordered eating, and unrealisic standards that we will anxiously compare oursleves to. We cannot hate our body into "skinny". We must practice acceptance with it and thank it, repairing our relationship with the one who carries us through everyday life. 

References:

https://www.bps.org.uk/blogs/guest/influence-body-image-mental-health

Interact with me on social media: https://www.instagram.com/lexblackb/

Come embark on a journey down the long road of toxic beauty standards. From detox flat tummy teas to only growing up with white barbie dolls, let's break down these toxic standards and norms. Beauty may be defined by society, but it is up to us to come together and break that. Take away the power as we hope to shift to a more inclusive direction; towards not only ALL walks of life, but to the person we see when we look into the mirror. Radical acceptance for oursleves and all other humans. 

Articles referenced in this episode: 

https://www.sacap.edu.za/blog/applied-psychology/beauty-standards/

https://millardwestcatalyst.com/10919/opinion/the-toxicity-of-beauty-standards/

Check out the book I talked about: https://invisiblecorset.com/

This week we dive into the complex world of gender. When you do not identify with the set of expectations society has provided for your biological sex, it can create some confusion and discomfort and often, mental health struggles. Sex may be the biological sense of how we were born, but gender on the other hand is a construct society has (ONCE AGAIN) shoved upon us. Many assumptions, forced identities, and behaviors are influenced by this concept of gender, yet none of these should exist. BUT BOYS WEAR BLUE AND CAN'T WEAR DRESSES?! Patty, don't start. Join Lexi as we discuss how gender should be free range for ALL. 

How are we expected to be ourselves when we may not even know what the hell that means? In society, we are constantly reminded what we SHOULD be doing and who we SHOULD be. We claim to live somewhere where being your independant self is encouraged, when truthfully, it seems nearly impossible. Our lives can seem pre-written and as we age, it can be so easy to lose your true skin with multiple layers of masks applied. SO TAKE OFF THE MASKS (ok not all masks though, pls leave the face one on right now!!) Step out of the societal mold and question what it is that fills your soul with desire and passion. What makes YOU happy. How can we live for ourselves when we lack understanding of what that is?

Blog post referenced in the episode: https://www.fearlessculture.design/blog-posts/how-to-be-authentic-in-a-fake-world

If you feel inclined to - support me via anchor (link is listed in the podcast bio) so I can continue the podcast and make it a better listening expierience for all involved :) 

On this introduction epsiode, we dive into what sparked this awakening and how society instills things that are rather f*cked up on us ALL. Living in a society that molds so much of our personal expectation, it can be hard to stray from the norms. On a weekly basis, Lexi will uncover damaging societal topics through personal stories and exploring common shared phenomenons. All while debunking how this can impact one's mental health and what the HELL we can even do about it. Join us on a journey to navigate this impossible realm, because while society is SUS, you are not alone!