The Black Woman's Confidant

Social media can be great for staying connected, networking and sharing information. But let's face it – it can also be time consuming and detrimental to your mental health if not kept in check. This week Dr. Nicole is talking to Amber Thornton, Founder of Mindful Media LLC to discuss social media and mental health as well as the app she created to help us limit our social media use while enhancing our mindfulness

Amber Lois Thornton is the founder of Mindful Media LLC., which provides access to a mobile application--encouraging limited social media exposure and mindfulness practices. Amber, after being personally impacted by social media overload, has designed this application in pursuit of advocating for mental health stability. In this particular field, Amber holds over 10+ years of experience assisting and advocating for those facing mental health issues--that may stem from social media overload. This application is unique in its ability to provide reports, resources and insights to all things mental health related; Mindful Media will be available Winter 2021, where their motto is 'Be Mindful, Monitor Media'.

Instagram: @mindfulmediallc

Facebook: @mindfulmediallc1 or https://www.facebook.com/mindfulmediallc1/?ref=pages_you_manage

Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder have a lot of symptoms that overlap, leaving many confused about which disorder they may have. On this episode, Dr. Nicole answers a question from a listener who thinks they may have been misdiagnosed. Take a listen and you will hear why it happens more often than you think

When it comes to seeking out mental health treatment for the first time, it can be confusing to figure out where to start. This listener question comes from someone who just isn't sure where to begin this treatment journey. Dr. Nicole goes through the differences between therapists and psychiatrists and what to consider what type of professional will suit you best

This week's episode responds to a listener who writes in questioning if their exhaustion could be a sign of depression. Dr. Nicole provides a brief overview of the physical health concerns that come with a drop in energy as well as a review of the criteria for depression

Caregiver fatigue is real! The stress of being responsible for a parent or other relative can take a toll, both mentally and physically, leaving you in a very difficult place. If not careful, this fatigue can lead to more serious mental health symptoms. This week, Dr. Nicole talks about common symptoms of caregiver fatigue, how it seems to sneak up on us, and tips for dealing with it better

Since March of last year when this pandemic started, we have seen a significant increase in people reporting anxiety related to the pandemic. As we move closer to what our previous normal looked like, we are seeing a new wave of anxiety, even in those who are looking forward to getting back out

The cost of peace is expensive.

Seems like every time we think we might be able to experience a little peace, the world tries to prove us wrong. This week's episode responds to a question from listener who inquires about how to protect their peace when everything is so chaotic around them.

This week's episode discusses a question submitted by a listener who has some increase in anxiety after having COVID that is interfering with functioning. Listen as Dr. Nicole discusses COVID and anxiety.

What if I told that everyone with anxiety doesn't have an anxious outward appearance?

Today's episode addresses a listener question about an employee who reports anxiety but doesn't appear anxious and who may come across as lazy. We will talk about the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, how it can affect work performance and what can be done about it

So many of the Black professionals I work with at some point or another bring up the struggles of raising their children in environments where they are one of the few Black kids or the only Black kid. This is very different than how most of them were raised, leading to lots of questions and discussion. For this episode, I sat down with Jessica Vickers, a therapist who has the personal experience of growing up as the only Black girl in a predominantly white community and who helps clients navigate that experience as well.