Jennifer and Julie discussed the importance of sleep for mental health and debunked common sleep myths during a podcast episode. Julie explained that there is no universal number of hours needed for sleep and emphasized the importance of tracking individual sleep patterns. She addressed myths about falling asleep, the role of routines, and the impact of worrying about sleep. Julie also discussed the physiological aspects of sleep, including sleep and wake drives, and the negative effects of napping for those with sleep issues. She recommended sleep hygiene practices and suggested seeking medical assessment for persistent sleep problems. Julie shared resources, including her blog and upcoming book, and encouraged listeners to seek reputable sources for sleep information.

Contact info for Dr. Davelman https://www.abramspsychservices.com/dr-julie-davelman

Jennifer interviewed Dene, the founder of BPD Raw, a platform focused on lived experience, peer support, and reducing stigma around borderline personality disorder (BPD). Dene shared how his own diagnosis and experiences with discrimination led him to create a safe space for people to share their stories without facing stigma or judgment. He discussed misconceptions about BPD, emphasizing that it can be a superpower rather than a limitation, and addressed the challenges of building a supportive community. Jennifer and Dene also talked about the importance of understanding and empathy in mental health, and Dene encouraged listeners to see themselves as the authors of their own stories. Dene provided information on how to connect with his work through his website and podcast at bdpraw.com

The Empowering Minds Mental Health Podcast featured Koach Keisha, founder of Destined for Purpose Life Coaching, discussing the challenges young people face when transitioning into adulthood. Koach Keisha shared her journey into life coaching, inspired by her own children's experiences during the pandemic, and highlighted the importance of helping youth navigate this critical life stage. She identified key challenges such as making healthy decisions, conflict resolution, academic accountability, and identity crises, often influenced by social media and peer pressure. Koach Keisha emphasized the need for parents to let go while still offering guidance, allowing young adults to learn from their mistakes. She stressed the importance of self-awareness, life skills, and financial literacy for ages 18 to 21, advocating for patience, understanding, and grace from parents and mentors. The conversation also touched on the value of instilling responsibility and practical skills in youth, with Koach Keisha encouraging young people to engage in self-development and seek wisdom. She invited listeners to connect with her through her social media platforms and weekly live sessions.

Connect with Koach Keisha on social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn), visit her website www.coachingbykeisha2.com, and attend her live sessions on Wednesdays.

Dawn shared her personal story as a mother and advocate for children with serious mental illness. Dawn described her experiences with her two adopted sons, detailing the challenges they faced with autism, seizures, and other mental health issues, and the lack of support from the mental health system, schools, and law enforcement. She recounted the traumatic events leading to the death of her younger son, Garet, and the mistreatment they received from police and medical professionals. Dawn emphasized the stigma and isolation faced by families dealing with mental health issues, the need for better resources and training, and her efforts to create support through Garet's Place and grief coaching for other parents. Jennifer expressed empathy and discussed the importance of addressing stigma and improving mental health services. Contact Info for Dawn: https://www.garetsplace.comIf you or someone you know needs support:988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to chat with a trained crisis counselor. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7 throughout the United States and its territories. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME or HOLA to 741741 for free, confidential crisis support, available 24/7. Visit crisistextline.org.Immediate danger: If someone is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services.Mental health treatment and family support:SAMHSA Treatment Locator: Search for mental health and substance-use treatment services at FindTreatment.gov.NAMI HelpLine: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text NAMI to 62640, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Eastern. Learn about NAMI Family Support Groups and the free NAMI Family-to-Family educational program.

This was an interview for The Empowering Minds Mental Health Podcast where Jennifer interviewed Lawrence Harris, a motivational speaker, author, and youth advocate who helps young people overcome past traumas and achieve their potential. Lawrence shared his personal journey of overcoming severe bullying, childhood abuse, and family issues to become a public speaker who creates content about stress management and emotional healing. He discussed how transforming painful experiences into educational content helps both the creator and those who benefit from the messages, using examples like how music often emerges from tragic life events. Lawrence emphasized the importance of identifying where self-doubt originates and surrounding oneself with positive examples, sharing specific success stories including a young woman who overcame foster care and toxic relationships through his guidance. He advised young people feeling stuck to develop a relationship with a higher power, clearly define their life vision, and focus on what they can do rather than what they can't, explaining that even seemingly "too far gone" situations still offer opportunities for change through daily progress toward defined goals.

Website for books and speaking engagements: https://www.lawrencecharris.com

Socials:https://www.tiktok.com/@lawrencecempower

https://www.instagram.com/lawrencec.empowers

https://www.youtube.com/@lawrencecempowers

Dr. Jennifer Moore hosted the Empowering Minds Mental Health Podcast to discuss why people stay in unhealthy relationships. She explained that while occasional disagreements are normal, unhealthy relationships involve constant hurt, disrespect, manipulation, or making someone feel inadequate. Dr. Moore outlined several reasons people stay, including love for the person, years of investment, involvement of children or finances, fear, and believing they don't deserve better. She emphasized that emotional abuse can be particularly damaging as repeated negative messages can make victims question their worth. Dr. Moore noted that unhealthy relationships often start with excitement and affection but develop slowly over time, making the abusive patterns easier to overlook. She distinguished between focusing on a person's potential versus their actual patterns of behavior. Dr. Moore advised that in healthy relationships both people take responsibility and are willing to grow, while in unhealthy ones one person often carries the weight. She discussed how fear, guilt, and low self-worth can keep people trapped in unhealthy situations. Dr. Moore provided guidance for friends and family of those in unhealthy relationships, encouraging support rather than judgment, and suggested asking how they are doing rather than questioning why they stay. She concluded by encouraging listeners to be honest with themselves about their relationships and seek help from support systems, therapists, or coaches if needed, reminding them that a healthy relationship requires intentional work and respect rather than sacrificing one's peace or self-worth.

You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other platforms here: https://linktr.ee/jmooreempowering

Dr. Jennifer Moore discussed the overlooked aspect of the 4th of July holiday, focusing on people who find fireworks distressing rather than enjoyable. She shared personal experiences of military veterans who become anxious or shaky when hearing loud explosions, emphasizing how the same sound can trigger different responses in different people. Dr. Moore explained PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) as a condition where the brain learns to recognize danger after severe trauma, and noted that trauma can affect many different populations beyond military veterans, including survivors of domestic violence, childhood abuse, and natural disasters. She concluded by encouraging compassion and understanding toward individuals who struggle during holiday celebrations, suggesting alternative activities and offering to help those who might be avoiding typical 4th of July gatherings.

Additional Mental Health & PTSD Resources

If you or someone you know is living with PTSD or the effects of trauma, the following organizations provide trusted information, support, and resources.

National Center for PTSD (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
https://www.ptsd.va.gov

Provides information about PTSD, treatment options, self-help tools, and resources for veterans, their families, and civilians.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
https://www.nami.org

Offers education, support groups, mental health resources, and programs for individuals and families.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
https://www.samhsa.gov

Provides mental health information, treatment resources, and recovery support.

FindTreatment.gov
https://findtreatment.gov

A confidential resource to help locate mental health and substance use treatment services throughout the United States.

Veterans Crisis Line
Call or Text 988, then Press 1
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for veterans, service members, National Guard, Reserve members, and their loved ones.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or Text 988
https://988lifeline.org

Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis.

This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

This was an interview for Jennifer's "Empowering Minds Mental Health Podcast" with Dee Mosley, author of "Grace and Glow," where Dee shared her journey through unexpected health challenges and healing. Dee discussed how she initially started journaling her symptoms and thoughts during a difficult health period that lasted years, eventually leading to physical and emotional breakdown before she could properly address her health issues. She explained that her healing journey taught her that self-care looks different from what it used to - including setting boundaries, seeking therapy, learning to rest properly, and checking in with herself rather than constantly checking on others. Dee emphasized the importance of therapy as a valuable resource, noting that even medical professionals need therapists, and shared that healing is not instant or linear but requires acknowledging where you are and taking small steps forward. The interview concluded with Dee's message of hope to listeners facing stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges, encouraging them to not suffer in silence, seek help, and understand that healing takes time but every small step matters.

Book via Amazon: https://a.co/d/0dtdhfk5

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/denise.mosley.54

Jennifer conducted a podcast interview with Keith Cole, a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran and former CPA who wrote the book "Burnout God's Recovery Plan." Keith shared his personal journey with burnout, including his experiences in Vietnam as a machine gunner, dealing with multiple traumas, and eventually collapsing from burnout before finding peace through faith. They discussed how military training taught Keith to push through difficulties but lacked the healing component, leading him to rely on God's strength rather than his own. Keith emphasized that exhaustion is not weakness and burnout is not failure, encouraging men to admit they're struggling and seek help. Jennifer and Keith both highlighted the importance of taking regular 15-minute breaks and practicing daily rest as part of a healthy approach to preventing burnout. Keith discussed his book "Burnout God's Recovery Plan," which draws from his personal experiences in the Marine Corps and as a guardian for his younger siblings after his mother's death. He explained how he transformed his memories into a fictional story about a Marine named Kevin Casey while incorporating eight Scriptural-based steps for recovery into a 12-week workbook discipline.

Website: https://recoverybyfaith.com

Book: https://recoverybyfaith.com/books

This was a podcast interview between Jennifer and Tristan, a performance artist, journalist, activist, author, and podcaster, discussing men's mental health and emotional expression during Men's Mental Health Month. Tristan shared his personal journey, including his background as a classically trained opera singer for 20 years and how he overcame personal challenges after losing his father at age 23. They discussed how creativity became a lifeline for Tristan, the importance of community support, particularly for Black men, and the generational differences in addressing mental health and vulnerability. Tristan emphasized the need for men to find supportive communities, use technology wisely, and not be afraid to fail in pursuit of personal growth. The interview concluded with Tristan sharing his social media presence under the handle @Tristan212 on Instagram and Threads, where he engages in discussions about Black community issues.#MensMentalHealth #BlackMensMentalHealth #MentalHealthPodcast #MensMentalHealthMonth #MentalHealthAwareness

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow the podcast for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, community, and real-life experiences. Find all podcast platforms and social media links here: https://linktr.ee/jmooreempowering