Wellness Action Recovery The W.A.R. Podcast with Fonda Bryant

In Episode 20 of Wellness Action Recovery, the "W.A.R." podcast, I will be talking about the terrible tragedy of NFL WR Henry Ruggs of the Las Vegas Raiders who was traveling 156 MPH when he slammed into the back of another car killing a 23-year old female and her dog.  Henry was also impaired at the time.

Calvin Ridley, WR for the Atlanta Falcons is stepping away from the NFL to concentrate on his mental health.

The TV show All-American is doing a great job shining the spotlight on mental health and suicide in the black community and student-athletes.

#RealTalk #DUI #CalvinRidley #AtlantaFalcons #AllAmerican #HenyRuggs #LasVegasRaiders #MentalHealthMatters #GetRidOfStigma 

Thie week I became alarmed when I saw a post from someone I had helped who had been suicidal.  I was concerned but more concerning, I realize that people don't always know that the warning signs of suicide or someone being in crisis aren't always verbal or written.  Sometimes, a person can post just a picture, a quote from someone who died by suicide, or struggled with mental health and addiction, someone who they relate their problems to their own.    Warning signs can be very subtle and that's why knowing them, including what someone posts on social media are so important.

In this episode, I go back through the warning signs and what you should do if you feel someone is in crisis or suicidal.  Sometimes, we have to come out of our comfort zone to help someone or to save a life.

QPR (Question Persuade Refer) is one of the best ways to learn how to save a life.  There are two more opportunities to do so with the first one being, November 20th, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. EST (Sharp).  Let's finish 2021 STRONG.  Learn how to save a life.  You don't have to be a professional to do so.  All you have to do is care!

 #EarlyDectection #QPRSuicidePrevention #Instagram #Facebook #Twitter #SocialMedia #WarningSigns #RealTalk

This podcast is near and dear to my heart.  This week my son reached his dream by becoming an analyst for the NBA Charlotte Hornets. The road for us hasn't been easy nor has it been easy for him but with determination, support, education, and a lot of hard work, he has now broken through the glass ceiling of being a professional on-air talent without being a former NBA or NFL athlete.

NEVER give up on your dreams.
#SingleMom #Education #WakeForest #VanceHighSchool #NBA #BallySports #DiamondInTheRough #Student-athlete #WesleyBryant #Gastonia #KingsMountain 

 

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill let students take the day off after multiple suicides and one attempt.  Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death on college campuses with over 1400 college students dying yearly to suicide.  It is the 2nd leading cause of death for young people ages 10-34 and since the pandemic, suicide attempts and deaths are on the rise.

As tragic and heartbreaking as that news is, there is HOPE.  In this episode, I talk about ways you can help your college student maneuver their way through college while keeping their mental health in check.  Suicide is preventable through caring and education,

#QPR #UNC #Parents #Coping #Anxiety #EarlyDetection #EAP #NAMI #MHAScreening

Once our story is shared whether publicly, in an intimate setting, or through the media, whether we want to be or not, we become the voice of those who are too ashamed to speak up, we become relatable, we become the champion for those needing help.  We are obligated to help the people who look up to us.  You can't have one foot in advocacy and still use words that keep people from getting the help they need.

I have embraced that role and because of that, I have helped many.  Everyone is different and has to feel comfortable sharing their stories and even more comfortable helping others.  However, it is a great responsibility and a juggling act all in one.

Boundaries have to be maintained.  Honesty always has to be a priority as well as trust but when you get that person the help they need and they get on the path of wellness and recovery it is all worth it.

#Stigma #RichardSherman #WSSU #HIghSchool #StudentAthletes #KellyClarkson #PBS #TamaronHall 

Check out my podcast that will be out later today.  I will be discussing racism in college football.  Check out all 15 podcasts to date wherever you get your podcast. 

Racism was key in knowing Chaz Ah You was in crisis and needed help.  At predominately white colleges, black players make up the football team.  However, just because they are wearing the helmet and the fans are cheering doesn't mean, they are welcome outside of the football field.

From my son Wesley being told at Wake Forest University by a white professor, "His paper was too intelligent and articulately written to white students crossing the street when black players are approaching a single tweet about racial injustice upsetting an entire white state to a student fanbase thinking it was okay to call a group of black students the N word.  Racism in college football is alive and well.  That needs to change.

#Wesley #WakeForestStudents #WinstonSalemStateBand #BYUFootball #JarrenHall #Black14 #Wyoming #OleMiss #RebelFlag #Education #GeorgeFloyd #BeTheChange #RacismShouldNeverBeTolerated 

Being strong gets thrown around a lot when it comes to our mental health.  If you show any signs of emotions, you are considered weak.  Coaches use the terminology, "Mentality Tough" to motivate their players, instead of recognizing that it could derail their mental health.   When you are struggling it doesn't help to hear, "Well if you were stronger, you could handle the situation better."  Relly?

Being strong isn't about letting your mental health fall by the wayside and replacing it with a front that everything is okay or self-medicating.  It takes real strength to ask for HELP, to get the HELP, and to implement self-care DAILY.  It is exhausting but if the true strength comes from putting in the work EVERY DAY to get on and stay on the path of mental wellness and recovery.  That is REAL STRENGTH and that can lead to becoming mentally stronger.

Everyone struggles, especially those who look the strongest,  whether they have a mental health condition or not.  #Strong #Utah  #Mistakes #NotPerfect #SucideRates #CopingSkills #StudentAthletes #Culture #RealTalk #Religion 

I took a week off but it's time to get back to it.  Losing my extended son Pierre to suicide felt like a mule had kicked me in the chest.  I knew he was gone but it was hard to deal with it.  I know that anyone could die by suicide but it is different when it hits home.  

Guys, I do NOT want anyone to go through the PAIN of losing someone to suicide,  That is why I work so hard BUT I can't do it alone.  I need YOUR help.  Death is not natural.

September is Suicide Prevention Month and it is right around the corner.  This Wednesday, August 25th, I will be talking about ways YOU can get involved and help STOP the pain of Suicide from education to simply CARING.  Suicide is PREVENTABLE and ANYONE can prevent the PAIN of suicide!  You don't have to be a professional to save someone's life.  

#Help #Hope #Recovery #Wellness #Empathy #Compassion #YouAreNotAlone #Realtalk #TuneIn #StopSuicide #GetRIdOfTheS/Word #AuntSpankie #QPRTraining #AuntSpankie #Gastonia #Pierre #ChazAhYou #Shoes #Preventable #NAMINC #MHA #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #DukeEnergy #FaithWithoutWorks

In Episode 12 of  "The W.A.R. podcast I talk about the SHAME that surrounds suicide and how it is KILLING US.  Suicide needs to be declared a "Health Crisis."  Until it is society will continue to think suicides are isolated incidents.  They aren't!  

Hiding  and covering it up from attempting suicide to dying by suicide will continue to keep people being ashamed and suffering in silence.  By taking the band aid off suicide and having conversations will put people more at ease in seeking the help they need to get BETTER.

We can RECOVER and lead a good life after a suicide attempt.  We don't have to be ashamed that we attempted and for families who have loss loved one to suicide,  they  shouldn't be ashamed either.  The pain in that moment is just as real as if we were having a heart attack or a stroke.

If people would get educated and work together, we could STOP suicide.  My HOPE through conversation and above all ACTION, one day,  "We will have a World WITHOUT SUICIDE but I can't do it alone.  I need HELP!

#SimoneBiles #NaomiOsaka #QPR  #ChazAhYou #Utah #NC #CPR #Education #NFL #Hope #Recovery 

In the last few months, mental health has taken center stage with Naomi Osaka, Sha'Carri Richardson and Simone Biles, coming forward talking about their struggles.  Many famous people come out and share their stories about mental health but it always seems to be at a time when they are looking to promote something.

I discuss that in  Episode 11 of my podcast.  

#TheRock #DemiLovato #Gisele #JenniferLewis #SelenaGomez #Beyonce #BradPitt #CarrieFisher #Adele #MichelleWilliams #Destiny'sChild #DaBaby #Volunteers #RemarkableWomen