Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in the performance of life that we forget to pause, remove the mask, and face our true selves. It’s something we all fall into—especially when we have outlets to express our thoughts and emotions without fully confronting them. But are we really doing enough to stay honest with ourselves?

To close out our Mental Health series, Clifton "Smooth" Lee joins the Your Point My View panel to share his powerful story of perseverance and the unique approach he takes to managing his mental wellness. When "duty calls", you have to answer the call.

Mental Health Resources
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Suicide and Crisis Line - https://988lifeline.org/

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

NAMI Crisis Intervention Team - https://www.nami.org/advocacy/crisis-intervention/crisis-intervention-team-cit-programs/

Crisis Text Line - https://www.crisistextline.org/

Betterhelp - https://www.betterhelp.com/get-started/

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Special Guest Clifton "Smooth" Lee AKA JR. 

Duty Calls Channel - http://www.youtube.com/@Duty_Calls30

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Podcast Panel: Bobby, Darnell, Tonya, Valeria, and Velisa. Music produced by Ketsa.

In Part One on Mental Health / Wellness: Your Mind Matters, we were able to explain the difference between mental health and mental illness, gave our results on our Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) test, and talked about the different types of family mental health challenges. We also referenced the mental health struggles and concerns of the black family. Join us in Part Two of our series as our YPMV panel, along with our special guest, Jasmine, dive into what mental self-care looks like, as well as spotlight the impact of mental health on black males. June is Men’s Mental Health Month, and more conversation needs to be had regarding how a man “processes” rather than “deals with” his mental health.

Resouces For Mental Health Help:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) | Mental Health Support, Education & Advocacy

NAMI Crisis Intervention Team - Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Programs | National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Suicide and Crisis Line - 988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988.

Crisis Text Line - Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741 Free, 24/7 Mental Health Support

 BetterHelp - BetterHelp - Get Started & Sign-Up Today

Recommended Books for Mental Health:

 "The Four Agreements" - Don Miguel Ruiz

“The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” - Dr. Joseph Murphy

“Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” - Dr. Joe Dispenza

“What A Time to Be Alone” - Chidera Eggerue

“BadA** Habits” - Jen Sincero

“How Are You Going to Save Yourself?” -JM Holmes 

“Chasing Failure’ - Ryan Leak

“Preventing Bipolar Relapse: A Lifestyle Program to Help You maintain a Balanced Mood and Live Well” - Dr. Ruth C. White

“The Invisible Man: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power” -Courtney B. Vance and Dr. Robin L. Smith

Podcast Panel: Bobby, Darnell, Tonya, Valeria, and Velisa. Music produced by Ketsa.

Mental health is very important – especially in today’s time, where factors such as social media can have a long-lasting effect on how we think of ourselves, as well as others. Do we know all that we need to know about it, or are we brushing it off and labeling it as something else? What about being misdiagnosed? These are all valid questions that need to be reviewed in detail. Join the YPMV panel as we dive into the crucial topic of mental health and wellness. In part one of this series, we’ll discuss the difference between mental health and mental illness, explore the importance of caring for your mind just as much as your body, and tackle the stigmas that too often silence conversations in the Black community. With real talk, shared experiences, and thoughtful insights, this episode is a reminder that your mind matters—and it's time we treat it that way.

Podcast Panel: Bobby, Darnell, Tonya, Valeria, and Velisa. Music produced by Ketsa.

Ever felt frustrated by someone else's actions or decisions that directly impact you? It's natural to want to control the situation, but this often leads to negative consequences like strained relationships, increased stress, or worse. In this episode, we explore Mel Robbins' "Let Them" theory, a powerful mindset that fosters personal empowerment and boosts confidence in handling life's challenges and navigating relationships. Join the YPMV panel for an insightful discussion on embracing this approach for a more fulfilling and harmonious life.

Podcast Panel: Bobby, Darnell, Tonya, Valeria, and Velisa. Music produced by Ketsa.

Podcast Panel: Bobby, Darnell, Tonya, Valeria, and Velisa. Music produced by Ketsa.

Ever felt frustrated by someone else's actions or decisions that directly impact you? It's natural to want to control the situation, but this often leads to negative consequences like strained relationships, increased stress, or worse. In this episode, we explore Mel Robbins' "Let Them" theory, a powerful mindset that fosters personal empowerment and boosts confidence in handling life's challenges and navigating relationships. Join the YPMV panel for an insightful discussion on embracing this approach for a more fulfilling and harmonious life.

Podcast Panel: Bobby, Darnell, Tonya, Valeria, and Velisa. Music produced by Ketsa.

A healthy relationship is a give-and-take dynamic where both individuals contribute strengths, skills, and energy to create balance. That being said, the assessment of what is being contributed is more of an ongoing conversation in today's world. Even with new relationships, the quality of what you have (and the expectations that follow) can be a "winner winner chicken dinner" or a major deal-breaker. So, what are you bringing to the table? Join the YPMV panel for an open discussion. 

Podcast Panel: Bobby, Darnell, Tonya, Valeria, and Velisa. Music produced by Ketsa.

A healthy relationship is a give-and-take dynamic where both individuals contribute strengths, skills, and energy to create balance. That being said, the assessment of what is being contributed is more of an ongoing conversation in today's world. Even with new relationships, the quality of what you have (and the expectations that follow) can be a "winner winner chicken dinner" or a major deal-breaker. So, what are you bringing to the table? Join the YPMV panel for an open discussion. 

Podcast Panel: Bobby, Darnell, Tonya, Valeria, and Velisa. Music produced by Ketsa.

In the pursuit of daily effectiveness, one must work on aligning their actions with intentions and prioritizing tasks that matter most.  In doing so, life will throw curveballs to interrupt your productivity.  Stephen Covey's seminal work, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" offers a blueprint for success covering topics such as proactive living, prioritization, and fostering collaborative relationships.  Join the panel as we discuss in this two-part series, each habit, its impact, and how we can implement each one into our ever-changing lives. 

Podcast Panel: Bobby, Darnell, Tonya, Valeria, and Velisa. Music produced by Ketsa.

Engaging in discussions about topics that possess similarities yet exhibit differences offers a dynamic platform for exploration and learning. What do excuses and reasons mean to you? Is there really a difference between being nosey and being curious? Join us as we talk about how we view certain terms that are used in everyday relationships. 

Podcast Panel: Bobby, Darnell, Tonya, Valeria, and Velisa. Music produced by Ketsa.

When one becomes accustomed to a familiar presence, it becomes difficult to dismiss it when it no longer benefits your growth. Letting people go - whether it's friends, ex-spouses, coworkers, etc. - can prove to be a trying time, especially if your dependency on the established relationship overrides your perceptions, thoughts, and judgement. Join us as we bob and weave through the discussion  of relationships and hear our takes on what it means to let folks go. 

Podcast Panel: Bobby, Darnell, Tonya, Valeria, and Velisa. Music produced by Ketsa.