Fireflies Unite Podcast With Kea

It’s the end of the year so many of us are reflecting on 2018 and making New Year’s Resolutions. But are you really ‘bout’ that life? Are you ready to address your insecurities, commit to therapy, let go of toxic people and simply, become a better person. We all have things we want to change yet often find ourselves getting stuck in a cycle of reverting back to old habits. In this episode, Kea talks about the stages of change and encourages us to think about the stage we are in.The Stages Of Change Article: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-stages-of-change-2794868Therapist Shout-Out: A New Paige Counseling in Washington, DCOwner: Kimberly Paige, LPCSpecializes in working with teen and millennial-aged (16-35) individuals and offers faith based counseling for those who identify as Christians.www.anewpaigecounseling.com Where to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation?Twitter: www.twitter.com/firefliespodInstagram: www.instagram.com/firefliespod “Like Us” onFacebook:www.facebook.com/fire

Are you booked and busy or booked and broken? Do you feel the need to showcase everything on social media or take down a post if it does not get a certain number of likes? Do you constantly compare yourself to others as you scroll through your timeline? If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, this episode is for you!#BookedandBusy is one of the most popular hashtags which can made one feel as though they are not doing enough. It also forces many people to compare themselves to their peers. Social media is one of the main forms of communication, it also contributes to insecurities, depression and anxiety In this week’s episode, Kea speaks with teen therapist Jaynay Johnson to discuss the dangers of being “booked and busy” and its impact on one’s mental health. Learn More About Jaynay Johnson:From suffering from teen depression to being written off by her family and teachers as being just another troubled teen, Jaynay C. Johnson has always been a firm believer that at any given moment you hav

Some call it the “winter blues” and others call it “SAD”, this week Kea educates us on seasonal affective disorder. What is it and what type of treatment is available? With the holidays upon us and the lack of natural light, it can have more of an impact on us that we may think. Article on Seasonal Affective Disorder: https://www.psycom.net/depression.central.seasonal.htmTherapist Shout-Out: Sade Dunn in Clinton, Maryland https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sade-dunn-suitland-md/3236082018 Beacon Health Forum (Come and hear Kea speak)Forum Dates:Dec. 4, College of Southern, Maryland, La Plata, MDDec. 10, Frederick Community College, Frederick, MDRegistration Link: files.constantcontact.com/ea962778601/…8786fd88.pdfWhere to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation?Twitter: www.twitter.com/firefliespodInstagram: www.instagram.com/firefliespod “Like Us” on Facebook:www.facebook.com/firefliespodJoin the Fireflies Unite: Healthy Minds Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/1714131

This week's episode, Kea discussed dating with a mental illness with her friend TK who battles with bipolar disorder. TK shared her story, tips on what to do if you're dating someone with a mental illness, and offered encouragement to anyone live with a mental illness and find dating difficult. Tristeza K Duncan also known as “TK” is a Public Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, and Performer based in the Washington DC Metro area. She is currently a Board Director for NAMI Prince George's County and the Non-profit “This Is My Brave”. Tristeza speaks on and gives presentations on Mental Illness issues ranging from personal experience stories, minority mental health stigma, mental illness in the workplace, and mental illness in individuals with chronic illnesses. She is certified in Mental Health First Aid.As a theater professional Tristeza participated in the Women’s Performance Workshop and Trainer Workshop at The Strand Theater. She performed in the This Is My Brave’s Baltimore Show. She was an As

A real conversation about domestic violence and mental health with domestic violence survivor, author and speaker Crystal Williams. More than 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and more than 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the U.S. report having experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention. Crystal shares her story of healing and how she worked through depression, suicide ideation and gained the strength to leave an abusive relationship.References/Resources:If you or a love one is experiencing domestic violence, please visit www.https://www.thehotline.org/ or call 1-800-799-7233Statistics on Domestic Violence By Center For Disease Control & Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/NISVS_Report2010-a.pdfStatistics on Domestic Violence By National Coalition on Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/statistics Connect With Crystal and/or purchase her book from her website:Website:  www.crystal-williams.comEmail: t

You are in for a treat with today's guest! The powerhouse and right hand girl/executive assistant of Issa Rae is Candis Welch of CanCan On Wheelz, a blog that highlights her life as she navigates life being disabled. She was born with spinal muscular atrophy, a disease that robs people of physical strength by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, taking away the ability to walk, eat, or breathe. It is the number one genetic cause of death for infants. Candis was told that she would not make it pass 12 years old and is a two-time suicide survivor.Not only did she defy the odds, she is thriving in all of her black girl magic and refuses to be defined as disabled. She says she is differently-abled and is proof that our limitations only exists in our mind. Can she get anymore magical? Yes, she is an unicorn lol. She also works for the Los Angeles County Homeless Services Authority and assist with releasing funds for housing and the mental health of homeless individuals in the county and city of

Are you shy? How do you recharge? Do you get energy from being around people? We often throw around the terms introverts and extroverts but do we really know where we fall on the spectrum? In this week’s episode, Kea encourages us to become more self-aware and discusses the different personality types introversion, extroversion and ambiversion. In the mind, body and soulness segment, Kea refers back to one of her earlier podcast and remind us of mental health goals to include in our lives as we begin to reflect and create goals for the new year.References/Resources:Introvert, Extrovert & Ambivert Articles:Differences Between Introverts & Extroverts: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/difference-between-introverts-extroverts-chart_n_57f794c2e4b0b6a430316b3a9 Signs That You’re An Ambivert: https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2016/04/26/9-signs-that-youre-an-ambivert/#f36f4a73145b Winning Personality Advantages Of Being Ambivert: https://www.today.com/health/winning-personality-advantages-being-ambi

Did you know cognitive behavioral therapy also known as talk therapy is not the only model of therapy? On this episode, we speak with Sharon Lawrence who tells us all about EMDR and how it can be helpful for trauma. She also discusses self care for therapists and professionals, relationships and having a healthy marriage. Sharon Lawrence is s a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C/ LCSW) (MD/VA), Certified Anger Management Specialists-II (CAMS-II), Certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator and Trainer, Certified Life Coach, Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH), an Approved Clinical Supervisor in Social Work (MD) and credentialed as an Employee Assistance Specialist-Clinician.  She also holds a Certificate in Christian Ministries from the Evangel Bible College. She has over 15 years experience working with children, adults, couples and families within the following settings: mental health, substance abuse, foster care, family court, and developmental disabilities. She is the owner of Selah Wellnes

Known for her roles on Black-ish, The Fresh Price of Bel-Air, Think Like A Man, and The Wedding Ringer (just to name a few), Jenifer Lewis graces the Fireflies podcast with her wisdom."We are as sick as our secrets. Tell it to the world. Lay your burden down so you can fly," are words of wisdom from Ms. Lewis. What a joy it was to have a conversation with her as she shared about her struggles with bipolar disorder. She encourages us all to live in our truth as she does so unapologetically and also shares her thoughts on Kanye West. You are in for a treat!References/Resources:The Mother of Black Hollywood By Jenifer Lewis: https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Black-Hollywood-Memoir/dp/0062410407Connect with Jenifer Lewis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeniferlewisforreal/ Where to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation? Twitter: www.twitter.com/firefliespod  Instagram: www.instagram.com/firefliespod “Like Us” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firefliespod  Join the Fir

In this week's episode, Kea speaks candidly about how a conversation with friends made her realize that she has a hard time explaining what depression is like for her. It also makes it challenging for others to understand. She encourages us to be mindful when comparing experiences because it can minimize the other person's experience. According to the WHO study, depression is the leading disability in the world and it should be treated as such. References/Resources:Therapist Shout-Out: Pathways To New Beginnings Located In Largo, Mdhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/pathways-2-new-beginnings-llc-largo-md/403541?sid=1539559162.8611_2893&search=20774&zipcode=20774&ref=2&tr=ResultsName Mind, Body & Soulness: Win The God Is My CEO Prayer Journal: Here’s how to enter! 1. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and join the Fireflies Unite Facebook group. 2. Leave the podcast a review on Apple Podcasts. 3. If you do not listen on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/f

Meet one of Kea's little brothers Sabri as he discussed the effects of witnessing domestic violence and being forced to grow up earlier than most peers. Kea poses questions to get her brother to process his emotions and provide him the opportunity to share his voice. During this interview, you will hear how Kea opening up about her story of surviving suicide has shifted the trajectory of her family. Listened to the end and enjoy Spontaneous Thoughts written by her brother as the song highlights his mental health struggles and her sister's suicide attempt. We encourage you to share the video on social media and help it go viral. References/Resources:Share Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjKyP5DoRu4&feature=youtu.beFollow Sabri (Creeze) on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/br3ez3_/?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=y24flh3fuvjvHear from the stories of those thriving in their mental health recovery LIVE on stage!  Kea is producing the This Is My Brave Arlington Show on October

Kea decided to do something light as many of the episodes are heavy and deep. Surprise, here's an early release! In honor of the season finale of Issa Rae's hit HBO show Insecure, Kea is releasing the episode now. She is paying homage and sharing with you how Issa Rae was the inspiration for the Fireflies Unite podcast and brand! When you watch Insecure tonight at 10:30 pm, please don't forget to share this episode, hashtag #InsecureHBO and tag my girl @IssaRae! She hopes this episode encourages you to find your light in darkness and pursue your dreams. References/Resources: Get the Blessed & Bossed Up: Surrendering Your Ambition So God Can Have His Way https://amzn.to/2NqZ89r Article On How Issa Rae Inspired Me https://themighty.com/2017/09/issa-rae-insecure-tv-show/ Hear from the stories of those thriving in their mental health recovery LIVE on stage! Kea is producing the This Is My Brave Arlington Show on October 21, 2018 Get your tickets! https://app.mobilecause.com/form/Rao--w Therapis

Do you have a vision to be your own boss and it seems that your prayers go unanswered? Inspiration, realism, and goal-digging paired with scripture and prayer are the formula in Blessed + Bossed Up. Using her own journey as a diving board, Tatum Temia plunges deep into her struggles with believing and trusting that God wanted her to be an entrepreneurial success. Using the word of God as her platform, she offers helpful guidance to ‘boss up’ in any entrepreneurial venture. In this week’s episode, Tatum Temia of the Blessed & Bossed Up podcast joins Kea to discuss growing in your relationship with God, building your faith so that you have be mentally healthy, and have booming business. References/Resources:Blessed & Bossed Up Podcast (Available on Stitcher, Soundcloud and Apple Podcasts):  https://soundcloud.com/blessedandbossedup Blessed & Bossed Up Playlist: https://itunes.apple.com/us/playlist/blessed-bossed-up-the-playlist/pl.u-LdbqERvs2Y493Y Get the Blessed & Bossed Up: Surrendering Your A

In this episode, Kea gives a recap of her two week break and as promised, discussed options for free and low cost therapy.  Resources/References:Find out if you’re eligible for medical assistance or a tax credit in the state of Marylandwww.marylandhealthconnection.gov If you live outside of the state of Maryland, please contact your county's social service office for information on medical assistance. Find out if your job has the EAP Program (Employee Counseling and Assistance Program)---Ask your HR department about itE-Counseling Services:https://www.e-counseling.com/therapy/?imt=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI79q30JC-3QIVHEsNCh0Lzg86EAAYAyAAEgK3evD_BwE Hear the stories of those living with a mental illness live on stage at the This Is My Brave Show, October 21 at 6pmTickets: https://app.mobilecause.com/form/Rao--w We are still looking for show sponsors, shoot an email to kea@thisismybrave.org if you’re interested.

In this episode, Kea gets real about where she is and talks about her depression relapse. Self-care is the best care and she knows that she cannot give from an empty cup so she is taking a two week break to prepare to go into a mental health hospital program. She hopes this will encourage the listeners to be real with themselves and know when its time to take a break. In the meantime, please don't forget to share the podcast and leave a review. Leave your reviews about the podcast on Apple Podcasts or the Fireflies Website: https://firefliesunite.com/podcast Where to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation? Twitter: www.twitter.com/firefliespod Instagram: www.instagram.com/firefliespod “Like Us” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firefliespod Join the Fireflies Unite: Healthy Minds Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1714131805325103/

In this episode, Kea dives into self-care and encourages us not to limit it to superficial things such as manicures and pedicures. She openly shares her experience of how being in the psychiatric unit made her realize the true meaning of self-care which is working toward wholeness. What good is a manicure or pedicure if you are broken and depressed? References/Resources: How Being Admitted Into The Psychiatric Unit Made Me Realize Self-Care Is Not Manicures & Pedicures https://firefliesunite.com/blog/how-being-admitted-into-the-psychiatric-unit-made-realize-self-care-is-not-manicures-pedicures Therapist Shout-Out: Dr. Dawn Robinson (Based In Atlanta & Savannah, Georgia) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/dawn-m-robinson-atlanta-ga/146265?sid=1534441404.7953_26483&search=atlanta+ga&city=Atlanta&state=GA&ref=5&tr=ResultsName The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Your Body https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body#1 Leave your reviews about the podca

We learn as children to never judge a book by its cover but for some reason, we tend to do just that as we scroll through our news feed. In this episode, Kea tackles how social media brings out insecurities when posts are only demonstrating the highlight reel of someone's life. She also talks about when social media was a trigger for her and how she's worked on healing, and not allow social media to make her doubt her abilities and minimize her accomplishments. Perception is reality. What are the stories you tell yourself? Kea gives us homework to help us go beneath the surface and discover where our emotions and thoughts are tied to that come to the surface when we scroll our news feed. Are You Living Your Best Life Or Best Lie Article?https://firefliesunite.com/blog/are-you-living-your-best-life-or-best-lieThe Mighty Article: When Social Media Can Trigger Anxietyhttps://themighty.com/2016/04/how-s0cial-media-can-trigger-anxiety/ Mind, Body & Soulness Segment: Article On Study Listening To Nat

In this week’s episode, Kea talks about giving trust away too fast before letting people earn it, and her triggers with the phases “I’m busy” or “I have a lot going on.” She shares how therapy is helping her getting to the root of why those phrases are triggering as it often brings feelings of disappointment and rejection. She uses the research of Brene Brown's 'BRAVING' to help us better understand trust and encourage listeners to think about what trust means to them. Therapist Shout-Out: Talk Space (www.talkspace.com) is an affordable online and mobile therapy platform. You can find a therapist and communicate with them via text, video or phone. Mind Body & Soulness Segment: Kea encourages us to join her social media detox to help us become more in tuned with our thoughts and feelings and improve our mood. References/Resources:“Trust is choosing to make something important to you vulnerable to the actions of someone else”-Charles Feltman“Distrust is what I have shared with you that is imp

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a life coach and therapist? Patrice Douglas of Empire Counseling breaks it down for us. Learn who is right for you.Patrice received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Brandman University, and an MS in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. She also has a certification in Anger Management as well as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Patrice continues to update her educational studies, so she can stay current on the ever-evolving changes in mental health as she is currently obtaining a PsyD in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles.Resources/References:Learn More About Patrice Douglas:https://patricendouglas.com/T-Shirts By Patrice Douglashttps://teespring.com/stores/patricendouglasCheck Kea & Save Our Babies Panelist, Bashea Williams of Hearts In Mind Counselinghttp://wjla.com/features/good-morning-washington

This week’s episode may rub some people the wrong way but that’s okay. It’s time to set the record straight and provide another prospective. Kea talks about the story of Elijah and how he reveals signs of depression. She encourages us to stop using faith and prayer as a crutch and be an active participant in your mental health. Praying about your mental health does not mean suppressing your thoughts and emotions, and letting it turn into envy, jealously, bitterness and anger. The scripture reminds us that “faith without works is dead.”Resources/References:Suicide Will Send You To Hell Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/132572/631648-suicide-will-send-you-to-hell-mental-illness-suicide-the-church-featuring-pastor-alnicia-gibson-pastor-xavier-small-kiaundra-jackson Articles: Stop Using Faith As Crutch Written By Keahttp://www.firefliesunite.com/blog/stop-using-prayer-as-a-crutch-for-mental-health-it-s-getting-old Benefits Of Religion On Mental Health: NAMI Articlehttps://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2