Mental Health Monday #63: Orlando Brown head to rehab + Latinx wellness, helping folks during panic attacks, etc.

Actor Orlando Brown

Welcome to another round of Mental Health Monday, your weekly dose of stories, resources, and motivation for your everyday life. On last week’s installment, Chance the Rapper made made a big investment in Chicago’s mental health services, Kofi Siriboe drops a new short film on mental illness, the intersections of faith and therapy, and more. Have a gander.

THIS WEEK’S GOODNESS:

“Orlando Brown Checks Into Rehab For Substance Abuse And Mental Health” by Jessica McKinney [VIBE]

Troubled actor Orlando Brown, who is best known for his role on Disney’s hit show That’s So Raven, is finally seeking the help that he needs. The actor has reportedly checked into a rehabilitation center after his friends staged an intervention, TMZ reports.

Brown is reportedly being treated at the facility for substance abuse and mental health issues. The actor’s friend, Danny Boy – whom is the owner of the Las Vegas restaurant that the star broke into in Sept. 2018 – reportedly contacted Hollywood producers, Wendy Wheaton and Tommy Red who provided contacts for a rehab.

“Getting Real About Your Mental Health” [Shondaland]

Shondaland.com talked with content creator Chris Lam and Yolo Akili Robinson, Executive Director of the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective about overcoming barriers to wellness and some preferred self-care practices. Check it out.

“Black Mothers Of LGBTQ Children Need Space To Share Their Experiences” by George Johnson [Essence]

We have seen the horror stories of abuse and homelessness far too many times to know that it’s not all roses in our communities. But what if there were space for Black women who struggle with having queer children—not because they don’t love them, but because they are navigating the same toxic masculinity culture that we all must survive? What if they knew other women like my mom and my aunts existed? Women they could touch, and see, and speak with as they work through their own homophobia and transphobia? What if there were a safe space for them to love their children while also fighting to be better people?

“First Lady Chirlane Mccray Launches Effort to Promote Mental Health and Wellness in the Latino Community With the Launch of "Latinx Thrive"“ [NYC1]

First Lady Chirlane McCray today announced Latinx Thrive, a grassroots effort led by ThriveNYC, Latinx advocacy organizations, and New York City elected officials to promote mental health literacy in their communities. The coalition will work to decrease mental health stigma while connecting more individuals and families to ThriveNYC services.

By the end of 2019, the coalition will train 10,000 community members in Mental Health First Aid and host 100 listening sessions, known as “Thrive Talks,” where community members can share their stories, connect with others, and learn about available mental health resources.

And here are some suggestions for helping folks through panic attacks from trauma therapist Ruchita Chandrashekar.

Hello. Let’s talk panic attacks. I am noticing that numerous people are experiencing heightened mental distress, so I am going to try and provide some helpful ways in which you can help a friend who’s having a panic attack.

— Ruchita (@roocheetah) October 13, 2018

Do - Validate. If they say that they’re struggling, agree and tell them that it sucks but that you’re right there. Agree with them when they say that their distress feels scary and real.

— Ruchita (@roocheetah) October 13, 2018

Do - Tell them that this is a consequence of a trigger and that it will pass, that it’s a panic attack that is a consequence of extreme distress. Give them language to what is happening. Tell them that this is temporary and assure them that you will stay will them till it is over

— Ruchita (@roocheetah) October 13, 2018

Do - Encourage a breathing pattern with them. Breathe in till the count of 3, hold for 2, breathe out till the count of 8 usually works very well when done consistently. Do it with them. Reassure them that they will be okay.

— Ruchita (@roocheetah) October 13, 2018

Do - Talk to them, or if they start talking, keep them going. If they do talk, they will start talking about everything that is distressing and confusing to them in that moment. DO NOT DISMISS ANYTHING.Just be there and validate.This will help them in feeling heard and supported.

— Ruchita (@roocheetah) October 13, 2018

Do - If they are comfortable with touch, hold them. Degrees of touch that involve pressure like hugging, release different neurotransmitters that are associated with relief, safety and a release of emotion. If they are wailing, let them cry. They need it.

— Ruchita (@roocheetah) October 13, 2018

Do - If they are reaching a place where they can communicate effectively, ask them what will help. Ask them what has helped before. They have the agency to decide because this is their subjective experience. If they can tell you what will help, listen & try to make it happen.

— Ruchita (@roocheetah) October 13, 2018

Don’t - Don’t ask them to calm down. Please don’t. If it was that easy, they would have done it already. Don’t tell them that they are overreacting. It is extremely invalidating and insulting. It is definitely not helpful.

— Ruchita (@roocheetah) October 13, 2018

Don’t - Don’t offer unsolicited advice about their life. Now is not the time to tell them that they should quit their job or leave their partner. It’s like punching someone in their chest while having an asthma attack. Please don’t do it.

— Ruchita (@roocheetah) October 13, 2018

Don’t - Don’t dismiss it, don't ignore it. Even the 50th panic attack is as traumatising, impairing and debilitating. They are not ‘used to it’. This is not their gym schedule.

— Ruchita (@roocheetah) October 13, 2018

Don’t - Don’t be irritated or judgmental. It will make the panic attack worse. Patience is crucial. The degree of safety the individual feels will determine the duration of the panic attack. If they feel like they are inconveniencing you & are a burden, it will get much worse.

— Ruchita (@roocheetah) October 13, 2018

RESOURCES

Two wellness resources from the Black Emotional and Mental Wellness Collective (BEAM).

1. The Feelings Wheel: Developed by Dr. Gloria Wilcox, the feelings wheel is a great tool to help expand our emotional intelligence and vocabulary. Download here.

2. The BEAM Healing & Accountability Wheel draws on the work of previous wheels to serve as a guide on how to build loving relationships. Download the Accountability Wheel here. Download the accompanying activity guide here.
   

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