In this powerful conversation, host Brandi Lewis sits down with pre-licensed therapist Letisha Harris Miller to explore the realities of mental health in the Black community. Together, they address the stigma surrounding therapy, the impact of trauma and emotional triggers, and why seeking professional help is an essential step in the healing journey.

Letisha shares insights on the role of therapists, the importance of recognizing mental health struggles early, and how resilience and self-discovery are possible at any age. This episode encourages listeners to break the silence, embrace empathy, and take the first step toward mental wellness, healing, and authentic living—because it’s never too late to find support.

Letisha Harris Miller's Bio
https://elliementalhealth.com/team-members/letisha-harris-miller/

In this insightful episode, David DeWitt shares his journey with depression, from the early signs he experienced as a teenager to the challenges of high-functioning depression and the impact on his career. He opens up about a personal crisis that led to hospitalization and his subsequent recovery, highlighting the importance of self-care, therapy, and mental health awareness.

David also discusses his transition into life coaching, where he helps others navigate life goals and challenges. This conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about depression, coping strategies, and resilience, offering guidance and inspiration for anyone managing mental health struggles.

Links

Suicide Prevention

If you need to talk, dial 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, counselors are there for you. You are not alone!

https://988lifeline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=onebox

Suicide Prevention Resources

https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/resources/index.html

https://dmh.lacounty.gov/mental-health-resources/suicide-prevention/

David DeWitt Essay “Depression is an illness – and it’s time we got real about that”

https://www.salon.com/2023/05/27/depression-is-an-illness-and-its-time-we-got-real-about-that/

Go Your Own Way Coaching

https://www.goyourownwaycoaching.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:50 Early Signs of Depression
04:38 High-Functioning Depression
07:29 Struggles in the Workplace
10:24 The Impact of Family History
13:41 Crisis and Hospitalization
20:27 The Journey to Recovery
25:45 Navigating the Aftermath of a Crisis
28:00 The Challenges of Acute Psychiatric Care
28:58 The Stigma of Mental Health in the Workplace
30:57 The Journey to Openness and Acceptance
32:38 Understanding High Functioning Depression
35:53 Daily Practices for Mental Wellness
37:03 Taking Feelings Seriously
38:20 The Misconceptions of Depression
41:25 The Role of Coaching in Personal Growth

In this deeply moving episode, Mary Michael Kelley shares her journey through the grief of losing a child and navigating her son Micah’s health challenges. She discusses the profound impact of child loss, coping strategies, and the importance of therapy, self-advocacy, and open communication in the healing process.

Mary Michael also reflects on finding a “new normal” after loss, offering guidance and insights that resonate with anyone facing bereavement, grief, or family health challenges. This conversation emphasizes resilience, hope, and healing in the midst of life’s most difficult moments.

Links

Coping with Bereavement and Grief - https://www.samhsa.gov/communities/coping-bereavement-grief

Tool from APA on Dealing with Grief

https://www.apa.org/topics/grief/tools