The Lotus Flower Podcast, where we explore life's challenges with resilience. I’m Dr. Pamela Robinson, your host—a licensed clinical social worker associate, ordained minister, and mental health advocate. Join me as we delve into comedy, religion, music, mental health, fitness, and more, with a focus on African American voices. Each episode is packed with helpful tips, useful tools, and vital discussions. Tune in during your commute, on a walk, or even during your lunch hour.

Join us on this journey toward mental wellness and personal development. Blooming through difficult situations is a metaphor for navigating life's trials without being overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. In Matthew 17:7-8, Jesus reassures his disciples, saying, "Don't be afraid," reminding us to trust in divine presence even in our darkest moments.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about mental health and behavioral health issues, and to reduce stigma. The 2024 theme is "Take the Moment," which encourages open dialogue, empathy, understanding, and sharing resources to support individuals and families on their journey towards mental wellness. Our aim this month is to educate the public, fight stigma, provide support, advocate for policies that support mental illness, remove treatment barriers, celebrate recovery, and raise awareness of the impact of trauma.

Tonight we will have another esteemed guest, my cousin Ms. Amber Roberts, MSW, RCSWI discussing "The Impact of Technology on Mental Health." Ms. Roberts is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern in the state of Florida. Amber has been working as a social worker since 2011, specializing in at-risk teenagers. She obtained her Bachelor in Social Work (2011) and Master in Social Work (2016) from the University of South Florida. Throughout her career, she has served in various roles including case manager, school social worker, care advocate, counselor, and school-based mental health therapist. Amber is passionate about instilling hope in those who have lost their sense of hope due to past experiences. ______________________________________________________________________________________

Resources

Headspace: A mindfulness and meditation app that helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Calm: Provides guided meditation, sleep stories, and relaxation techniques.

BetterHelp: An online counseling platform connecting individuals with licensed therapists.

Common Sense Media: Provides reviews and advice on age-appropriate media and technology usage for children and teens.

Child Mind Institute: Offers resources and articles on how technology affects children's mental health.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Guidelines on screen time and media usage for children and adolescents.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Information on the impact of technology and screen time on mental health.

Tools for Managing Screen Time

Family Link by Google: Allows parents to set screen time limits and monitor app usage on their children's devices.

Apple Screen Time: A built-in feature on iOS devices that helps monitor and control screen time.

Bark: A parental control app that monitors texts, emails, and social media platforms for signs of cyberbullying and other issues.

Website

Helplines and Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 – Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress.

Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 – Offers free, 24/7 support via text.

Local Mental Health Services: Contact local hospitals, clinics, and mental health organizations for resources and support in your area.

School Counselors: Utilize school-based counselors and psychologists for additional support and resources.

Greetings, beloved listeners! I'm Dr. Pamela Robinson, your host on the Lotus Flower Podcast, where we embark on a journey of enlightenment, empowerment, and profound healing. Tonight, as we gather in the spirit of understanding and compassion, we shine a spotlight on a crucial yet often overlooked issue: mental health within the African American community.

In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, our May episodes are dedicated to raising awareness and fostering dialogue around this pressing topic. It's a moment to confront sobering realities, such as the fact that the suicide rate among Black individuals now exceeds that of whites—a poignant reminder of the urgency of our conversation.

At the heart of tonight's discussion is the powerful narrative of resilience and recovery. Dr. Robinson brings her personal journey to the forefront, having tragically lost her sister, Kimberly Haymon, due to a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia in 2015. Through her experiences and her book "African American Mental Health in the Church," Dr. Robinson illuminates the systemic challenges and underscores the critical need for greater understanding and support within our communities.

Joining us as our esteemed guest is J. Barrett Lee, MACS, BA, an esteemed healthcare chaplain based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, whose multifaceted career includes roles as a pastor, college professor, and counselor. Mr. Lee is deeply committed to destigmatizing mental illness, drawing from his own experiences living with Clinical Depression and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder to advocate for societal understanding and acceptance.

Mr. Lee's dedication to community involvement extended far beyond academia. He actively participated in various workshops, including several held at the Annual Emerging HOPE Ministries Community Mental Health Forum in Kalamazoo, Michigan, hosted by Dr. Robinson and her late husband, Reverend Curtis L. Robinson, Sr. Through his dynamic presentations, he ignited engaging conversations and inspired action, contributing to enhanced awareness and backing for mental health concerns.

In summary, Mr. J. Barrett Lee's diverse contributions reflect his unwavering dedication to promoting understanding, compassion, and positive change in the realm of mental health advocacy.

Together, we'll delve into a range of thought-provoking topics:

Dismantling Stigma: How can we challenge the stigmas and misconceptions surrounding mental illness, particularly within communities of color?

Reclaiming Narratives: In a world where external narratives often dictate our self-perception, how can we reclaim our own stories?

Intersectionality: Recognizing the intersectionality of identities— How can we ensure that mental health resources are accessible and inclusive for all?

Holistic Healing: "Take Your Meds & Say Your Prayers" How can we integrate medical and spiritual practices to nurture the health of body, mind, and spirit?

So, join us on this transformative journey as we illuminate the path toward healing and empowerment. And remember, you are never alone—your journey toward wholeness begins here, with us, on the Lotus Flower Podcast.

Remember to like, comment, and subscribe to the Lotus Flower Podcast.

The Lotus Flower Podcast is more than just a podcast; it's a multimedia, biblically-based platform that sparks unfiltered conversations covering a myriad of topics including comedy, religion, music, mental health, and fitness. We're proud to provide a platform that amplifies African American voices and interests, delivering high-quality content and thought-provoking discussions.

Tonight's episode promises to be exceptional as we delve into the topic: "A temporary inconvenience for a permanent improvement." Get ready for an empowering and life-changing conversation!

Special Guest Spotlight: Minister Doris Hope

Tonight, we celebrate the birthday of a remarkable individual, Minister Doris Hope. Join us in wishing her a blessed day! Minister Doris is not only my ministry colleague and sister in the Lord but also an incredible Special Education Teacher for Accomack County Schools. Her heart of flesh and compassion for serving others truly inspire us all. Tune in to hear her invaluable insights and wisdom.

About Minister Doris Hope:

As an ordained Elder and CEO of Doris Hope Ministries Inc., Minister Doris is dedicated to empowering and encouraging others through her prayers, teachings, and writings. Her dedication to her faith and community is truly commendable. Learn more about her journey and explore her inspiring works on her website: www.dorishope.com.

Join Us Live for an Enlightening Experience!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage in enriching discussions and connect with like-minded individuals. Remember, if you can't catch the live broadcast, you can always watch the replay 24/7 on The Lotus Flower YouTube Channel or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to The Lotus Flower YouTube Channel to stay updated on our latest episodes and content!

Let's come together to bloom and thrive in the face of adversity, just like the lotus flower.

Warm regards,

Dr. Pamela Robinson

Host, The Lotus Flower Podcast

@lotusflowerpodcast