Posted on

REAL TALK: Lil Wayne and Mental Health Problems

Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., known professionally as Lil Wayne, is an American rapper, record executive, and entrepreneur. He is regarded by many contemporaries as one of the most influential hip hop artists of his generation, and often cited as one of the greatest rappers of all time. 

Recently, the 5-time Grammy award winner, @Lil Wayne opens up for the first time ever about the details of his attempted suicide at age 12. Lil Wayne discusses his life long mental health struggles in a brave and vulnerable conversation with Emmanuel Acho. Listen as Wayne speaks with a transparency that we’ve never seen before.  Lil Wayne shares why he wants to talk about mental health, his message to the world on mental health, his message to parents of kids with mental health struggles, and much more,

If you, or anyone else you know, has ever struggled with anxiety, depression, loneliness, or any other mental health challenges, this is an awesome interview to encourage, empower and educate persons, the signs and symptoms  to start the  uncomfortable conversation; as we are about to begin the September  National Recovery Month,  I am honored to share this YouTube video .

 

 

“I wish they knew mental health is real, and that there is no bar to measure how real”
-Lil Wayne

THANK YOU! MR CARTER 

 

If you — or someone you know — need help, please call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 

If you are outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of international resources.

Need help with substance abuse or mental health issues? In the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline.

 

 

Posted on

WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?

As the world is reopening from  the challenges of COVID-19, the impact of social distancing has just begun. Are you ready? I welcome you to journey with me through my new book, What About The Children? The Neuroplasticity, Implicit Bias  Theory.

This book has been written to move beyond excuses, that address the future with a thinking-outside the box thought process.   Teaching an old system new innovations  how society can move forward with behavioral health disorders post Covid-19 to save our children from all ethnicities.

Author M/R Johnson

Posted on

ADDICTIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES ARE ON THE RISE

Experts have seen a rise in substance addictions, such as alcohol, tobacco and opioids, but explained that a host of other addictions are up, as well. “Behavioral addictions such as gambling, online gaming, sexual addiction, overspending and binge eating have also increased dramatically during the pandemic.

While all forms of addictions are thought to have increased, the more affordable and accessible ones have grown, especially. “Some addictions are more common than others due to availability, accessibility and price,” said Dr. John Kelly, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and program director of the addiction recovery management service at Massachusetts General Hospital.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve observed a significant rise in mental health problems including depression, anxiety and addiction,” said Dongju Seo, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine.

Chris Foresta, a recovering heroin addict from Las Vegas and author of “Redemption Bridge: My Story of Addiction and Recovery,” said he has witnessed pandemic-related addictions firsthand. “So many of my friends have relapsed during the pandemic,” he said.

 

Why addictions have increased

Foresta explained that connection is the most important thing people struggling with addiction need to stay sober or avoid addiction, and that the past two years “have been a pandemic of isolation for most of us. Isolation is very dangerous for addicts.”

Eliana Leve, director of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s New York services, agreed: “Addictive behaviors are often linked to emotional and social deficits. The isolation and uncertainty during the pandemic exacerbated those deficits by taking away opportunities to experience social connectedness and personal growth.”

While not everyone is addiction-prone — “Based on individual predispositions and availability, some people tend to be more vulnerable to certain types of addictions than others.  Individuals who are have struggled especially the past two years.

In addition to robbing them of social opportunities, the pandemic has also interrupted the structure some had in place to mitigate temptations and manage stress.

Talking about your feelings is “the best ways to course-correct,” Leve echoed. “Secrets keep us sick.

Reach out to peers in recovery, speak to a supportive family member or friend, go to 12 steps or other mutual support meetings, reconnect with helpful mentors or sponsors, and seek professional help if needed.

READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE @ NEWS  YAHOO

 

Daryl Austin is a health journalist based in Utah. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Kaiser Health News and Parents magazine.