30Jan 2017 by Yulinda Renee No Comments
Convicted by my own hypocrisy…

Convicted by my own hypocrisy…

Life Transitions/Life Purpose
How can I with power and authority lead others on a path to mental wellness when my own is in shambles? I can not.  My lack of self-care and inattention to my own well being while using other peoples struggles to distract me from my own has lead me to see my actions for what they were, hypocrisy. I can not in good faith ask others to do what I was unwilling to do myself.  I could no longer extol the benefits of self-affirmations, exercise, mindfulness, rest, meditation, and, fearlessness when I was gripped by fear and self-doubt. Fear had a hold.  Fear gave me permission to do nothing, to use my circumstances as a reason for complacency, to shrink my responsibility to myself and to you.  I retreated over and…
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28Sep 2016 by Yulinda Renee 2 Comments
Mental Illness Isn’t Sexy but it’s Real: Lets Talk About It

Mental Illness Isn’t Sexy but it’s Real: Lets Talk About It

Life Transitions/Life Purpose
We have a problem.  A really big problem.  A problem that is difficult to talk about but easy to minimize.  A problem that is so insidious that some of us don't even acknowledge that there is a problem.  Or that some of us deem it "their problem".  Or we ridicule those who acknowledge, accept, and attempt to fix the problem.  And the problem is just getting worse. Mental Illness is real.  It is not a sign of weakness. A lack of faith.  A cry for attention.  An issue that we can afford to keep defunding and expect everything to be OK. The prevalence of mental illness is becoming more and more apparent as care is becoming more negligent.  Ignoring mental illness doesn't make it go away. Recently I have seen…
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07Sep 2016 by Yulinda Renee No Comments
Can’t conceal my blood tinged tears: Suicide Prevention Month

Can’t conceal my blood tinged tears: Suicide Prevention Month

Life Transitions/Life Purpose
In addition to Sickle Cell Awareness, September is also Suicide Awareness Month and today is the beginning of Suicide Prevention Week. Suicide is not a topic most want to discuss.  It makes us uncomfortable.  It brings up so many conflicting thoughts: anger, shame, blame, frustration, guilt, hurt, sadness just to name a few.  All of those emotions are valid. Suicide starts with a thought.  Things would be easier if I wasn't here.  Whether we want to admit it or not, most if not all of us have had this thought, most of us shake it off and keep going.  It's a momentary frustration with life as we navigate our struggles. Damn, if I just didn't exist, if I killed myself now,  I would not have to deal with all of…
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23Aug 2016 by Yulinda Renee No Comments
Stress Management as a Family Unit

Stress Management as a Family Unit

Trauma/Triggers/Coping
What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger: Dealing with stress in the family as a family. Strong families are beneficial to not only themselves but to the communities in which they reside; they are the building blocks of society.  Unfortunately even the strongest family can be shaken by stress.   However, the stress itself is not so much the problem but how it is dealt with.   The mismanagement of stress can lead to fissures in the foundation of the family system. Effective communication is the best tool for a family to use to successfully navigate stressors, and often the most underutilized.  People tend to deal with stress in silos.  Opting to go it alone opposed to coming together to tackle it as a team; from the teen being bullied at school,…
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08Aug 2016 by Yulinda Renee No Comments
Help for the helpers

Help for the helpers

Trauma/Triggers/Coping
On occasion I will share personal experiences in an effort to make of myself a mirror. To reflect back my struggles and my growth so that others don't feel alone. I help because I understand I understand because I've been there and I return there with the hopes of bringing someone else out with me... It's difficult being in the helping profession when you yourself are not on solid ground. I have experienced some trials and tribulations and as much as part of me wants to hold on to anger and bitterness, as much as I feel I have a right to these emotions; that they are some how righteous, I also know that clinging to them is hindering me. It is negatively effecting everything I do, from my business…
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27Jul 2016 by Yulinda Renee No Comments
When they tell you to just pray…

When they tell you to just pray…

Trauma/Triggers/Coping
You can't pray away depression, or any mental illness. Some might find that statement offensive. But the reality is that many people, especially minorities, view therapy as an affront to God. "I don't need therapy, I just need to pray harder." Or maybe you can pray to be guided to a professional that can help you. Therapy is a tool to help achieve mental wellness, and should be seen as such. In my opinion, not utilizing the tools which can help us become more fully what we were created to be is much more of an affront. Prayer WITH WORK works. Seeking and going to counseling is doing the work, and you are worthy of it. You are meant to be holistically well. Yulinda Rock
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03May 2016 by Yulinda Renee No Comments
Children Mental Health Awareness

Children Mental Health Awareness

Awareness Months, Children Mental Health
Dancing through daffodils Smiling at the frog as it leaps to freedom Upturned face capturing the sweet breeze Swing set waiting in anticipation for little legs to set it flying Sprinklers chase them through the grass As peals of laughter waft up to the listening ears of perched birds Sun shining on closed lids As they wake up from a dream full of peace Only to open their eyes and realize it’s another day Another day of being sad And they wish they could go back to sleep again The escape of a child… ~Yulinda Rock Caring for children is one of the most important tasks we have as adults. All around us is evidence of what happens when we don't: Chaos. May 5th is children's mental health awareness day.…
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23Dec 2015 by Yulinda Renee 6 Comments
It’s hard to heal what we conceal…

It’s hard to heal what we conceal…

Esteem
I came across an article in the Huffington Post that I thought was important to share, 11 habits f people with concealed depression. Feeling blue, a bit down, a little sad, in a funk; however you describe it, depression is real. Depression is especially prevalent around the holiday season, and even more so, it is concealed. In an effort to not be a "burden" or a "downer" people suppress their feelings, oping to put on a happy face as to not disturb the feel good vibes of those around them. Having battled depression on and off since I was a child, I have become quite adept at hiding my "blues" choosing to mask them with busyness. However, as I began to recognize the importance of my mental health and how…
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07Sep 2015 by Yulinda Renee No Comments
Why in home therapy as a choice?

Why in home therapy as a choice?

Relationships (All types)
I have chosen to offer both in home and in office therapy.  I decided to do this so as to offer the most convenient experience for my clients.  As someone who has dealt with depression as well as helped to navigate clients through it, I am well aware of the fact that some days just the thought of getting out of bed is taxing, let alone calling, scheduling, and making it to an office for an appointment.  There may be days when brushing teeth feels like an accomplishment of huge proportions! This doesn't just apply to depression.  Trying to get a defiant child (or spouse) to make it to an appointment can be a hassle. Anger Stress Anxiety All  of the reasons why you may seek counseling can sometimes be…
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