May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and today’s episode of You Are Not Your Trauma™ podcast spotlights transformative figures in mental health. This panel discussion features trailblazers who share personal and professional perspectives on improving mental wellness across diverse communities. Our guests today offer unique insights into their journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the innovative strategies they employ to foster mental health awareness and healing.
Through her personal battles with depression and a near-fatal suicide attempt, Soodabeh discovered the pivotal role of spirituality, mindset, and forgiveness in healing from trauma. Join us as we explore how turning inward and embracing our inner strength can lead us out of the shadows of past experiences and into the empowering light of self-belief and love.
I was joined by a dynamic panel of women leading the charge in mental health advocacy and innovation.
- Candice Hayes, who has turned her personal journey navigating her son’s mental health into a broader mission through The Hope Journal and her eco-friendly business, Candys Candles, to promote mental wellness.
- Shakira Releford, an Associate Professor and behavior analyst, who uses her personal experiences with OCD and professional expertise to support neurodivergent youth through her nonprofit, Connecting Youth Achievement Center.
- Shawnti Refuge, CEO of Shawnti Refuge Journals, harnesses the power of guided journaling to aid individuals in processing emotional baggage, drawing on her own mental health challenges to foster healing and self-care.
- Dr. Carrie Young-McWilliams, an advocate for social justice and educational equity, brings her extensive experience in educational leadership to the forefront, promoting diversity and inclusivity in educational settings to enhance mental health outcomes.
Together, these women provide a wealth of insights and innovations, collectively transforming the landscape of mental health advocacy and support.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Trends in Mental Health
- Personal Mental Wellness Management
- Importance of Open Discussions about Mental Health
- Vision for Mental Health Care
This week’s Guests:
Candice Hayes, Shakira Releford, Shawnti Refuge & Dr. Carrie Young- McWilliams
Join us at the A.S.C.E.N.D. Summit ‘24, a two-day healing event designed to take you on a transformative journey. Whether you’re looking for personal growth, healing, or a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, the A.S.C.E.N.D. Summit promises to be an enriching experience. Tickets are NOW Available HERE!
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