Book Nook: THE STOP: Improving Police and Community Relations

 The 2020 election cycle was stressful for everyone on both sides of the aisle, and when combined with the isolation and anxieties of the pandemic and the economy, mental health is suffering in a big way. Mental health activist Achea Redd knows firsthand how difficult it can be, especially for people of color.

Daughter of a pastor and wife of NBA legend and Olympian Michael Redd, Achea suffered from atypical anorexia throughout her teens and was diagnosed with depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in 2016. The stigma and shame associated with mental illness led Achea to hide her conditions from the world and her loved ones, which exacerbated her issues to the point of a full-blown breakdown, even contemplating suicide. Thankfully, this inspirational mother of two got help and is now not only thriving, but helping others, especially women and POC, make their mental health a priority. Her tips for coping with anxiety, depression and stress right now:

• "To be completely honest it has not been the easiest, but I think limiting social media and news intake to just once a day or every other day would be first. Also, when we do take in news, no matter the medium, don’t do it right before bed or first thing in the morning. Maybe mid-day or dinner prep time work for you, but not right when you wake up or right before bed." 
• "Understand what you can control and what you can not control. The world as a whole is very uncertain, however, you can only do what you can do and no more. The moment you start to think otherwise it becomes a downward spiral."
• "Do something nice for yourself everyday. Whether it’s physical movement, wine, a bath, reading a good book with some tea, or watching a funny movie. Make a habit of filling your own cup so that you don’t look to others to do that for you. I started doing this about three months ago and it has made a world of difference in my life."
• "Eliminate all negative energy in your circle. The world is a cluster of negativity right now. The last thing you need is to have to navigate through that in your own life."

Achea, previously featured in Reader's Digest, Huffington Post, Thrive Global and Shondaland, is also the author of Be Free. Be You and the upcoming Authentic You: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up Fearless and True, which inspires young girls to find their voices, let them out and love themselves unconditionally.

"It is not uncommon to have a mental illness," Achea stresses. "More people have them than we would think. Whether it is a moment of panic or depression, it will not always be as bad as it is right now. It will get better."

I had a chance to interview Achea and Dwayne to learn more.

From Achea:

Why was the election of Kamala Harris such a healing moment for WOC?

For so long WOC have been overlooked and thought of as angry/aggressive. I have even heard black men say that Black women are at the bottom of the totem pole. So I think Madam Vice President Elect Harris is redeeming and restorative. Taking the WOC conversation off the table, and removing bipartisan views she has brought hope back into the eyes of women and girls no matter what their walk of life is. 

Why is it important for everyone to understand the unique challenges of raising Black children, even in areas where there doesn't appear to be discrimination or police brutality?

Not having to have “the talk” about racial injustices and such is a privilege in itself. No matter how economically advanced the family is, we still have to have very hard conversations starting around 3 or 4 years of age. we teach our kids how to navigate and assimilate to a world that was never intended for them be free in. Additionally, we have to discuss how if you are Black you MUST work ten times harder and unfortunately the only exception to that rule is if you have a very athletic child who is pro sports bound. 

How are POC uniquely affected by mental health issues, and how can everyone work for a more just mental health system?

his question is a pretty deep one, but the condensed version is that any ethnic group that experienced trauma because of race will impact their mental health in some way or another. There is a such thing called “transgenerational trauma” that gets passed through the blood line. Furthermore, if a parent grows up feeling inferior or ashamed of something beyond their control those insecurities and shame will come out in how the parents rear their children. Because of this, certain ethnic groups raise their children to be guarded which then further alienates the children from being vulnerable.

Over the past few months we have hearing discussions surrounding reparations to the Black community or descendants of slaves. However, those reparations should not only be in monetary form but also in government funded mental health research and treatment for all black people living legally in America. I only say this because we can get money all day but if we aren't taught to invest it properly or if our psyche is not healed the cycle will repeat itself. 

From Dwayne:

Daughter of a pastor and wife of NBA legend and Olympian Michael Redd, Achea suffered from atypical anorexia throughout her teens and was diagnosed with depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in 2016. The stigma and shame associated with mental illness led Achea to hide her conditions from the world and her loved ones, which exacerbated her issues to the point of a full-blown breakdown, even contemplating suicide. Thankfully, this inspirational mother of two got help and is now not only thriving, but helping others, especially women and POC, make their mental health a priority. 

 

Achea has previously been featured in Reader's Digest, Huffington Post, Thrive Global and Shondaland. She is the author of Be Free. Be You and the upcoming Authentic You: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up Fearless and True, which inspires young girls to find their voices, let them out and love themselves unconditionally.

Dwayne Bryant is an internationally renowned speaker, best-selling author, educational consultant, trainer and Alumni of the FBI Citizen’s Academy. Known for his high-energy, unique ability to connect to an audience, keen intellect and wit, Bryant fuels audiences by sharing his credo of hard work, perseverance, integrity, and applied faith, which are the keys to his success. 

He is the Founder and CEO of Inner Vision International, Inc., which provides various education institutions with results oriented social emotional mentoring services, including eLearning with DB. He is sought after by corporations, nonprofits and academic institutions for his proven ability to offer step-by-step resources to audiences on how to unlock their unlimited power.

Bryant has been a correspondent for Next TV, hosted the Unity breakfast for the Obama Presidential Library and has been featured on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and PBS networks for his impactful work throughout various communities. 

He received a proclamation from the Pennsylvania State Legislatures for his book, The STOP: Improving Police and Community Relations. Recognizing his work for creating solutions to improve police and community relations, Bryant received EBONY Magazine’s EBONY Power 100’s “Community Crusader” Award.

THE STOP: Improving Police and Community Relations is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.