Health & Wellness Archives - Straight Official Magazine

Healthy Equals Happy

on October 11, 2025 Health & Wellness Mental Health add comment

Links between physical, spiritual & mental health

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only! Should you or a loved one exhibit any signs of mental crisis or distress please seek professional help from a qualified Practitioner promptly! To contact the national suicide & crisis hotline just dial 988 . You can download the National Suicide & Crisis Hotline wallet card here. You can also find numerous crisis lines for any situation here.

Healthy=Happy Really?

Does health equal happy? Well, there is really not much of a discussion when we dive into the realm of healthy equaling happy. It is no cliché that our minds are healthy and stable when the other health components follow the same health model as a foundation for health stability. We have three main components of health and others would be subcomponents.

The Three Factors

The three main health components are physical health, spiritual health, and mental health plus a host of subcomponents which can also be broken down. The main point here is that every component on health is dependent on the others. If our physical health declines the mental health and spiritual health follows.

So, to answer the question does healthy really equal happy. Absolutely! Let’s dive into the three components a little deeper to dissect the correlation between them and mental health.

Spiritual Health

We all have a spiritual health whether that is belief in higher powers and deities or not believing in those at all. We are all beings of spirit. Take for example an Entertainer who is set to open for a notable Artist suddenly has the contracted terminated. That Entertainer will be crushed in spirit. We all have a spirit, and it is one of the three health components. That means it is also subject to external triggers that would contribute to a decline.

“The wound is the place where light enters you.”

~ Rumi

How many of us has had something crush our spirit and yet that felt like fuel to grind harder or do better? Or are you the person who does the opposite and withdraw and retract the desire to perform in that area of interest? No matter which you are both have become the product of how your mind perceived the crushing of the spirit.

No doubt you would prefer the better more optimistic thinking. Consequently, most people would. However, it is important to know that not everyone does. Nevertheless, can you see how our level of spiritual health has impacted the mental health and vice versa? First, the spirit is crushed, then our minds decide if we will turn it into a moment of clarity or chaos.

KNOW THE SIGNS

Some symptoms of spiritual sickness are the development or increased.

Anxiety and fear
Resentment, anger, blame
Guilt, shame, remorse
Irritability, chronic negativity, melancholy, lack of joy
Addictive behaviors
Lethargy
Emotional and social distance
Increased need in material things

So you see how the mind is automatically affected during periods of spiritual decline

Physical Health

How many people have caught minor illnesses like the stomach bug or COVID that says they are in their best space mentally. No, most people that contract those illnesses describe it as miserable. Feeling miserable is mental. Moreover, mental health is exacerbated with more complex illnesses such as lupus, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis or cancer.

I have lupus and fibromyalgia. Those are chronic pain conditions that most medical professionals dubbed “invisible illnesses.” However, the debilitating illnesses still wreak havoc on my mental health. However, when I wake up and cannot move due to a flare or cannot feed myself, or walk I am then depressed.

Why, because I feel miserable for one thing, and I feel burdensome to my caregivers. It is a domino effect designed to affect the mental health of you and your loved ones. Which of my loved ones will say I am happy when you are ill, and I am sad when you are well? Not anyone I know! This is why it is important to do the minor things that helps our body stay healthy like prioritizing good nutrition, sleep, and exercise.

Happiness in 2026

As 2025 ends we want to plan out our vision for wholeness in the coming year. How will we prioritize our spiritual health to maintain a healthy mind. Moreover, what will we change about our physical decline to reach stability again?

Will we be more talk than action? How can we develop the right surroundings to flourish so our minds will be on peace mode? Well, first you must decide that your mental health is worth the fight to keep it healthy. Then you take one day at a time.

You can do it. I know you can do it because I did it and I am still doing it. Every day is not easy. Some days I get up wishing I did not because I have so much pain to deal with and most days waking up in pain means that a long painful day looms ahead for me.

Then other days, I wake up feeling completely gone of any pain or residuals and I look forward to that day even more with anticipation because I know that I am not hurting physically. It may not be a complex illness.

Maybe you just lack sleep. However, that is also a component of health and to flourish with energy you need to prioritize good sleep hygiene. Let’s get back to happy in 2026. So, let’s get back to healthy!

#GetSOM via @dj-quassy

Back to School Shenanigans

on September 25, 2025 Health & Wellness Mental Health add comment

Navigating your feelings during back-to-school transitions

Nostalgia

We have all been there. Back to school is very stressful. Whether we were the student and for many of us we are the parents or caregivers of students. Youth are far from being exempt from back to school and mental health shenanigans. In fact, it is quite true that for many students the transition from (old friends, a new classroom, new rules, new workload), can truly cause mental distress to develop in our youth or even exacerbate illnesses. Back to school is necessary for every youth and it is inevitable. Whether a youth is receiving instruction in person or in cyber school, be advised that the same struggle exists for them and it our job as parents to be like Beyonce on her “Cowboy Carter,” tour and be our youths “Protector!”

Mental illness in youth is a bit hard to identify because of many factors. With the growing number of neurodiverse and comorbid conditions it is very important to differentiate between them so to be very certain not to misdiagnose and label a child with the wrong condition. Back to school stressors should not go unnoticed. More importantly, the wrong treatment could be extremely detrimental to the underlying issues making the healing process a tedious one.

Is My Child Okay?

Any good caregiver will ask the same concerning question if their child presents home with questionable behaviors such as, new or increased anxiety, lack of doing normal things they love. Most parents share similar concerns

For many of our youth they struggle alone never to tell anyone about their day at school. Which is why it is so important for Parents and Caregivers to work hard at identifying declines in the child’s mental health and attend to the child’s needs promptly.

The Domino Effect

The biggest concern Is, the result of a lack in interventions for our youth. Like the analogy of a domino effect, one thing goes wrong after the other. When our youth are bullied

that could cause them to develop metal illness such as anxiety and depression. They could develop the feeling of wanting to feel “numb,” then start to turn to substance use to make the pain of reality to go away. That addiction becomes a problem and so forth and so on. We have lost countless lives of our children because many have neglected to identify the problem as our children’s mental decline gets swept under a rug.

As Parents, Caregivers, teachers etc.… We are responsible for the lives of our youth and sadly many of them have been let down because of our own preoccupations.

Making a Change 2026

Can our children count on us in 2026 to be empathetic towards their emotions?

Can we show our young children that they have the support they need to thrive in 2026?

Can our children trust us with their problems to help them sort things out?

Can we give our children some of the emotional support that we did not have when we were their ages? I can say yes. I pray many of you can to. Let’s have a great school year 2025/2026.

Signs of Back-to-School Stressors

Avoidance behaviors
Changes in appetite
Distraction or inability to focus
Excessive worry or fear
Trouble sleeping

Tips to Make Back to School Transitions Easier

1Reset your family schedule.

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/back-to-school-transition-tips-for-parents-and-kids

During the summer, it’s natural to be on a more relaxed schedule. Bedtimes might be a bit late, and kids sleep in more than usual. That’s great!

But when it’s time for the first day of school, you may not want to rush your child into a new schedule. Instead, get them on a healthy sleep schedule by shifting their waking and sleeping hours by 5-10 minutes daily, starting a week or two before school begins.

2Make a menu.

Before the first week of school, sit down with your child and talk about the foods they enjoy. Use this opportunity to list healthy, delicious lunch and snack foods they’ll love to take to school.

Recipes like these yummy Oatmeal Muffins can be made ahead in larger batches to grab on the go as you’re packing lunches and snacks.

3Discuss routines.

Children thrive when they can explore their decision-making skills. They also have great ideas! Have a conversation with your child about what they think their daily routine should look like on a school day.

What will be the first thing they do when they wake up? What will they be in charge of? Now that they’re moving onto the next grade, are there any new responsibilities they’d like to tackle?

Creating routines can guide positive behavior and aid with transitions like the beginning of the school year. They also are a great idea for parents, as they help reduce power struggles and can bring you and your child closer together.

4Create a checklist.

Now that you’ve talked through a routine, make it into a checklist!

A checklist for the school day can help keep children on track as they move through their mornings and afternoons. Add responsibilities like making the bed, brushing teeth, and more.

Kids will love seeing what they’ve accomplished, and parents will love their help in preparing for back to school because it will keep everyone on track.

5Plan something to look forward to.

The back-to-school transition can be challenging. To help create a welcoming environment after school, plan a few activities you can do together, like making a fun snack or creating a craft together.

Spending time together after school helps kids wind down after a long, busy school day. Create cute pencil toppers, or even a little cardboard friend while asking your child questions about their day.

These moments after school can be something that you (and your child!) look forward to all day long.

6Coordinate with friends.

Knowing they’ll have friends nearby is a great way to ease the back-to-school transition, especially for young children.

Coordinate with other parents to find out if your child will have class, recess, or special clubs with their friends.

If your child is new to school, reach out to the school to learn how to connect with other new parents to plan a few get-to-know-you playdates before the school year begins. Having a familiar face in the school yard can be comforting at back-to-school time.

7Talk it out.

Once all the checklists are made and the supplies are taken care of, have a few heart-to-heart chats with your child! Ask them how they’re feeling about the start of a new year. For example, you can say, “Last year, you were working on making new friends at recess. How are you feeling about making friends this year?”

Perhaps your child is excited, a bit nervous, or even anxious. All of those feelings are normal and to be expected. As adults, we have tools to help children cope with back-to-school anxiety that can be comforting.

You can also remind them about the exciting things a new school year holds! These open and honest conversations will help ease parents and kids into the new school year.

With some extra planning and care, your child will be off to a fantastic start in transitioning back to school after summer break!

Maybe It’s Me

on August 29, 2025 Editorials Health & Wellness add comment

Why Self-care is Important to Maintain Mental Stability

A Real Scare

It’s easy to say to someone’s struggle that they lack caring for themselves. Consequently, most people who make that statement lack decent self-care themselves. I recently had to wonder the same thing after a very recent diagnosis of a brain aneurysm right after getting discharged from inpatient psych hospital for feelings of suicidal ideations. Furthermore, today, last year I thought I was ok. You could not tell me that today I would have the greatest blessings upon me while simultaneously having the worst health complications which in my own opinion makes any beautiful “Thug Diva” question themselves. “Who or what could be responsible for a mental decline of whom would be considered a considerably stable person?”

Who’s Fault Is It?

Well, as much as I would love to cast blame on others. The truth is no matter how much I want to cast blame on others for my mental misery I can only blame the “Superstar” of her own self-care neglect since my mind is controlled by me. Or better yet, “uncontrolled,” by me.

Maybe I loved too hard, maybe I overthought things, maybe I didn’t think enough. Whatever the case maybe I stand at the precipice of health excel or health decline and I am the reason I haven’t made self-care a priority. But why?

What is Self-Care?

In my own experience, self-care is the epicenter of stable mental health. What is self-care? Self-care is the action a person takes daily to maintain a healthy mentality. For example, listening to music, getting up every morning to groom yourself for the day, eating healthy, exercise, positive affirmations, positive self-talk, adhering to the doctor’s recommendations for good health, doing your hair, treating yourself to a nice dinner or movie and much more!

I can attest that had I been doing at least half of these recommended activities that I would not have ended up in a psych hospital contemplating suicide. The harsh reality is it is not a fix all solution, but it is a start, and it is a good thing to make a positive habit in your life.

Music (the cure for mental crisis)

Recently I had dealt with my mother who has schizophrenia. She had a severe episode which landed her involuntarily committed to inpatient psych. This was needless to say a very stressful time in my life. My Mother was spazzing on the guys outside with her paranoia and I was slowly declining. I suggested to my mother to do some Zumba exercises with me to get the endorphins flowing and develop a more positive energy. Almost immediately she became elated.

I am a Producer and DJ amongst other things, so it is not rocket science that music is my go to for my euphoric safe place. Music is so expressive that the notes are often described as happy or sad (C maj/ A min). I can guarantee that there is a song that can be played to express every emotion every felt! Meditation is often suggested as a form of self-care. The action of breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth has been an age-old method for calming anxiety and grounding techniques. Meditation as a top self-care practice is very good to have in your arsenal of crisis fighting weapons.

Music is the happy and safe space for many people seeking refuge. You don’t often see people frowning while dancing!

Here is a list of some great ways to practice self-care for FREE!

Meditation
Exercise
Listen to music.
Take a walk.
Take a cold shower.
Take a hot bath.
Journaling
Call a friend.
Coloring
Watch a movie.
Make a nice dinner.
Visit a friend.
Go to church.

There are many ways to begin to implement self-care into your daily routine as a method of mental health crisis prevention. The most important thing to remember is your mental health crisis is NOT YOUR FAULT! Whichever method you choose remember to take care of yourself.

Warning signs of a mental health crisis in adults.

Excessive worrying or fear
Feeling excessively sad or low
Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
Avoiding friends and social activities
Difficulties understanding or relating to other people
Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy
Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
Changes in sex drive
Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don’t exist in objective reality)
Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality (”lack of insight” or anosognosia)
Overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs
Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”)
Thinking about suicide
Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress
An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance

Warning signs of a mental health crisis in youth.

Changes in school performance
Excessive worry or anxiety, for instance fighting to avoid bed or school
Hyperactive behavior
Frequent nightmares
Frequent disobedience or aggression
Frequent temper tantrums

Should you or a loved one exhibit any of these concerning behaviors contact a medical professional immediately!

#GetSOM via @dj-quassy & click here for more of my content!

Health and Wellness Spotlight: Reverend Dr. Erica Turner, D.Msc – A Journey of Holistic Empowerment

on May 8, 2025 Health & Wellness Mental Health 1 comment

In the vibrant world of holistic healing, Reverend Dr. Erica Turner, D.Msc emerges as a beacon of hope and transformation. Her mission? To guide individuals toward spiritual awakening and higher consciousness, fostering a deep sense of inner power and purpose.

Integrative Approach to Holistic Healing

Dr. Erica’s holistic approach encompasses a range of offerings that cater to the mind, body, and soul. Her services include:

Massage Therapy: As a Licensed Professional Massage Therapist, she utilizes various techniques to relieve tension, promote relaxation, and enhance overall well-being.
Reiki/Sekhem Energy Healing: With her expertise in energy work, Dr. Erica aligns energy fields, helping clients release blocked emotions and restore harmony within.
Life Coaching: Her role as a Spiritual Life Coach enables her to guide individuals in uncovering their potential and creating intentional pathways to reach their goals.
Meditation and Breathwork: Dr. Erica teaches mindfulness and breath techniques that help individuals connect with their inner selves and instill a sense of calm.
Spiritual Counseling: Providing a listening ear and insightful guidance, she walks alongside clients during their most transformative journeys.
Ceremonies: Creating sacred spaces for profound rites of passage, Dr. Erica officiates weddings, baptismal and ego rebirth ceremonies, as well as house blessings. Her inclusivity embraces people from all walks of life, reinforcing that love and healing know no boundaries.

Empowering Transformation: The Holistic Healing Journey of Dr. Erica Turner, D.Msc

Health and wellness and spiritual growth are becoming intertwined. Dr. Erica Turner, D.Msc, stands out as a beacon of light for those seeking holistic healing. She’s a purpose-driven Ordained Metaphysical Minister, Spiritual Life Coach, Educator and Certified Master Herbalist. Her multifaceted approach to health and wellness draws on both ancient wisdom and modern practices. Her endgame: to empower individuals on their journeys toward healing and higher consciousness.

A Foundation of Purpose and Passion

Dr. Turner’s diverse qualifications are a testament to her commitment to transforming the mind, body, and soul. With a blend of expertise as a Licensed Professional Massage Therapist, Energy Worker, and Certified Human Rights Consultant, she navigates the realms of physical and metaphysical well-being seamlessly. Her educational background in metaphysics enriches her ability to guide clients through a spiritual awakening. Facilitating a deeper understanding of themselves and their purpose.

Bridging Ancient and Modern Practices

The integration of ancient wisdom with contemporary knowledge is a hallmark of Dr. Turner’s philosophy. She believes that traditional healing practices, enriched by modern scientific understanding, create a powerful framework for holistic healing. This unique synthesis not only addresses physical ailments, but also nurtures emotional and spiritual well-being. This allows her clients to achieve a harmonious balance in their lives.

Vision of Empowerment

Dr. Turner’s mission extends beyond individual healing; she aims to uplift communities. As a passionate educator, she hosts workshops on various topics related to health, wellness, and metaphysics. Her teachings inspire individuals to take charge of their own healing journeys. Allowing them to contribute positively to the well-being of those around them.

Client Transformations

The impact of Dr. Turner’s work is evident in the many testimonials from clients who have experienced profound transformation. From finding relief from chronic pain through massage therapy, to achieving clarity and purpose via her coaching sessions, her clients often recount stories of renewal and empowerment.

Dr. Erica’s contributions to healing and empowerment have not gone unnoticed. She was honored as a Woman of Excellence by MzMinah Media, LLC. In addition she received a Certificate of Excellence for her dedication to healing work. Recently inducted into the Worldwide Women’s Association, she celebrated this milestone with a Certificate of Achievement, further underscoring her impact in the community.

Towards a Wholebody Healing Center

With dreams as expansive as her mission, Dr. Erica is raising funds to establish her own Wholebody Healing Center. This sanctuary incorporates a prayer and meditation temple, echoing the serene solace often found in hospital chapels. By design, it promotes spiritual and holistic healing. The dedicated space will serve as a hub for community wellness, education, and spiritual growth.

Dr. Erica has launched a GoFundMe campaign to gather support for this transformative vision. Through collective effort, she aims to create a sanctuary where individuals can experience healing, empowerment, and connection.

https://gofund.me/4686ba59

Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Erica offers a series of services and events.

Mindful May: Join Dr. Erica this month as she delves into understanding mental health illnesses beyond surface-level treatments, offering valuable tips and exercises. Tune in for live sessions on social media and informative videos throughout May.

7 Week Chakra Healing Program: Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul with this unique program. Clear and activate your chakra energies after the chaotic holiday season. Each week focuses on a different chakra, making it like a workout for your inner self. The annual program is priced at $77, with a mini-version available for just 7 days.

Blue Lotus Awakening Breathwork Event: Experience Dr. Erica’s transformative breathwork system designed for trauma relief. This event incorporates the soothing sounds of singing bowls and encourages participants to confront their fears and shadows, facilitating healing. The event is priced at $88.

New Earth Frequency Alignment: This divine journey blends Yoga Nidra with crystal sound bowls to help participants reconnect with themselves and the Earth. Experience a shift in vibration towards love, peace, clarity, and harmony. This donation-based event, often described as the next closest thing to a rebirth.

🌸 Spring Massage Package Promo – 50% OFF Until June 20! 🌸

Experience rejuvenation this spring with our special massage package at Blue Lotus Healz! Enjoy 50% off our seasonal massage packages until June 20. While these packages are available year-round, they are on sale during this particular season to ensure you can indulge in self-care at a budget-friendly price.

🌟 The Best Business
At Blue Lotus Healz, we are dedicated to promoting holistic health and well-being since 2019. Our services include:

Massage Therapy: All sessions are infused with Reiki healing energy for ultimate relaxation.
Body Contouring: Get the results you desire with consistent treatments.
Life Coaching: Work through challenges and reach your personal goals.

Payment Plans Available! We understand that wellness should be accessible to everyone. We offer sliding scale payment options to ensure no one is left out. If you’re eligible for hardship, we have special plans just for you.

Booking Made Easy!
To book your Spring Massage Package directly, simply text ‘spring’ to 312-857-8835. You can also visit our website at www.bluelotushealz.net where updates are made regularly. For more linked sites, check out liinks.co/wholebodyhealing.

Why Choose Dr. Erica?

Choosing Reverend Dr. Erica Turner as your guide in this holistic journey means embarking on a path filled with compassion, understanding, and expertise. Her holistic offerings are infused with ancient teachings that resonate in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re seeking a compassionate ear, a transformative energy work or a tailored wedding officiant, Dr. Erica stands ready to support you! She strives in aligning you with your highest self.

Along her journey toward the development of a Wholebody Healing Center, Dr. Erica invites everyone to take part in this vision. Transforming not only their lives but also the community at large. In her words, “Let us awaken to our divine potential and reclaim our inner power together.”

Join Dr. Erica in revolutionizing the way we approach health and wellness. One heart, one mind and one soul at a time. To support her mission, visit her GoFundMe page and be a part of the change you wish to see.

#GetSOM via @mzminah-browndivah & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle and culture

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

on May 6, 2025 Editorials Health & Wellness Mental Health add comment

Battle for the Physical & Spiritual Mind

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes ONLY and is backed up by verifiable references. This is NOT a diagnostic tool; however, this IS a tool to create awareness of mental illness. Should you or a loved one have any concerns or exhibit any symptoms described here it is important to talk to your Physician as soon as possible, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357.

Real Wordz with DJ Quassy (Someone Who Understands)

The past two weeks have been quite interesting for me. I recently celebrated my birthday on the 17^thof April. That day everything was great (so it appeared to be). When my mother returned home from work that Monday something was quite off about her. I greeted her by saying “Mom! Do you want to hear my new song?” Which is something I have done since I was a child. Well, she shrugged her shoulders and walked solemnly into her room and closed the door behind her. Suddenly, I heard her crying, then she started chanting, and spewing things out of her mouth that sounded completely and utterly demonic. It didn’t take long for me to realize someone, or something triggered a paranoid schizophrenic episode in her mind. Mental illness has reared it’s ugly face again.

THE PHYSICAL BATTLE

Mental Illness & The Battle for Your Brain

The mind is the control center of our human existence. Medically, signals are sent from the brain to command the body to function. When the brain doesn’t function properly, it creates a domino effect of physical and mental issues and ailments. Pain becomes the language of life. According to Curable “Once stressors are identified, the brain begins to put the body into a state of fight or flight, causing real, physical effects in the body.”

Chronic pain conditions that some doctors see as “invisible” like, fibromyalgia, and lupus. Many respected scientists believe that controlling the way the pain is perceived can be of great relief. As a chronic pain patient that suffers from both fibromyalgia and lupus, I will say that I still need to explore that strategy.

THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE

Mental Health & The Battle for Your Mind

In a worldwide recovery group called Narcotics Anonymous they use a popular 12 step program to facilitate the recovery of the addicted. Step 3 encourages turning one’s life as known to a higher power in my opinion have always implied that it doesn’t matter which level of spirituality you are on. The battle for the way you think and believe has spiritual components. I am a Christian, so I believe in Jesus Christ. Some believe in others. Whatever the case it is important to understand that we live in a divine world with supernatural energy surrounding us daily both positive and negative.

In the Bible of the Christian faith Romans 7:25 reads “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.” (ESV) This passage expressing clearly that we serve the higher power (God) with the way we think. Faith is about how we think, optimism is about how we think, affirmations aims to shape the way we think! Likewise, negative energy around us also aims to shape the way we think, anxiety is about how we think, depression is about how we think, personality disorders, paranoid schizoid affective disorders. All about how to distort the way we think.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

If this battle of my mind has supernatural components to it how do I win? Well, for me I chose a side. I either wanted to feel good or feel bad. So, I decided enough was enough. I decided (in my mind), that I wanted to feel good. First a thought, then actions followed, finally full recovery! That was me. But I had to change how I thought about things. Moreover, I had to stop getting so angry so fast, I had to stop believing something always had to be wrong with me because I was used to things being that way.

I had to stop believing the lies of the negative energy around me and believing in the divine spirits that I claimed to believe in and follow. I had to minimize my exposure to shenanigans because shenanigans can get you caught up! Bottom line is for me, it started in my mind, and it ended in my mind. The bible tells me 2 Corinthians 10:5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. (NLT)

I started to demand change in my mind, and it happened. It was a process. However, I am happy to announce I can and do go through storms without encountering oppression from spirits of suicide, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, confrontation and many more!

YOU CAN DO IT!

Likewise, the bible instructs its readers in Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

This scripture also reiterates the importance of understanding that none of our conflict is with people at all! We would love to believe so, but really the way the opposition is thinking is distorted as well which is why many mental health patients appear to be highly agitated. We all have a common enemy. This is not meant to be a bible lesson. This is merely an appeal to the minds of the sufferers and plead for you to fight the negative energy around you and take back control of how you think!

That may mean, seeing a professional that specializes in psychiatry. Maybe you may need a little bit of medicine to reset the chemical imbalance causing the distorted thinking. Maybe you would benefit from talk therapy to help you develop cognitive coping skills when faced with much trauma of distorted thinking. I cannot and will not ignore that there could be trauma linked to the developing of mental illness and I am so sorry that it ever happened at the expense of you living a fulfilling life with fulfilling thinking.

May I suggest that may be one reason why in my experience professionals have attempted to help me view and confront my trauma by a shift in my thought processes. I believe that if you are willing to see past what you can see, then you will begin to see a clearer future because you will believe in a better one for yourself or the one you love.

IN CONCLUSION

This mental illness journey has been an ongoing cycle for my mother. As a result, my siblings and I were victims of varying degrees of different abuse. We all view things differently today because we all experienced it in our minds differently. Today, my mother is a high function schizophrenic. She works hard, and she is the sweetest person. I had to realize and show a level of compassion for her that I could do simply because I am the one capable of viewing being neglected and abused as a child differently in this situation. She is so traumatized by her own abuse as a child that she cannot see past her hurt because she mentions the same things all the time.

However, I have grown past that. It has been a domino effect and battle for the minds of those in my bloodline which is why there is always generational and hereditary components to many of the spiritual mishaps and negative energy we face. Generational tics is what I call them. That is a conversation for another day.

Let me end by asking you something.

What’s really on your mind and why is it sanctioned to be there?

Should you notice signs or symptoms of mental illness in yourself, your child, or someone you love. Speak to a professional promptly! Early intervention saves lives!

Some common symptoms to be aware of

Increased sleeping and or fatigue
Lack of interest in things once pleasurable
Agitation
Racing thoughts
Fast or slow speech
Crying spells
Isolation
Substance abuse
Suicidal ideations
Aggression towards people and animals
Arson
Self-harm
Binge eating
Dissociations
Cutting school
And more!

REAL WORDZ OF ENCOURAGEMENT BY DJ QUASSY

I am no professional who specializes in mental illness. My only qualification is a lifetime of experience. I know that you feel lost. I have been there. 10 plus years of depression, psychiatric hospitals, sedating psychiatric medications, misunderstandings, misjudgments. You name it! Lost things can be found. I was. Sometimes it just takes a little sound, a cry out for the right one to hear you. Let’s start with the words I started with. “Help me please!”

Today, it has been 10 years since I have had psychiatric issues putting me in psych hospitals on medications. I can think clear, and I can feel, and I love it! The system can be so messed up, but if you say the right thing to the right one, you will be heard and you will be helped! Good luck and God Bless!

#GetSOM via @dj-quassy & click here for more of my content!

Autism Awareness and Mental Health

on April 17, 2025 Health & Wellness Mental Health add comment

April Is Autism Awareness and Mental Health Month

Today I thought I would shed a little light on autism awareness and mental health for this week’s blog for few reasons. It’s your girl’s DJ Quassy birthday (age undetermined!) Also, I was diagnosed and placed on the mild/moderate end of the autism spectrum. I am considered high functioning and I wanted to shed a little light and awareness on this growing pandemic of neurodiversity globally.

Meet Mental Health Advocate Lakin Thomas

I had the pleasure of doing an interview with a special guest and longtime friend Lakin Thomas, a mental health and addictions advocate. In addition, she’s, the administrator of the popular social media group “You are Not Alone.” A mental health Facebook group, Thomas is an author, screenwriter and CEO of Fade2blaq Productionz.

Real Wordz w DJ Quassy (The Autism & Mental Health Crisis)

Neurodiversity

A male and female back-to-back side outlined silhouette overlaid with various sized translucent words related to the serious topic of MENTAL HEALTH.

You have a mental health group that meet regularly on zoom through Facebook? How many members do you have currently?

It depends, I have quite a few members coming. It really depends on who comes during the groups and what they are needing. Sometimes it can be 5 people join the zoom, maybe it’s more, maybe it’s less. My group is not public for HIPPA and confidentiality purposes.

Tell me more about that group and when you arrived at an inflection point that you could contribute to a solution about the mental health crisis we have globally?

Basically, I’m talking to the Director of NAMI. Her name is Desire out of York, Pennsylvania. NAMI stands for National Alliance of Mental Illness. We’re talking about opening a mental health center out here in York because I feel as though a lot of people claim to have mental health struggles globally including celebrities and even politicians claim they have it.

There’s a shortage of mental health clinics and I think that is really effed’ up. We have these artists that rap about mental health with all the money in the world but why are there no centers and clinics devoted to battling the mental health crisis? You have Politicians claiming anxiety and depression. I mean you have some Presidents claiming mental illness and I am not talking about Trump. In general, why are there a shortage of mental health centers globally? I don’t get that.

That’s facts for sure. Yes, I do agree with you on that. How often do you have members reach out to you about feelings of hopelessness?

All the time!

Coping strategies from someone who understands

You can’t understand my fight with depression when you don’t live with it!

What is your approach to help redirect those thought processes?

I tell them to breathe and relax. I also tell them to make sure they go do something whether it is read a book or watch TV. Write something, go outside, and take a walk, look at some birds. Whatever makes you feel good about yourself. I always tell them to get out of their head. A lot of my friends are over thinkers like me. You know, when you over think stuff, you have to stop that thinking and get outside of your head. Go outside and look at nature. Take a walk, read a book, but do something that gets you out of your mind.

April: Autism Awareness Month (Stop the stigma)!

Shifting Gears

April is Autism Awareness month and the rate of diagnosis today has been coming at an alarming rate. What do you feel is the cause in the rise of formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder?

Ok so one thing I will say about autism is this. It’s a few women I know. One of them I call her my son. She’s a stud and she have autism. The other woman I know just gotten diagnosed at the age of 32. I’m going to need people to stop saying that because you have autism that you are slow or that you have Down Syndrome because no, the hell it doesn’t.

I know a lot of people that are autistic that are very smart and very bright that has very positive and creative futures. I will say that the alarming rate of diagnosis in these young babies is because they are born smart and not “slow,” contrary to ignorant beliefs. People think when you say ASD that it is a bad thing but, it’s not. In my opinion it is a good thing because it makes you stand out as different and unique. That is why its important to push autism awareness.

There is Hope!

Can you give us 2 or 3 strategies you use in your support group to restore hope as we strive for autism awareness and mental health awareness?

Ok, I post mental health quotes and positive things every morning. I post positive, affirmations, and I post things about anxiety and depression. What I do is, I use this app on my phone that I use which has a lot of inspirational quotes and I share it daily for a positive beginning to the day. I post on the Messenger groups as well.

One of my groups is called “You Are Not Alone: You Matter,” and the other is “You Are Not Alone One Bit.” I post in those as well. I do my dual diagnosis zoom meetings on Monday’s and Thursdays to see how people are doing and I try to interact with my members as much as possible.

Like you said, I’m an Author also and I do a lot of things but, I always make sure to check in because the support is a key aspect in recovery. I actively advocate for mental health people are constantly reaching out to me and I try to make myself available because it’s the moments which may be a crisis that’s the most crucial and it’s important for my members to know I am there.

Conclusion

As a support system to thousands of people who have mental illness ASD or both what advice would you give an adult struggling with some of these issues outside of the traditional coping skills?

I have a friend who was just diagnosed as an adult and like I told her don’t listen to the people around you do your own research. Practice your own due diligence and look it up so you can discern what is relatable to you and what is not. You can’t believe everything you hear. Don’t listen to people tell you about it find out for yourself. Do your own research.

Well, that concludes all the questions that I have. I want to thank you for speaking with me today and, I want to honor you for your contributions to the autism awareness and mental health awareness movement. Tell us how we can contact you and follow your content and or join your private groups.

It’s called “You Are Not Alone,” it has two hands in the name. Like I said earlier it is invitation only so when you click on it, it will ask you if you want to join and it does have questions. You don’t have to answer the questions; however, I do read all of them. My group is private and confidential. People come in and write things that their own parents don’t know but, we serve as a safe place to do that in a non-toxic way. Spouses, friend, family, kids. None of them will every find what you expose in that group privately unless there is a threat to harm yourself or someone else and there is an active plan.

My name is Lakin Thomas pronounced (Lay-kin) not Lincoln not Luhkin!

Social Media Handles

Facebook you can find me https://www.facebook.com/lakinfadechristina.thomas

Tik Tok its @fade2blaq215 https://www.tiktok.com/@fade2blaq215

Instagram its @fade2blaqbytch https://www.tiktok.com/@fade2blaq215

#GetSOM via @dj-quassy & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle and culture!

Creative Coping In Hip-Hop Culture

on April 9, 2025 Editorials Health & Wellness add comment

A New Strategy

It’s all entertainment when we think of notable celebrities who openly embrace the stigma of carrying a mental illness diagnosis. Some celebrities come to mind quickly than others at the mention of a mental illness pandemic amongst entertainment industry leaders.

Contrary to catching off guard paparazzi photographs of these entertainers during their most vulnerable moments. It’s not comedy in the least. In a recent article published by NBC News, a once stigmatized culture has taken the responsibility of incorporating Hip-Hop as a new strategy to cope with mental illness, grieving, loss, and stress.

Wait! Did you say hip-hop? Unintelligent, degrading, lyrical worship of sex, drugs, money, and violence, hip-hop?

Yes Chile!

I was all eyes in from there! Now I was reading, but let’s face it. Most negative connotations about today’s evolving Hip-Hop culture stems from a scared, uneducated community of opinionated assumptions. Which is why the idea that Hip-Hop culture has now taken the challenge to act outside of “status.”

To develop a healthy, outlet for those affected by mental illness and distress made me want to get up and C-walk like Serena Williams did at the Super Bowl Half Time Show!

Truth is, many people who are impacted by the complications of mental illness are often deterred from utilizing some of the most common resources out there to help. them cope because of vain repetition that does not carry the promise of healing, recovery, and hope.

These are the typical coping strategies taught to us growing up. A skill arsenal of stress relieving strategies taught from birth. “Breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth,” “journal your thoughts,” “identify your surroundings to ground yourself,” “pop yourself with a rubber band,” “see a Clinician and get medication.” These “coping skills,” have been around for decades and only prove to be a bougie and ineffective idiocrasy (in my opinion).

Hip-Hop Culture: Going Beyond The Music

Culture defined, is a way of life. It encompasses an elemental expression and living through various subcultures within the arts and entertainment industries. Through music, dance, fashion, language, and art. The movement was born out of South Bronx in the 70’s to cope and heal from social injustice amongst a community of people. Ones who harbored a deep love for that art of self-expression.

DJing, MCing, Graffiti art, B-Boy/Girl dancing. All of these are elemental of hip-hop culture. Music is one of the largest elements of the hip-hop culture, allowing it to be set apart from other cultural movements. The language and lyrical composition make it a great candidate for coping strategies. There is not a cap on the magnitude of emotion used in self-expression.

If there were a Hip-Hop Police Department, we may all be guilty of crime. It could be that reason alone causing the culture to become stigmatized by a community of people who has a misunderstanding of the various expressions of hip-hop. But there is more so much more. It’s not all negative.

“I didn’t think anyone wanted to hear what I had to say until it came out poetically to the people who hears poetically.”
Anonymous

When Hip-Hop Speaks

A young lady I had met some time ago had intrigued me with her expressive style in fashion. It did not come as a surprise when she told me that she was and entertainer. She had a very eccentric and artistic way of fashionable expression. She shared with me some of her music and poetry and I was very psychologically moved by the emotional delivery of it all.

Yet she seemed so quiet and timid through her loud fashion. I couldn’t imagine that she struggled with expressing herself after that presentation. She went onto reveal that she suffered from depression and was also amongst the community of neurodiverse minorities.

“Why haven’t you shared this with the world?” I asked her. I wanted to know why her talent was not mainstreamed or heard of.

She replied, “I didn’t think anyone wanted to hear what I had to say until it came out poetically to the people who hears poetically.”

She went on to express to me that she has had the most success in recovering from depression using art as emotional expression and that hip-hop gives her the opportunity to be part of a culture and community that understands.

CONCLUSION

Today we find a generation that avoids reaching out for clinical help for few reasons. They don’t believe the Clinicians understand, and because they just don’t have the access to the services. Hip-Hop was born out of a deep urge to express the hardships of life as urban youth in a time where minorities were encouraged to stay silent.

The social injustice fueled the development of a culture that defends and protects the creative expression of those who experience the lifestyle. Today, it defeats the stats on hip-hop as a gateway to sex, drugs, and violence by way of giving hope to a community of the underprivileged.

Hip-Hop therapy does not disregard proven traditional coping strategies. The goal is to capture raw emotion. It allows for a diverse community of people to exercise versatile creative expressions while maintaining and developing healthy boundaries. Engross in the culture and you will find a diverse community all on one accord. With respect to hip-hop culture for allowing them what would not otherwise accept in the world. The safest way to cry out for change is in a poetic delivery (my opinion again).

Whatever strategy appeal to you whether it is traditional coping strategies or developing coping strategies, I am extremely proud of you if you have read this far.

Take every day one second at a time.

Encourage yourself.

#GetSOM via @dj-quassy & click here for more of my content!

Mental Illness: The Causes & Solutions For The Youth

on April 2, 2025 Editorials Health & Wellness add comment

WHAT MENTAL ILLNESS LOOKS LIKE

Mental Illness can affect anyone. Any of these people can represent your loved one. Any of these people can represent you! All these people could struggle with mental illness. Likewise, none of these people might be suffering from mental illness at all. Mental illness has many manifestations.

Contrary to a middle-class schoolteacher deciding to diagnose her urban dressed student rocking classic dreadlocks with mental illness because he is quiet and sad that his parents are getting divorced. What about the ER doctor, who steps out of his area of emergency medicine to become a psychiatrist or addiction counselor when a person with chronic pain or autoimmune disease shows up at the ER?

They go to the place that promises safety and help but gets shunned away at first glance because they are judged by health professionals to be an “addicted or insane,” doing anything for attention or a shot of morphine!”

You cannot “tell,” that a person is mentally ill! Doh (Homer Simpson voice)!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Mental pertains to mind so without the ability to read minds you cannot tell someone they are sick in the mind unless they open their mouth and tell you what is on their minds. Period! A very judgmental society needs to stick with their day, night, next month, and next year’s job or soon they may not have one because pointing the mental illness finger at the wrong person may have crazy consequences! Get it? Ha! A person’s age, race, status, or demographic is not, and have never been considered a symptom.

In a perfect world you may find “Keith and Michelle sitting in a tree! K.I.S.S.I.N.G! First comes love! Then comes marriage! Then comes Michelle and a baby carriage!” Let’s be realistic, we all can’t be like Bey and Jay. Some babies are born into some extremely unstable situations or the other way around.

Take for example, a baby born into a stable and loving family who begins to self-harm at the age of 4, begin hitting their mother at age 7, looking up ways to die at 11, refusing class at 14. Or maybe the baby born in North Philly projects Johnson Homes who’s only friend at 10 is the same imaginary friend that they had at age 5, setting fires and vandalizing neighborhood cars because the “friend told them bad things would happen if they don’t at 16.

Both are very clear signs of the child’s inner cry for mental help; however, these signs often go unnoticed until there is a mental health crisis such as panic attacks or suicidal ideations and attempts.

LOOK AT THE FACTS

According to the CDC, anxiety problems, behavior disorders, and depression are the most diagnosed mental disorders in children. “

The following is based on US data from 2021–2022:

10% of children ages 3-17 had current, diagnosed anxiety (9% of males and 11% of females).
7% of children ages 3-17 had current, diagnosed behavior disorders (10% of males and 5% of females)
4% of children ages 3-17 had current, diagnosed depression (3% of males and 6% of females).”

Some of these mental health conditions commonly occur together. For example, mood disorder and depression, or autism and ADHD, Anxiety and Tourette syndrome. Why is my focus thus far on identifying mental conditions in children? Come on bro, we all know troubled children who’s silent cries for help goes unheard become troubled adults who decline help when it is presented. On the contrary There are some of us in the world who desperately seek the mental health help and resources that are there for us begin the process of healing and therapy.

LOOK FOR THE SIGNS

Let’s talk about some symptoms that may be presented in a child struggling to cope with mental crisis and distress. These are some warning signs that your child could be struggling with mental illness.

Prolonged sadness and isolation
Noticeable changes in your child’s behavior, mood, personality or sleeping habits.
Overwhelming fears that manifest physically such as racing heart, sweating, shortness of breath.
Constant worrying or being fearful that something bad will happen to a loved one.
No desire to go outside and play with other children who normally enjoy outdoor play.
Odd behaviors such as repeated hand washing, repeatedly opening and closing doors, checking light switches.
Being extremely fidgety and or have difficulty concentrating.
Severe mood swings that affect those closest to the child such as family members, community, and educational personnel.
Lack of eating or binge eating and vomiting.
Suddenly declining in academics, fighting, suspensions, and cutting school.
High risk behaviors such as, sexual promiscuity, gambling, drugs, hanging with a crowd that engages in dangerous and high-risk behaviors.
Increasing police encounters and engaging in illegal activities.
Suicidal ideations and attempts.

If you notice any of these warning signs in your child, seek help from a medical professional right away.

IN CONCLUSION

The bottom line. We as a growing community cannot continue ignore the silent cries of youth which often manifest in their behavior. We must take a special interest in cultivating character, leadership skills, stress prevention and relieving skills amongst our youth.

There are politicians, musicians, entertainers, health professional, scientists, engineers, and educators amongst us within these youth and yet we see so many of them perish everyday. They unfortunately succumb to the decline in their mental health. There is a saying that many say regarding criminal activity that’s goes as follows “If you see something, say something.” I petition the same to all of you you, so that we can help our future survive.

References

CDC. (2025, January 21). Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health. CDC.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/index.html#:~:text=10%25%20of%20children%20ages%203,co%2Doccurring%20conditions%20are%20below:

Health Partners. (2025). Signs of mental illness in children: When is it more than just growing up?. Heathpartners.com. https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/mental-health-warning-signs-in-children/#:~:text=There%20are%20situations%20and%20behavioral,of%20suicide%20or%20self%2Dharm

#GetSOM via @dj-quassy

The Quest Chronicles: Elevate & Grow

on January 28, 2025 Health & Wellness The Quest Chronicles add comment

The Quest Chronicles: Elevate & Grow As you grow older and wiser, life certainly starts to shift, and if you pay close attention, it’s often the people around you who change the most. As you elevate and grow, some will celebrate you, while others might become envious. It’s unfortunate, but it’s a reality—your peers may feel threatened because they believe you don’t deserve the success or opportunities you have, or they simply wish they had your life.

It’s sad when people choose to envy instead of connect. That’s a reflection of their own insecurities, something they’ll need to confront within themselves. But in most cases, this envy is a strange form of compliment. It means you’re doing something right, and I encourage you to keep moving forward, working hard, and making the haters uncomfortable. It’s not your fault they feel threatened by your shine. Continue being great, keep excelling, and let your light shine brighter than ever.

For those on the other side, it’s time to grow up. We’re too old for this childish negativity. It’s crucial to focus on self-growth, so the best version of you can truly shine. Work on your inner peace and confidence, and watch how much better the world around you becomes. Let’s all strive to be the best versions of ourselves!

The Quest Chronicles: Elevate & Grow

CLOSING REMARKS

This is Ms. Gotta Love Me herself T-Quest & you’ve just been Questified! It would be an absolute pleasure if you all can show love by commenting, sharing & following me on social media @TQuestGLM Email me topics to discuss & QUESTions you may have.

Learn more about the one & only T-Quest . Download my “T-Quest” app in your google play store & your app store. On the app, you’ll be able to hear Gotta Love Me Radio 24/7. Visit my website www.GottaLoveMeWorld.com to buy any merchandise as well as my music. Check out more of T-Quest articles and more amazement here: https://www.straightofficial.com/?s=The+Quest+Chronicles

The Quest Chronicles: Adjustable Dreams

on January 21, 2025 Health & Wellness The Quest Chronicles add comment

The Quest Chronicles: Adjustable Dreams Growing up we all had big dreams. It’s true that we all start with big dreams, but the path to fulfilling them can be winding and unpredictable. The key is to stay open to life’s lessons, accept its unpredictability, and embrace the changes that come along the way. Everyone’s journey is unique, and sometimes, unexpected paths lead to the most meaningful and rewarding experiences. Mistakes, detours, and challenges are all part of the process—what truly matters is how we respond to them and how we make the most of every moment.

Live your life, shift and change what you may but don’t allow it to slip away. It may turn out better than expected just give it a chance. This is your life, make the best of it.