MENTAL HEALTH: HOW ARE YOU REALLY DOING?

Cie Thomas

Ah, springtime, that season in our lives where we find ourselves deep in thought about purpose and life refocusing. As we spring clean our closets, cupboards, offices and even our vehicles, we think about doing the same for our minds and spirits. We spoke with Cymone Lashae, Mental Health Advocate and Chief Executive Officer of A Sound Mind Incorporated, about the importance of taking a moment to assess whether our emotional and mental health need a checkup, or some decluttering.

“I do believe in prevention and being precautious, as opposed to trying to catch up afterwards. I try to get proper rest. I' m very busy – like most people. I work full time in my organization. I have a lot on my plate. But I try to schedule time to take care of myself, to rest, and make sure that I am well. Because I do live with mental health disorder. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, so I have to be especially intentional about getting rest and not being getting burnt out. ” For far too many of us, rest is considered a negative thing. Taking time to sit still, steady your breathing and thoughts, calm and listen to your seems like slacking off. While napping (or resting midday) is a part of some cultures, it is viewed as slothfulness in America. Lashae says there are seven different types of rests that we should consider this Spring, or at any season when overwhelm and hectic days have become the norm. Sleeping is rest, but also rest comes from taking time off of social media. That' s a big thing for me, taking time off social media to be present with your family or with your work, or even with yourself, just to be present and enjoy the nature.

by Editor-in-Chief E. Claudette Freeman

Getting outside is super important in managing depression. Often when we get depressed, we want to stay in bed; we don

't want to get out but getting that extra vitamin D is truly a blessing. Resting from negative people and environments is key.

Like social media, resting from the variety of news and newsmagazine programs is also vital. Learning to regulate information overload and your emotional response to it is critical to resting. Practicing some regular form of self-care is a great tool of rest; as is practicing some form of spiritual care, including meditation, prayer, worship and fasting.

When it comes to coming off of social media, or restricting, Lashae admits that can be difficult especially if part of your business or professional life requires it. She talks about how she manages it her life. “I have different social medias accounts. I know a lot of us do. I have Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook. One of the big things I will say is that the unfollow button will bless you! Unfollowing is huge, and I' m quick to hit that button. And people are like I don 't want to hurt my friend' s feelings or my family. I can 't take them off, but there are ways on social media that you don 't have to, they don 't have to know. But they ' re off your feed and you don 't have to take in that negative energy or whatever they ' re putting out that you can 't necessarily consume all the time. That' s not good for you to consume all the time. That' s jeopardizing your mental health.

Self-care must also become something we teach and share with children, and Lashae encourage men to be more open to. “Children mimic what they see and when they see you taking care of yourself, they ' re more apt to take care of themselves. When they see you making self-care a priority, they ' re more likely to make it a priority. Be intentional about teaching your child what self-care looks like, I grew up thinking it was just manicures and spa days and things like that. It is journaling, meditating, sharing your truth, doing something creative that helps you get in touch with you are. It is important to instill in your child what self-care is and how they can best take care of themselves. I don 't think a lot of men realize the importance of self-care. And I think one of the big things, especially with minority men is feeling like they have to be strong all the time. Lie they can ’t be human, can 't feel their emotions. We have to assure them that they don 't have to be strong all the time.

Lashae wonderfully points out that were some telling ways to identify if you need to kick your self-care up a notch to ward off potential cracks in one ’ s emotional and mental armor.

“Wanting to stay in bed is a huge one. Not being able to get up and get out. Not feeling like you have purpose. You are not motivated. You ' re not interested in doing the things that you are used to doing. A lot of people have a certain picture in their mind as to what depression should look like. And it' s not necessarily crying all the time or anything like that. It can look different for different people. And so, when you start seeing the behavior changes in yourself and you start noticing that you

' re growing, learning themselves, finding themselves. But when you see persistent behaviors that are out of their personality, I say pay attention to those types of things. And even with adults, a big thing is anger.

No matter what life challenges are upon you, or whatever life shifts have thrown you out of order, there are some steps that you can do from a preventative standpoint. Getting outside is huge. Going outside for as little as ten minutes a day can make a significant different in our emotional health, and the change of environment may also clear up intellectual blocks. Having a strong support team and system that you can go to is critical. This may be a team of professionals like a therapist and your primary care doctor. It could also be a ministry connect group, or another group where you are encouraged to share without judgment and with solutions. Again, Lashae says, “try to stay away from people who are draining, who are stressing you out and things like that. Having boundaries and saying no sometimes helps you. ” She also encourages staying active, honoring dates to hang out with friends. The important thing Lashae notes in to be social over isolating yourself. Mental and emotional health challenges often bloom in isolation.

Putting a new spring step into your emotional and mental self-care also requires that you be self-aware. As Lashae insightfully points out we are super aware of everything else and everyone else. “We are aware of everything with social. We ' re aware of everything on the news, we ' re aware of everything on every reality show. But we may not necessarily be aware with self. So how do you make sure you ' re always self-aware?”

Being self-aware means checking in on you. Asking the needed questions: how am I really feeling today? Am I overwhelmed or fearful of something? Why am I worried about this? What is going through my mind when I am not sleeping at night? What do those thoughts indicate about what is going on with me? Who in my life can I really talk to? How is my body feeling today? What are my vital signs and when is the last time I checked them for me?

“I think doing check-ins with yourself, looking at total situations, is big. I' m the type of person that looks at the good and the bad thing. But I' m also the type of person that looks at me in a situation. And we should do that. If somebody did wrong to us, were we also wrong in that situation, could I have done something differently to best serve me.

Partnering with individuals to address mental and emotional health concerns must also happen at the family level and within religious organizations. The conversations must be boldly introduced and continued. Lashae adds, “The more that we ' re educated about mental health disorders, the better we 'll be able to approach the next person and be more supportive to them, as opposed to being more damaging. Because a lot of people have good intentions, they just don 't know how to approach situations. So, they can be accidentally disheartening. Remember, it' s hard to sometimes express how you ' re feeling and how you want to be treated, so that best thing often is to be to be a comfort and support for someone in that situation. ”

A A SeasonSeason forfor SpiritualSpiritual SabbaticalSabbatical

Escaping the cares of life is often not an easy task. Finding a quiet place to escape unpaid bills, family problems, work challenges and health issues can at times seem impossible. Even Jesus needed quiet time to withdraw to a solitary place to be alone with God and pray (Mark 1:35). This year make plans to bring balance and purpose back into your life by taking a spiritual sabbatical.

Typically practiced by educators and religious leaders, a sabbatical is a rest from work and usually occurs every seventh year. However, with the recent turn in the economy and the massive loss of jobs many have been forced into an unsolicited time to reflect and re-examine the direction of their lives. Whether home or away, carefully mapping out a plan can help to make the most of your down time.

Grab a journal and begin to sketch out a blueprint. Each segment of the journey should fit neatly together to create the perfect environment for quiet time with Jesus. Begin planning early; it is important that you take the necessary steps to experiencing God on another level. Make arrangements for a babysitter and/or pet sitter; this is your time to focus on tapping into your spiritual lifeline. Establish a goal; decide what you want to get out of your time with the Lord. Determine why you need a sabbatical and what is required to carry-out your plans. Do some soul-searching to determine what it is that you want to do: take a class, tour the Holy Land, or simply get closer to God. Assess your budget and decide whether or not you can travel to a remote, tranquil location or create a quiet oasis at home. Use your sabbatical for a positive, spiritual experience. Laying the building blocks is sure to strengthen your spiritual foundation.

Whether you have carved out a niche in your home or have the option of traveling to a secluded location, finding a quiet spot away from the distractions of the world is ideal in making a spiritual connection with God. Dubbed Selah Time by Minister Dorrine Jones of Dorrine Jones Ministries, Inc. in Media, PA. Based on her personal prayer life, Minister Jones birthed an inspirational paperback and a musical CD entitled, Come Away that offers the spiritual tools that invite seekers into the presence of the Lord. Jones believes these tools are vitally important for the believer who desires to attain a deeper intimate relationship with God. Armed with the right tools, finding a tranquil location is just a few clicks away. Atop the majestic Georgia Mountains is Cedar Creek Cabins in Helen, GA. Turn in any direction and you experience God’s creative announcement. The inviting mountain view, the alluring ripples of the river create the perfect backdrop for some one-on-one time with God. For a few days you can settle into one of Cedar Creeks’ luxury cabins and enjoy a little piece of heaven on earth as you begin to seek God for guidance and direction. Want to experience God in a corporate setting, journey cross country to the JST Renewal Program at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, (formerly the SAT Sabbatical program at the School of Applied Theology in Oakland, CA). People in mid-life, from around the world, sometimes weary, confused but always hopeful join other brothers and sisters in Christ at the Sabbatical at SAT to revive their spirits and find new meaning for their lives. Your sabbatical experience is enriched by the mild climate and breath-taking scenery of the Berkeley/San Francisco Bay area. SAT offers spiritual direction, prayer groups, praise time and plenty of rest and reflection. Christians in mid-life are nurtured, refreshed, and renewed.

Nestled in a 19-acre enchanted forest in Westfield, MA is Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center. This is the ideal setting for nature enthusiasts to become one with God and His awesome handy work. The secluded hide away creates the perfect setting for spiritual rebirth. Genesis’ devotion to the land, sensitivity to atmosphere and carefully designed programs allow guests to experience God’s providential care. The staff is committed to designing and hosting programs that foster a holistic integration of mind, body, and soul. You can reflect on life in a completely relaxed, unstructured setting. Genesis’ health-focused design allows for greater awareness of God, the creator. “Our visitors say they feel like they are coming home, ” said Donna O’Connor programming coordinator for the center. Genesis prides itself on its’ efforts of hospitality. Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center was founded in 1976 by the Sisters of Providence of Holyoke, MA. The Sisters, who own the center, are a community of women with more than 100 years of service in the healing ministries. There are also spiritual retreat centers in Central Florida and other parts of the country that offer an array of amenities to accommodate the best sabbatical environment for you. Don’t underestimate the value of spending time restoring and rejuvenating your spirit man. Spiritual sabbaticals are the perfect way to free yourself of schedules and deadlines while you take advantage of some time alone with God in prayer and meditation. Right in your backyard are wonderful spiritual retreats, seminars and programs geared to get you back on track – body, mind, and spirit.

Omichele D. Gainey is the owner of RoyalTea Enterprises, LLC and the graphic designer of Glorious Living Magazine. She is also author of Thirty-Five Days to Breakthrough and The Pocketbook to Healing, both available on Amazon.com. She also serves as the Senior Pastor and Co-Founder of Rehoboth Empowerment Center, Inc. in Gainesville, Florida.

Thequestionsandconcernsofwomeninministryhasbeenoneofthemostcontroversialdialogueswithin Christianity.IamalivingwitnessthatGodreallydoescallwomentoministry.In2004,thelateRev.Lance Chaney prophesied a word from the Lord that I would be the first female preacher and trailblazer at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Boynton Beach, Florida. I pondered the notion in my mind for years until onedaytheLordspoketomewithclarityinadreamaboutwhatPastorChaneyprophesied. I was standing before many people with a microphone in my hand. Twelve years later, on September 24, 2017, the prophesy was fulfilled. I was licensed as the first female preacher at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in its 109-year history. The licensing officiated by Rev. Dr. Jovan T. Davis, St. John’s Senior Pastor. Although this was an astounding day for me to rejoice and be exceedingly excited for this ascension; it wasnoteasybeingtheonlyandthefirst!

Therewerechallenges.Itwasnervewreckingstandingamongall male preachers, especially in a Baptist church that never had a woman preacher. The challenges were real! One of those challenges was intimidation. I was intimidated during ministry dialogue meetings because I felt my knowledge was less than others. Often, I would not know what to say or when it was appropriate to say it. Many days I wanted to not show up at church when it was time to preach a three-minute sermonette. Why?Ifelt unpreparedstandingwithallthosemen;untiloneday God reaffirmed that He called me, and I did not call myself. Those whomHecalls,heequips. Obstacles seemed to show up every time when questions were raised concerning the church’s 1982 traditional Constitution And By Laws. The challenges would be around Article IV of the same onLicensingandOrdinationofWomen.

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Thequestionsandconcernsofwomeninministryhasbeenoneofthemostcontroversialdialogueswithin Christianity.IamalivingwitnessthatGodreallydoescallwomentoministry.In2004,thelateRev.Lance Chaney prophesied a word from the Lord that I would be the first female preacher and trailblazer at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Boynton Beach, Florida. I pondered the notion in my mind for years until onedaytheLordspoketomewithclarityinadreamaboutwhatPastorChaneyprophesied. I was standing before many people with a microphone in my hand. Twelve years later, on September 24, 2017, the prophesy was fulfilled. I was licensed as the first female preacher at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in its 109-year history. The licensing officiated by Rev. Dr. Jovan T. Davis, St. John’s Senior Pastor. Although this was an astounding day for me to rejoice and be exceedingly excited for this ascension; it wasnoteasybeingtheonlyandthefirst! That article stated, “this church shall not license or ordain women to preach the gospel by the said church. ” Bylaws can be a way of preventing an undesirable event from happening. Unfortunately, they can also present a poor reflection of God’s Word. In the New Testament it clearly says that a leadership roleisnotoverlookedforawomanintoday’ssociety. After superseding my hurdles of fear, I found myself becoming more bold and comfortable standing before the people and declaring God’s Word with power and authority. He has not given us the spirit of fearbutofpower,love,andasoundmind.InLuke2:8MaryMagdalenewasthefirstpreachertogospread theGoodNewstothebrethrenaboutJesushavingrisen! I started out teaching an all-women Sunday School class and it grew to a large capacity once I realized fully that God had called me. It took unwavering trust, obedience, and faith to push through hurt, disappointment, fear, and envy. God spoke to me in a dream to leave familiarly to go to a strange land I was not accustomed too. It was St. John, where my gift would be laid at the altar. In obedience, I left my home church, family, and friends. Once established, I went from singing in the choir to God calling me higherinministry. One of the other areas of opposition, bitterness and challenge was about my possessing the right credentials to be a preacher. I enrolled in Moody Bible College and Palm Beach Atlantic University for four years and received a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry. It was toiling, late nights of studying, exams, library computer use, and every Tuesday and Thursday evening traveling to West Palm Beach. I appreciate that toilingthemostbecauseitpreparedmeforwhatwastocome,preachingpreparation! The late Rev. Chaney always encouraged me to not lose heart and to keep getting up there to preach! My currentpastor,Rev.Dr.JovanT.Davisalwaysgivesmeaplatformtopolishmyskillsandamicrophoneto let my voice be heard declaring the Good News to the lost and left out world. You will be challenged as a woman in ministry no matter what! Accept it and learn to deal with the criticism. As a female, you will havetogotheextramilewhenmenwon’thavetoo. MayIencourageyoutoneverloseheart.Keepstrivingtodobettereachdayandneverallownegativityto setyouback.Ialwayskeepgoodfriendsaroundtopolishandpushmetopurpose,challengemetostudy, pray and fast with me on a regular basis. My vision for this position is to set an example for other women to follow and see how God uses them for His Glory. God’s purpose for His women serving in either of the fivefold ministries is to know and realize that we did not choose ourselves, but we were chosen and ordained by God to fulfill His will on the earth. Be faithful to the call, be obedient at His word and trust that Hewillneverleavenorforsakeyou!Theharvestisplentiful,butthelaborersarefew.Heedthecall!