SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Time for Change Foundation (TFCF) celebrated its 19th Annual Awards Gala on April 9, 2021 by recognizing the resilience of the homeless women and children they serve and honoring outstanding community champions throughout the state of California.
The event, hosted by author, philanthropist and co-host of The Real Loni Love, highlighted the empowerment of all women. This year’s theme, “She is…” lifted up the beauty that resides in each woman, regardless of their past circumstances.
The challenges of the past year have shown the need for all of us to work in collaboration, and support members of our community. The “She is..” gala applauded the work of the many champions who make daily contributions to our society commended these heroes for their work.
In light of the amazing accomplishments throughout their 19-year history, Time for Change Foundation has continued to live out their mission in ending homelessness for women and their children. What started with humble beginnings as a 6-bed shelter has grown into a vital part of our community, an organization positively impacting the lives of over 1,700 women in helping them reach self-sufficiency and reuniting 303 children from foster care with their moms. TFCF’s expansion throughout the Bay Area with their Brighter Futures shelter is extending greater support for women who are seeking to reunify with their children.
“The work being done by Time for Change quite literally changes lives every day. And what’s so special about Time for Change is that when they take someone on, they invest in the person for the long term — making sure that they have both the skills and the resources to be self-sufficient,” said host Loni Love.
The “She is…” gala also highlighted women’s successes in transitioning to self-sufficiency even in the midst of a global pandemic and an inspiring, narrated painting of one of their client’s journeys by artists Russell Craig and Mahogany L. Browne.
This year’s honorees included California Wellness Foundation with the Visionary Leadership Award, Clay Counseling Solutions with the Mental Health Champion Award, Dr. Guillermo Valenzuela with the Community Health Champion Award, California Criminal Justice Funders Group with the Courageous Philanthropy Award, Erin Brinker with the Community Champion Award, Jan Robinson Flint & Nourbese Flint with the Dynamic Duo Award, and Linda Hart with the Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award. The inaugural Nancy Varner Angel Award was presented to Nancy Negrette in honor of Nancy Varner’s legacy in the Inland Region.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — College is often seen as some of the best years of young people’s lives.
However, that changed in 2020 with COVID-19. The pandemic meant students struggled to balance personal anxiety and their college studies. Many were forced to return home after living on campus, and to take up their studies in virtual classrooms.
According to some researchers,
Candice Norris-Brown is a licensed clinical professional with TeleHelp 24/7. (Dr.Norris Brown)
the transition has been particularly difficult for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, known as HBCUs.
“A survey of more than 5,000 students across 17 HBCUs found that many are dealing with difficulties, such as sick family members, trouble paying bills and general stress from the ongoing pandemic and recent protests against police brutality,” a report by Inside Higher Ed states. “The United Negro College Fund surveyed the students at its member institutions in June.”
“More than one-third of students said they have experienced declines in their mental health, due to the pandemic. Those students are three times more likely to consider transferring than those who have not experienced mental-health issues. Women were more likely than men to report declines in their mental well-being.”
One method of helping students — specifically people of color — was developed by Robert Adams, CEO of Delaware-based Advanced Healthcare Solutions in 2018. The TeleHelp 24/7 online therapeutic hotline launched a student-specific service in 2019.
The virtual service offers private counseling sessions that aim to help students “navigate through life’s challenges during their collegiate years.” His vision for addressing mental wellness involves using modern technology most familiar to the college-age generation.
“There are a lot of residual issues that [patients] need to address,” said Adams. “They need someone to meet them where they are.”
As a Virginia State University alumna, Candice Norris-Brown, a licensed clinical professional with TeleHelp 24/7, understands the stresses and benefits associated with being an HBCU student. These schools are often sanctuaries for students from difficult backgrounds.
“Conversations about mental health — especially depression — are typically taboo subjects in the African American community,” said Norris-Brown, who has over 20 years’ experience in professional counseling. “Opening up and speaking about personal psychological issues has often been shunned by family members whose insensitivity adds to their burden.
“Our goal is to change the perception of mental health in the black and brown communities.”
Many students find it difficult to identify symptoms and develop coping strategies. The challenge for mental-health professionals is to find a comfort zone that gives them a safe place to talk.
“It’s important to have staff and counselors that look like us,” said TeleHelp 24/7 counselor Sherri Tull-Hubbard. “[We] help patients develop coping skills to help [them] get through what life is all about.”
One of the barriers that has been removed is bonding with a mental-health professional who doesn’t understand the students’ societal pressures. TeleHelp 24/7 features African American therapists, and the counseling is confidential.
This virtual chat room, whose “sofa” is a smartphone, tablet or computer, offers clients a space that’s easily accessible to students.
“This is very beneficial because we are experts in modern technology,” said Virginia State student Addison Adams. “We can navigate these platforms better than generations of the past. It makes TeleHelp counseling more interactive and better for us.”
While most HBCU campuses remain on lockdown, TeleHelp is working with Paine College, an HBCU in Augusta, Georgia. It recently sponsored a “Talk It Out” forum via livestream.
For the past five years, this conference has provided students an opportunity to take part in forums featuring commentary from distinguished writers, producers, photographers, actors, directors and other media specialists. More recently, the collaboration with TeleHelp 24/7 shed light on mental health issues, especially in the African American community.
HBCU students from across the country were invited to join the conversation, an open format to ask questions and discuss concerns.
“One of the biggest concerns I have about our community is that we wait too long to seek help,” said Valerie Greene, a therapist who led the session with Norris-Brown. “There is a misconception that we must be in crisis in order to go to a mental-health provider. Just like our physical health, the same is true for our mental health.
“Early intervention is more effective and advantageous,” she said.
Last year was a difficult year for most. The spread of the pandemic brought the world to a screeching halt.
For former junior middleweight boxing champion Tony Harrison, the pandemic claimed the life of the man who taught him his craft: his father, Ali Salaam. As Harrison prepares for his upcoming bout against the tough-as-nails Bryant Perrella, he continues the path his dad would want: becoming a world champion again.
That first step on that journey starts April 17 on Fox Sports. Perrella won’t be an easy test for Harrison, and Harrison doesn’t want easy. He prefers to go up against the best in the division and see what he has left since hitting 30.
Harrison is fighting for everything that he lost last year and wants to display his timing and conditioning, have survived two grueling bouts with Jermell Charlo in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Harrison enters this bout 28-3-0 with 21 knockouts, while Perrella is 17-3-0 with 14 knockouts.
Zenger News goes toe-to-toe with the Detroit native to discuss his difficult 2020, his preparation for the Perrella fight, and the work he puts in with kids in his Detroit gym.
Percy Crawford interviewed Tony Harrison for Zenger News.
Zenger: You’re coming off about 23 rounds with Jermell Charlo and a long layoff. Is a blue-collar, durable guy like Bryant Perrella the type of fight you need now?
Percy Crawford interviewed Tony Harrison for Zenger News. (Heidi Malone/Zenger)
Harrison: I honestly think that’s almost the perfect fight. I couldn’t have asked for someone better or tougher, who will be gamer than Perrella. Only difference is, I would’ve chosen an orthodox fighter instead of a southpaw, but I can only take what they give me. And I can only fight who wants to fight me. Perrella was man enough to step up to the challenge.
Zenger: I understand boxing isn’t built off moral victories, but you did show a lot in both Charlo fights, including where you came up short. Is the key to just build from the momentum gained in those fights?
Harrison: I don’t hold moral victories over my head. I didn’t win. For me, I just want to keep competing with the top guys. I don’t want to fight nobody but the top guys — and show the world why I feel like I’m the best 154-pounder out there.
Zenger: You had a very rough 2020, losing your father and trainer to COVID-19. Is this good timing for your return to the ring?
Harrison: It’s an amazing time. I think Al [Haymon] did a good job of scheduling the fight with the right opponent. Last year was mentally exhausting for me. The layoff was just enough time to rejuvenate myself and find the fire to come back in the ring and do exactly what I love doing.
Tony Harrison in the ring. (Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions)
Zenger: Many times, as black men, we don’t let those emotions out after a tragedy. Have you been able to?
Harrison: It’s never enough time to get over losing my father. That was my guy. I’m not an emotional guy. My dad made me, I swear to God, as strong as any man there is in the world. No matter how big, how tall or what kind of wars they have been in, my dad made me as strong as any other man. At this moment, I know he would have told me: “Get your ass up, it’s time to get back to work.” And that’s what we’re doing.
Zenger: There was a lot of animosity between you and Jermell Charlo. You don’t have that same animosity towards Perrella. Do you need that or are you at a point in your career where that’s not necessary to get motivated?
Harrison: I don’t ever need that, man. I just think it makes for a better showing when I don’t like somebody, and they don’t like me. I’m 30 years old, and all the rah-rah and trying to fight before the fight, that’s over. There is no use screaming back and forth. We’re either going to do it now, at that moment, or we’re going to wait till the fight. From here on out, I’m just carrying myself like that.
Zenger: You’re probably going to say that he can’t fight for Bryant. But Bryant seems to think having Roy Jones in his corner will make the difference. Do you think that’s true?
Harrison: Roy can definitely not get in that ring for him. Somebody sent me the video of him chasing a chicken, and he looked like a robot. So, once again, Roy, what you did, you have got to find that same guinea pig. You can’t turn a sheep into a lion. I’m proud of Roy for taking these guys and trying to mold them into great fighters, but it ain’t going to be on the 17th, that’s for sure. And I love Roy, bro. It will be good to see him on the opposite side of the ring and I get to hug him after I display what I got to display, and maybe he’ll come on my side next.
Zenger: It’s some time since we have seen you in the ring. What are you looking to showcase on the 17th?
Harrison: I’m looking for my timing to be right, my head movement to be good, my hand speed to be right. I’m looking to get as many rounds as I can honestly. Sixteen months is a long time. If I can finish the fight, I will finish it for sure, but if I don’t see it, I have no problem going the distance. That’s a question that I ask myself, ‘Could you go those rounds that you always fade in, like everybody say you fade in?’ I’ll be OK with going the rounds and displaying the talent.
Tony Harrison in a 2018 bout with Jermell Charlo. (Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions)
Zenger: Given the time off, due to COVID, is it imperative to get rounds in to ensure you’re still sharp, as opposed to gunning for a quick knockout?
Harrison: Nah, if I could stop him in one round, I’m getting him the hell out of there. I’d rather go in there and take my time and dismantle somebody in a manly fashion, where I still look sharp, look fundamentally sound, and you’re still Tony Harrison.
Zenger: I feel you don’t get enough credit for your work with kids in your gym and around Detroit. How important is using your star power to give back?
Harrison: That’s where my heart is. My gym is made up almost completely of kids. Just to be able to mold them, not to be a fighter, but to be stronger than they were before they walked in, that’s what we do. My gym is in an impoverished zone, where there’s nothing else around. The community loves it, and every season we try to do something for everybody in the community: free food giveaway, free clothes giveaway, back-to-school giveaways. We try to do stuff in the community that no one in the city acknowledges, but we know we’re doing it.
I love social media and how it allows you to connect with so many different people from different walks of life. As I was scrolling on Facebook, I came across a post of a young rap artist that is on FIRE. Not only is he a little cutie, but he’s a talented cutie with a good head on his shoulders and an amazing support team.
Born and raised In Southern California, Izayah Anthony Guerrero, affectionately known as Zay Is a 9-year-old featured star. He started making a name for himself at 4 years old, being in multiple fashion shows and having roles in a handful of music videos from various famous music artists. From there, he found himself In a few commercials. His love for music and acting has made this young little guy very goal-oriented and his ability to driving towards his dreams Has shown in his recent success.
Zay is 1 of 5 brothers. And through good and bad, this family has always stuck together. Given his 3 older brothers Izayah Immediately fell in love with sports. He started playing football at the age of 7, In which he played QB and CB. The team was one game from winning the Super Bowl as they finish the season 8-2. Football taught Izayah discipline and how to work hard and never to give up. He took those tools with him in his career and shows it not only during performances but also with how hard he practices his craft.
Izayah, artistically known as Yung Zay, started his rap career from his school talent show where he stole the show! His parents knew then that he was ready for the big stage. At the age of 8 he recorded the song called “We Are the Future,” Which turned heads locally in Southern California. It also reached the Bay Area, where he received an NAACP award. He also performed “We Are the Future” in front of a packed house at the 5th Annual Film Awards Show.
Izayah recently recorded a single called “DONT PLAY” and a single called “LONG HAIR DON’T CARE”, Available on all major platforms. Soon to come is his highly anticipated EP titled “It’s Just Me” Which will be released soon. Izayah has shown his ability to work a crowd but has the aspirations to succeed behind the camera. We promise this little guy is upcoming and ready for anything. I feel sorry for his parent’s and security team because trust the little girls are going to go bananas over Zay. Make sure you checkout his Instagram @Itsyaboyyungzay11
Until next time stay safe and get your COVID-19 Vaccination. L’s!
San Bernardino County this morning temporarily paused distribution and use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with recommendations made by state and federal health agencies.
The pause was issued in response to six reported cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine. None of the six cases were in California. More than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine have been administered in the U.S.
“The county has no higher priority than the health and safety of our residents,” said Dr. Michael A. Sequeira, San Bernardino County Health Officer. “Although this condition is extremely rare among Johnson & Johnson recipients – much more rare than serious blood clots among those who contract COVID-19 – this pause is prudent pending further federal review.”
“The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines remain widely available in our county and have proven to be safe and effective,” Sequeira said. “The public should remain confident in the nation’s COVID-19 vaccination effort.”
Anyone who has received the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine and who develops a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath should contact their health care provider, Sequeira said.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine accounts for 48,600, or 6.6%, of the 738,225 vaccine doses received in San Bernardino County. Pfizer accounts for 49.5% and Moderna 43.9%.
County-run vaccination clinics have primarily used the Pfizer vaccine. County-operated special vaccination events that had been scheduled to utilize the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine have been switched to Pfizer. Second-dose appointments will be made when first doses are administered. Those who have appointments for those events are being notified. There are no plans to cancel events at this time.
The county has 8,500 doses of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine on hand. Those doses will be kept in storage pending further direction from the state and federal governments.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food & Drug Administration recommended a pause the use of the Janssen vaccine today until a review by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices convenes on Wednesday to review the six blood-clot cases.
Ayeisha Gipson, a graduating senior at Gambling State University, has endured an almost unimaginable reality over the last few years. The San Diego, CA. native faced the possibility that her seriously ill mother would not survive – and would never see her graduate from college.
“As bad as I prayed and helped with any medical procedures she went through, she was dying,” she said. “Each semester I came home, it progressed. I struggled to find peace about it while smiling on campus to maintain a front. “
Gipson’s mother passed away in March 2021 leaving her with this advice: “You’re going to have to keep going because time doesn’t stop,” she said. “I lived my life, now you live your own life.”
Gipson took her mother’s words to heart. Even though it feels as if a part of her is missing, she intends to live out her dreams. After graduating from Grambling State with a degree in history, she will pursue a Master of Arts in higher and post-secondary education at Columbia University in New York.
“My mother worked in education for my whole life until she got ill and retired,” she said. “I’ve watched my mother help college students or anyone who needed help, specifically with homework, and/or employment opportunities. I want to be like her.”
Her goal is to begin a career where she can serve students – especially those who are like her. Raised by a single mom, she grew up in a tough neighborhood in San Diego. Gipson started college when she was well into her 20s and needed help to pay for it.
What started as a discussion about scholarships with a GSU alum and fellow San Diego resident turned into a lesson in paying it forward. Virginia business owner Jeff Motem said that, during that conversation, he was struck by Gipson’s honesty, maturity, and determination.
“I know where she’s from,” he said, adding that he decided to regularly help out with some of her college expenses. “If you’re taking care of your business, I’m going to keep investing in you,” he told her.
It came down to the fact that he had help along the way, Moten said, and he wanted to give back.
“We all need help,” he said. “We all need mentors and guidance.”
Gipson did not disappoint. She excelled academically as well as in service.
While at GSU, she was active in Kappa Delta Pi (International Honor Society in Education), vice president of the Grambling chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and associate justice and chief justice of the Student Government Association. She was also a contributing writer for The Gramblinite newspaper.
Gipson said she has mixed emotions as she prepares to graduate.
“I am a bit nervous because I am really going to be on my own, transitioning to NYC. However, I am happy – looking forward to a new chapter “
She said she is looking forward to growth and opportunities at Columbia. “I want to be able to connect Grambling students with Columbia University and introduce them to opportunities applicable to them.”
Gipson compares her college journey to The Wiz or The Wizard of Oz.
“Dorothy was determined to get to Oz. Yes, she faced challenges, learned from them, and met people along her journey,” she explained. “At the end, she made it to Oz. That’s my story. I went through tough times but learned a lesson out of it and made It to my destination. I met amazing people along the way.”
Gipson said she’s thankful to everyone who has helped and supported her along the way to completing her degree.
“I want to thank my professors, cafeteria workers, and even maintenance for being there for me when times were difficult,” she said, explaining that she often spent long hours on classwork at the Tiger Den. “They were so nice to me and allowed me to handle my business because I didn’t have a laptop at the time, so I thank them. “
“I also want to tell students that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. It’s about the obstacles you’ve been through and your ability to work through them,” Gipson said. “Remember, the journey is the treasure!”
SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Sunday, April 18, the entire community is invited to join Music Changing Lives in a historic 23-year anniversary celebration and milkweed planting event. The celebration will take place from 9 am to 1 pm and will be held at the Music Changing Lives Resource Center, located at 301 W. 40th St, San Bernardino, CA 92407.
Attendees will have an opportunity to engage in live music performances, unique art activities, award presentations plus plant their very own milkweed in the new Music Changing Lives (MCL) urban plant and butterfly garden. The milkweeds will be the first addition to the urban garden which are known for attracting Monarch butterflies.
Several community partners will be joining in on the fun and hosting activity and resource
booths including Dae Gardens, Catalyst Cares, Arrowhead United Way, Centro Del Inmigrante,
Stronger Together Now, San Bernardino NAACP, Garcia Center for the Arts, JessBeU, Sistas
Making A Difference, NSG, Vizard Marketing & PR, Survive Inc, and Vonzelle Creates with more to be announced.
Music Changing Lives has been a staple in the Inland Empire for 23 years, providing children and youth with music, art, dance, financial literacy, tutoring, civic engagement and much more. In addition to their remarkable art programs, MCL now distributes 30,000 lbs. of fresh produce each week at their newly established Resource Center in San Bernardino as a direct response to community needs related to COVID-19.
On Friday, April 9, Earl Simmons, better known as DMX, received his Heavenly wings. The rapper was rushed to the hospital to a hospital in White Plains on Friday, April 2 where he was reported to be in critical condition following a heart attack at his home that may have resulted from a drug overdose.
His family stated, ““We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days. Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”
On April 3, his attorney, Murray Richman, confirmed DMX was on life support. Later that day, Richman stated he was off life support and breathing on his own, but he clarified that evening that DMX remained on life support and he had “been given wrong information”.
That same night, it was reported had suffered oxygen deprivation to his brain as paramedics attempted to resuscitate him for 30 minutes.
On April 4, DMX’s former manager Nakia Walker stated DMX was in a “vegetative state” with “lung and brain failure and no current brain activity”.
On April 7, his manager, Steve Rifkind, stated DMX was comatose and that he was set to undergo tests to determine his brain’s functionality which would allow his family to,
“determine what’s best from there”.
DMX was a rapper, songwriter, and actor. He began rapping in the early 1990s and released his debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot in 1998, to both critical acclaim and commercial success, selling 251,000 copies within its first week of release. He released his best-selling album, … And Then There Was X, in 1999, which included the hit single “Party Up (Up in Here)”.
DMX has been featured in films such as Belly, Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 the Grave, and Last Hour. In 2006, he starred in the reality television series DMX: Soul of a Man, which was primarily aired on the BET cable television network. In 2003, he published a book of his memoirs entitled, E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have grown accustomed to hearing certain occupations described as “essential workers.” With the deadly pandemic combated via quarantines and vaccinations, psychologist could possibly among the most essential occupations.
Dr. Natasha Manning-Gibbs says it’s unfortunate it took the coronavirus for many to address their mental health. Witnessing the closure of businesses, job loss, weight gain and overall anxiety, the spike in people seeking help is at an all-time high.
Even with the reopening of several states and the easing of restrictions, it’s important to take the proper steps to ensure you are prepared physically and mentally to get back into the swing of things. Manning-Gibbs, who has a private practice in New Jersey, also runs a mental-health unit inside a juvenile prison.
She spoke to Zenger News about preventative methods to avoid depression and mental breakdowns and points out the signs of mental deterioration.
Percy Crawford interviewed Dr. Natasha Manning-Gibbs for Zenger News.
Zenger: How are you doing?
Percy Crawford interviewed Dr. Natasha Manning-Gibbs for Zenger News. (Heidi Malone/Zenger)
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I’m doing well overall. Just looking forward to society getting back to what I’m calling a new normal. I don’t think we will ever get back to normal, but a new normal.
Zenger: Where did you earn your degrees?
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I have my Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. My Master’s is in clinical psychology from Columbia University. I am a licensed psychologist in New Jersey, in private practice since 2012.
Zenger: How did COVID affect your practice?
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: Significantly. In talking with colleagues, I’ve found this is one of the first times we have been inundated with many people calling to connect with a psychologist or do therapy. The pandemic, especially with it going on as long as it has, really pushed people … to think outside the box about how they take care of themselves.
People who, prior to the pandemic, would never have considered therapy are doing so now. They know something emotionally is going on with them. They know that they have been dealing with these feelings of stress, anxiety and depression for a long time. I know people who watched a news program or read an article, and they said it helped them identify something emotional that prompted them to reach out to a professional. A large number of people are saying to me: “Hey, I need help.”
Zenger: The silver lining: It made us slow down, get out of go-go mode, and perhaps opened our eyes that something was a little off.
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: A large percentage of people took the time, especially the first couple of months, to say: “Let me reel this in.” Being at work, commuting to work, taking care of kids, are all external things, but in some ways, the silver lining of the pandemic is that a lot of introspection happened. Some of that can be hard, but it’s a beautiful thing to do because a lot of good can come out of it.
Dr. Natasha Manning-Gibbs lives by the mantra: “Get your mind right.” (Bryan Whitely)
Zenger: We’re even seeing professional athletes come out and discuss their mental-health struggles and that’s a great start. It shows that what you do is essential.
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: [Psychologists] are on the front line to a certain extent. Not only is COVID-19 a physical condition, but it definitely triggered a lot of emotional and psychological issues, as well.
I have been labeled an essential worker because in addition my private practice, I also run a mental-health unit in a juvenile prison. If there is a snowstorm, we can’t call out. We are essential workers. We have to go in during a state of emergencies, but outside of the prison, I appreciate the spotlight being put on our profession.
Zenger: How important is it for people to pay attention to the potential signs that maybe they aren’t OK because they contracted COVID? Or lost their job due to the pandemic? What signs should they look for.
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I work closely with several physicians who refer me patients who never thought about therapy, but have been dealing with high blood pressure for years and their medication isn’t working. So, finally the doctor says: “They may be more psychosomatic, go see, Dr. Manning-Gibbs.”
A far as COVID, people are not just relying on their primary-care physicians to say: “Go see somebody.” They can look at is some of those physical symptoms their PCP has always been concerned about. Taking a look at how you physically feel. The tension in your body. Sometimes, that’s a big indicator. It’s like, “Wow,” something emotionally is going on with me. I’ve been dealing with this tension headache. I’ve been dealing with this migraine; my shoulders are really tight.” Do an internal scan of your body.
On the emotional side, a lot of people are snapping. They are easily annoyed. They are irritable with their spouse or children. That could be another sign that people could be on the lookout for. Also be aware of mood swings. One minute you’re feeling OK, and the next you feel like you’re breaking down emotionally. Fluctuating moods are something to be mindful of — and if it’s not what you think it should be, reach out to a mental-health professional.
Another thing I have been seeing in the past year is a lot of anger. Especially working in a prison, I tell people I have developed an expertise on anger and rage. And often times, what I see in that population is that anger is often a mask for depression. It’s often a mask for sadness, especially among men.
Often, when people are really angry and upset, they don’t make that connection: “Maybe my chronic anger, frustration and rage have more to do with sadness than actual aggression.” If I had to pick the top four things, I would love for people to be on the lookout for physical tension that they might be experiencing in their body; the snapping and feeling easily annoyed; mood swings and anger; and yelling and screaming at loved ones.
Zenger: Before you leave home every morning, you use the mantra: “Get your mind right.” I can’t think of a better time than now for this to be useful. Could you expand on its meaning?
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I’ve always done that, but I leaned into it purposefully this last year. It’s been this armor for me. We are going out into a world where a lot of people are hurting. A lot of people are angry and upset. They want to cut you off on the road, engage in arguments and become aggressive.
Over the past year, in particular, I have been intentional about putting on that armor every morning. My specific routine is let’s think of something positive. It can be spiritual, like listening to a great message from one of the pastors I follow, or reading something positive. People don’t have to follow what I do in my personal life, but what I suggest to clients is: come up with your own personal self-care routine. Lean into what will help you get through the day.
This can also include getting up and getting your body in motion. I have one client in particular who works for a Fortune 500 company. She’s a high-level executive, and what helps her get through the day is a high-intensity routine. That’s how she gets her mind right in the morning.
Zenger: In the African-American community, in particular, the word, psychologist is like a curse word. Why should anyone, including blacks, be embarrassed to seek help when it’s needed?
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I love that question. One of the things I say to clients who had that myth, ‘Oh, I can just handle my problems on my own. I’m just going to lean into the church. I don’t want go see a shrink. That’s not for us, that’s for white people.’
One of my responses, within our community is: We will usually see somebody for a physical ailment. If you broke your leg, without hesitation, you would go in and see a professional. So, I compare the way we take care of ourselves physically, and say we should give the same level of care and focus to our mental health.
In order to be a whole being, you have to take care of your mental health. It’s really important for us to start switching gears in our mind. Our well-being doesn’t just have to do with how physically well we’re doing. It is also connected to how emotionally and psychologically well we’re doing. Another thing I lean on is” It’s grounded in research. The research doesn’t lie. Data indicates that therapy is helpful. Give it a try.
One of the things I love about this past year is that therapy is becoming more accessible. As for affordability, if somebody calls and says I’m out of their network and they can’t afford to see me, I’ll still support them and connect them to either Talkspace or BetterHelp. Those platforms allow you to speak to a psychologist or a therapist on a virtual basis. They do payment plans, and it’s more accessible.
Join ICLS’ panel of distinguished speakers featuring attorney and author, Shauna Albright-Austin as they discuss helpful information about child custody and visitation, restraining orders, and how to maneuver in family law court. The panel will he held via Zoom on Wednesday, April 21 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will also be a Book Giveaway.
ICLS is a non-profit 501c(3) corporation serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and receives federal, state, and local county funding. Funders are the Legal Services Corporation, State Bar of California Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts, State Bar of California Equal Access Fund, San Bernardino County Department of Aging and AdultServices, Riverside County Office on Aging and Department of Housing & Urban Development.
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