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Random BGC Shots. - 1st time to "go out" and dine out as a family every since the pandemic started last year.
I almost did it.
I almost said "yes" to another 365 (i completed one in 2010).
But...I decided that my "invented" random days set (see 2011) is enough to satisfy my year in pictures needs.
So here's to 2012 and all those random flickr posts I am going to make along the way.
Who knows how many pictures and posts that will bring.
Cheers.
Can we talk about mental health? Can we talk about how isolation has caused so many of us to spiral right into the very long line of individuals seeking mental health services.
There was a time all I needed was some down time with my camera and that was the extent of therapy for me. In fact, I've always joked that Canon was my therapist and photography was my therapy...I'll be in therapy for the rest of my life. This was my truth. I could escape with my camera and I'd be good.
However today, after being isolated way longer than anyone, I do see a therapist once a week. I've missed one session and it was like misplacing my keys for a week.
I don't like stereotypes but truth be told many Blacks do not seek out something like therapy which everyone can benefit from, but the bottom line is cost. Cost keeps most Blacks from seeking mental health services, followed by poor selection or availability of Black therapists. Even when we find one it still comes down to cost. I'm sure there's guilt and the shame factors but I personally do not believe that those things are the primary reasons why Black folks don't seek out therapy. Considerations? Oh absolutely, primary reasons? Fuck that lie.
Let's face it, as a Black man living in America, I am completely clear of a bunch of things and I'd be starving if I ate all the lies they say about me and my people.
Shit, I haven't even mentioned the trust factor. You mean you want me to sit in therapy looking into the eyes of a person that represents the very people who have inflected the most pain. Yeah, that aint gonna happen.
Therapy is about trust and it very much requires a safe place. If I don't trust you, then there is no safe place and the benefits of therapy will never truly take place.
So do you give up and not seek out mental health services? Nope, nope, absolutely not, you find the therapist that works for you, which means getting clear with what you want and need from therapy and finding the best possible match.
It took me serval attempts before I found someone and she wasn't Black, but she was clutch in the moment. I kept seeking and reaching out to friends. Then I hit the jackpot and landed not only a Black therapist, but a brotha, who specializes in brothas, plus its a sliding scale.
My sessions feel safe and I have this connection with my therapist and this feeds into the trust and safety components that are a complete must for me
Our sessions have been challenging, rewarding and eye opening. The cool thing is that he feels like a friend. it feel natural. I guess what I am saying is that is feels right. Yeah, that is what I am saying. This is right for me and I have no reservations or hesitations.
I think everyone should have a therapist, I most certainly believe that Black people can benefit and deserve access to mental health services they can afford and come with choices that support who they are where they are.
If therapy is truly good for everyone, and I know it is, then we should do all that we can to make certain folks like me aren't left behind or forced to settle.
I'm in therapy. So fuckin what. It's normal and for me, most importantly, ME ME ME, I'm deserving and worthy of quality therapy services that are tailored for me and administered by someone who looks like me.