Didi Hairston is a mental health advocate who gives a compelling look into life being mentally ill while Black. Unfiltered, dark, and raw, she exposes the stigma and fear associated with mental illness in Black and Brown communities. 

Didi’s mental health advocacy organization is called Diva with Depression. Didi and her organization’s mission is to break the chains of generational shame and trauma regarding mental illness in Black and Brown communities, ending the passing down of toxic secrets and the stigma of mental illness.

In this episode of Navigating Cancer Together, I continue my conversation with Didi about mental health. We explore the stigmas surrounding mental health in the Black and Brown communities, as well as the challenges faced by families and caregivers supporting individuals with mental illness. The discussion also delves into topics such as grief and other aspects of mental health.

✨A few highlights from the show: 

[00:02:07] Mental health in black communities.

[00:07:25] Black and Brown people's struggle.

[00:09:56] Sharing the pain and seeking help.

[00:13:37] Losing our teenagers.

[00:17:01] Understanding mental illness.

[00:21:27] PTSD and coping mechanisms.

[00:26:01] Grief and its complexities.

[00:30:05] Loss and expression of grief.

[00:37:08] Stigma in black and Brown communities.

[00:38:01] Medication and dental health.

[00:51:40] People misunderstanding Didi.

[00:54:10] Communication and mental illness.

[00:58:36] Mental health and cancer.

Resources: 

Resources to Recover - https://www.rtor.org/bipoc-mental-health-equity-fact-sheet/ 

NAMI - https://www.nami.org/ 

NAMI Family-to-Family Support Group - https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-Family-to-Family 

Families for Depression -  https://www.familyaware.org/ 

Mental Health America - https://mhanational.org/ 

Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us 

Read the transcript for this episode. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Oag3bQ7OEU6pTJ2fnRZiscWOvMxvtxlR/view?usp=drive_link

🎭Connect and learn more about Didi:
Website: www.divawithdepression.com 

Instagram: @divawdep, https://www.instagram.com/divawdep/ 

Facebook: @divawdepression, https://www.facebook.com/divawdepression 

Email: divawdep@gmail.com

My guest appearance on Breaking the Mask of Depression.🔗https://www.podbean.com/ea/pb-aif93-13c5bf8 

🦄About Me:

In 2011, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, out of the blue. I did not have any prior health concerns or issues. Fast forward, the dreaded cancer diagnosis opened my eyes, introduced me to my purpose, and led me to where I am today. 

As a Cancer Doula, I use my 12 years of experience with cancer to support and guide others diagnosed with cancer. Many people are not familiar with what a cancer doula is. Think of me as your personal guide and patient advocate. Schedule a 30-minute Meet and Greet call to confidentially share the challenges you are facing and learn more about how I can support you. https://bit.ly/OTOSDiscovery  

Learn more about On the Other Side at https://www.ontheotherside.life/. Connect with me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/talayadendy/), or sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter  (https://bit.ly/OTOSNewsletter) to get valuable information and resources that can help you navigate cancer. 

🙏🏼Thanks for joining us for this episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER!

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Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.