Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in
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Let Her Tell It: Black Women Healing Through Writing Resource List Updated!



Thank you everyone who logged on for our virtual reading today! As promised here's an updated version of the resource list. And If you missed our reading or want to rewatch it, visit the San Francisco Public Library's Youtube Channel. A big thank you to the library for inviting us to perform. Adrienne, Kira, Kelechi and Natalie are wonderful, smart, beautiful, strong, willing to be vulnerable, kind women. I thank them for being part of this reading.


For those asking about my Minding My Mental Health t-shirt, you can order that from RN Brand & Design. The vendor, Rhachelle Nicol is also a mental health advocate and the shirt comes in a few colors.

Please take care of yourselves and each other. Call friends and family so you're not isolated and they're not isolated. And do not be ashamed if you're dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. You are human and times are tough! Create a support network with friends and loved ones to check on each other. Check on your elders. And please wear your mask! I know about 7 people with COVID-19. Wear your masks!

Resources are below and thanks again!

Let Her Tell It!
Black Women Healing Through Writing Resources

Books
❖ Write This Second: A Poetic Memoir by Kira Allen
v Pleasure Activism by Adrienne Marie Brown
❖ Not Alone: Reflections on Faith and Depression by Monica Coleman
❖ Bipolar Faith by Monica Coleman
❖ Willow Weep for Me: A Black Woman’s Journey Through Depression
by Meri Nana-Ama Danquah
❖ When a Purple Rose Blooms by Jenee Darden
❖ Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy DeGruy
❖ Writing as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives
by Louise DeSalvo
❖ Black Girl, White Skin: A Life in Stories by Natalie Devora
❖ Sisters of the Yam by bell hooks
❖ Welcome to my Breakdown by Benilde Little
❖ The Mother of Black Hollywood by Jenifer Lewis
❖ The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor
❖ In the Spirit or Lessons in Living both books by Susan L. Taylor
❖ We’ve Been Too Patient: Voices from Radical Mental Health Stories
editors L.D. Green and Kelechi Ubozoh
❖ A Fierce Heart: Finding Strength, Courage and Wisdom in Any Moment
by Spring Washam
❖ Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting by Terrie Williams
❖ Undoing Crazy by Colette Winlock
❖ Wellness Recovery Action Plan or WRAP

Websites and Podcasts
❖ CocoaFly.com
❖ EachMindMatters.org
❖ MentalHeathandWellnessRadio.libsyn.com or listen on iTunes (podcast hosted by Jeneé
Darden)
❖ NAMI Writing Tips That Can Reduce Symptoms
❖ NoMoreMartyrs.org
❖ RedefineEnough.com/AffirmPodcast (podcast and web)
❖ SAMHSA.org Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin
❖ SilenceTheShame.com
❖ SuicidePreventionLifeline.org
❖ TherapyForBlackGirls.com (web and podcast)
❖ The 808: Virtual Healing Writing Circle for Black Women, led by Adrienne Oliver

Therapy and Wellness Sources
   ❖ Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) low cost, self-help program at Utah                 State
❖ Conscious Voices: African American Well-Being Center, Oakland, 510-500-3412
❖ Health and Human Resource Education Center, hhrec.org, Oakland (510) 834 - 5990
(Ask about their affordable Be Still Retreat for Black women)
❖ OneLifeInstitute.org, Oakland, 510-595-5598 (They host local and affordable retreats)
❖ PEERS Oakland, www.peersnet.org 510-832-7337
❖ Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness, San Francisco, 415-615-9945
❖ Sankofa Holistic Counseling Services, Oakland 510-433-0244
❖ TherapyForBlackGirls.com has a national therapist directory

Articles
v A Black Woman’s Journey Through Depression by Jenee Darden
v Reimagining Self-Care for Black Folks by Kelechi Ubozoh


Music
❖ I Am Light by India.Arie
❖ Gina Breedlove albums and look into her sound healing therapy when she’s in the Bay
v DJ D-Nice on Instagram (if you need to dance and listen to music that makes you feel good)
❖ Meditations for Healing and Renewal by Destiny Muhammad and Rev. Liza Rankow
❖ Jamila Woods: Blk Girl Soldier & Holy (Both songs are awesome! Listen to NPR Tiny
Desk, featuring "Giovanni" performance for extra flavor)

Film and Videos
v Iyanla Vanzant Daily Antiviral Message on Youtube -- calming if you're anxious about the pandemic
❖ Anxiety is my Frenemy-- Jenee’s Creative Morning talk on living with anxiety and
depression
❖ Bridging the Gap: Ending Mental Health Stigma in Primary Care
❖ The S-Word-- documentary on suicide-attempt survivors
❖ Shine-- documentary on East Bay Youth finding hope after surviving trauma
❖ Snapping the Chain: Ending Mental Health Stigma in the Black community







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