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 ...

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)
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)

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


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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