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use disorders. The training also teaches how to
respond to those in crisis using a five step action
plan. This training can help save lives and provide
support to family, friends, coworkers and commu-
nity members.

HL: What are some challenges you face as an
individual who has a podcast show?

Being a one-woman-show and not having a team
can be difficult when you have to develop weekly
content for the show, produce it, create marketing/
promotional materials, promote it, reach out and
follow-up with guests. Honestly, it is easy to start
a podcast. The hard part is staying consistent with
creating a set schedule when you are doing it all
by yourself, especially when you live with a mental
health condition(s).

• Ask yourself, what do I enjoy doing and how

HL: What made you start Fireflies Unite with does it make me feel?
Kea podcast and what do you want listeners • Ask yourself, what do I dislike doing and why?
to take away when they hear your podcast? How does it make me feel?

I started the podcast because it felt free to share • Remember having a purpose is not only about HL: What are your thoughts about access to HL: What advice can you share for someone
my story. I was so liberated. I also wanted to afford doing one thing, more than one thing can be a mental health resources in the black commu- who struggles with mental health issues, who
others the opportunities to share their truth, show part of your purpose. Your purpose will evolve nity? is not in treatment at this time?
others they are not alone, build a community and as you experience life and that’s okay.
end the stigma in black and brown communities. There aren’t enough resources in the community
I want listeners to see themselves in the stories • Seeing a therapist or a life coach can help you and there is a lack of cultural awareness by the
they hear, give themselves permission to be hon- identify your purpose(s) professionals who are not of color who treat black Journal your thoughts and feelings, vent to some-
est with themselves and seek mental health treat- and brown communities. While there is a shift one you can trust, watch YouTube videos and read
ment when needed. HL: You also talked about labels on Episode that is happening such as online therapy, direc- articles that speak to your current challenges. You
71 Why Do You Care So Much? Stop Letting tory and more black mental health professionals, can also find a community online of people you
People Hold You Back. What are some rea- there is still a stigma that often prevents people can identify with, attend free support groups by the
sons you think people label themselves? from seeking treatment. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance and the
HL: In Episode 55 Intentional Living, you What advice would you give someone who National Alliance on Mental Illness.
discuss the importance of living on purpose. struggles with labeling?
What are some ways you choose to live inten- To learn more about Fireflies Unite please visit
tionally? What are some things people can do People label themselves for a variety of reasons; HL: What are some things you think we as their website at FirefliesUnite.com
if they struggle living with a purpose? I don’t think there is one reason. Sometimes black people can stop doing to hinder people
we label ourselves to fit in with others and oth- who are dealing with mental illness?
I choose to live intentionally by identifying my er times we accept the labels of others that can
values, needs and being honest with myself, stunt growth. Stop thinking we can pray mental health condi-
and make my decisions based upon that. For tions away. Prayer can be a part of your mental
instance, if I say I value my mental and physical health treatment but it should also include a thera-
health, do I make time to tend to those areas of pist and sometimes a psychiatrist. Seeking mental
my life? If you are struggling with a label you have given health treatment does not mean you are weak or
yourself or a label someone else gave you, ask lack faith in God. You can pray and see a therapist
For anyone struggling to find their purpose, I yourself who am I without this label? Is this label at the same time.
would encourage to think about the following: hindering my growth, making me live in fear or
does it push me to work toward my goals?
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