Mental Health Problems Increase Cardiovascular Disease Risk

People with mental health problems are “significantly” more likely to have stroke or heart disease, according to a study unveiled at a recent Canadian Cardiovascular Congress.

To continue this article, please click here.  

Valenrich Wellness hosts its first informational webinar

On Tuesday, November 18, 2014, 

Valenrich Wellness hosted its first free information webinar titled:

Domestic Violence and Mental Health - Understanding the Connections.

Presenters included Dr. Nadia Richardson, Founder of Valenrich Wellness 

and Ms. Sunny Slaughter, Criminal Strategist with an expertise in domestic violence. 

 

Follow Valenrich Wellness on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ValenrichWellness

to receive information for other upcoming webinars.

If you have any suggestions or quesetions on webinar topics,

please feel free to email info@Valenrich.com. 

Thank you for your continued support!

Valenrich Wellness on the MOVE!

Over the past few months, 

Dr. Nadia Richardson of Valenrich Wellness has had the opportunity to

speak at some exciting and inspiring events.  

Some of these events include:

The Active Minds' Mental Health on Campus Conference

 

The  University of Alabama Women's Resource Center

 

The Living in Purpose Women's Ministry 

Continue to follow Valenrich Wellness in order to stay up to date on 

our mental health awareness activities. 

James Hickman of Valenrich Wellness Speaker's Bureau featured in Huffington Post Article

James Hickman was recently featured in a story for Huffington Post. In his book, The Mindful Son, James shares his story of living with schizophrenia and becoming a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist. James is also a featured presenter with the Valenrich Wellness speaker's bureau. Learn more about James Hickman at www.themindfulson.com and Valenrich Wellness as www.Valenrich.com.

 

 

 

For the full Huffington Post article, please click here.

 

To hear a BlogTalkRadio interview of James Hickman, please click here. 

Welcome to the new Valenrich Wellness Interns!

Please join me in welcoming 3 phenomenal young women who have been selected to serve as Valenrich Wellness interns. Thank you for the wonderful work you do! Your contribution is invaluable!!!! Learn more about Valenrich Wellness, LLC and our work to dismantle mental health stigma by visiting www.Valenrich.com.

- Nadia M. Richardson, PhD: Founder, Valenrich Wellness

Active Minds Send Silence Packing comes to the University of Alabama at Birmingham!

*An article by Valenrich Wellness Intern, Moya Morgan*

On September 25, 2014, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) hosted one of the most effective, eye-opening events, to inspire action against suicide; Send Silence Packing. Send Silence Packing is a traveling exhibit that is currently on a 6 week tour to raise awareness about the incidence and impact of suicide on college campuses.  Gaining national recognition since its start in 2011, the exhibit, which is administered through Active Minds, has reached over 300,000 students nationwide.  Active Minds is a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower students to change the perception about mental health on college campuses.

Fortunately, I was able to attend and witness the heart-wrenching exhibit. Exactly 1,100 backpacks were spread across the campus green of UAB, all representing the numbers of students that lose their lives to suicide every year. On some of the backpacks were adorned with laminated stories and tributes from family members and friends who had lost loved ones to suicide. 

Students, faculty and staff held back tears while observing the moving display. Some stopped to read the stories while others stopped to seemingly pay their respects. Most were alarmed at the staggering statistics, and others identified closely with them. Under the flagpole, sat Brett Golson, who is a member of Ignite Ministries on the UAB campus. On his acoustic guitar, he played and sang songs of hope, love and light.  Supporters and workers from the local Crisis Center were on hand to provide students with adequate training on how to take care of themselves and how to help others. Counselors were  also present and  prepared to handle various situations that could have occurred during the event. News organization such as NBC, Alabama 13, and ABC 33/40  gathered to take photos and videos of the event.  This event went on to receive national coverage on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. (For a clip of the NBC Nightly News coverage, CLICK HERE).

Active Minds is an organization that no only exists to rise mental health awareness, but strives to change the conversation about mental health in hopes of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health concerns.  Samantha Greenhalgh, junior, is the president of the Active Minds chapter at UAB.  "We were lucky enough to bring the Send Silence Packing tour once before in 2012," she expressed.  She went on to say that "the numbers should not be this high.  We need to make sure we are doing everything we can to make certain that no one suffers in silence."

 

Funding for the event was provided by Student Health and Wellness Services (SHWO). In addition to providing various health services, the center exists to provide counseling services to promote students’ spiritual, psychosocial, and emotional wellness.  Conseulo Click, student health service counselor, is primarily responsible for bringing the exhibit to UABs campus for the second time. “We brought the Send Silence Packing tour to UAB in 2012, and decided to bring it back this year to continue to raise awareness,” she said. “It cost a lot of money, but we have to get the message out by any means necessary.”

“By any means necessary”  seemed to be the recurring theme during the event. Students and supporters alike all shared the idea that we must do all that we can to make sure that no one suffers in silence. They also share the idea that those who may be suffering must take any measures necessary to reach out for help. Suicide has claimed the lives of far too many students. In fact, the Crisis Center reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death among college aged students. Before completing suicide, many people leave what are called “peer warning signs” which may come in the form of helplessness, hopelessness, preoccupation with death, an increase or decrease in appetite, or a loss of interest in social activity. It’s important that students are aware of these signs and are able to pick up on them in their peers. 

While there, I picked up some of the literature that was available. There were several forms that gave the statistics of the prevalence of suicide among various racial groups. It is reported that suicide is the third leading cause of death for African-American youth between the ages of 10 and 19. Suicide carries not only a stigma, but often brings about shame, particularly in African American communities where speaking to counselors and psychiatrists is taboo. As a student at UAB, I feel that by any means necessary, we must create healthy dialogue about mental health disorders across our campus so that we can play a part in helping to de-stigmatize those conversations surrounding suicide and therefore drastically decrease the 1,100 lives lost every year.  The day after the death of actor, Robin Williams, the National Suicide Prevention Line received more calls than ever before in its history.  This proves that there are still people suffering in silence. By any means necessary, we must alleviate the silence with bold messages of hope and our ability create life-saving conversations. 

For more information on the “Send Silence Packing” campaign, visit the website at www.sendsilencepacking.org and follow the hashtags #reasonsispeak #Sendsilencepacking and #UABSSP

Dr. Nadia Richardson on Blog Talk Radio!

Dr. Nadia M. Richardson, Founder of Valenrich Wellness and the No More Martyrs mental health awareness campaign, will be participate in an online Blog Talk Radio discussion on suicide, depression and mental health stigma with radio personality, Tiffany Elliott.  

Join the conversation on Thursday, October 8, 2014 at 5:00pm CST! 

To join online, Click Below!

Nadia M. Richardson, PhD on Blog Talk Radio

Why It’s Okay I’ll Never Recover From My Anxiety

*Gurl.com article by Caitlin Corsetti*

 

Last week, Amanda Bynes was arrested for a DUI. People were pretty shocked because the young star has been doing really well in her recovery. She’s been taking classes at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and seemed to be happy and healthy. Recent reports state that Amanda hasn’t recovered and has been seen acting just as erratically as before.

To continue this article, please click here. 

Evidence Depression Isn't Just 'All In Your Head'

*Huffington Post Article by Lindsay Holmes* 

Depression touches people differently, making dealing with the condition more of a personal experience than a universal one. Some describe the illness as a dark cloud, while others liken it to being trapped in an empty space.

To continue this article, please click here. 

8 Tips for Dealing With Mental Health Stigma in Today's Society

*Huffington Post Article by Stan Popovich*

Do you struggle with your mental health and have a difficult time in getting your friends and family to be understanding? In some cases your friends and relatives might give you a hard time regarding your mental health struggles. Here eight suggestions on how to deal with mental health stigma from your peers.

To continue the article, please click here.

Mental health matters to academic success

*Article by  Lauren Kaze*

Everyone wants children to be physically and mentally healthy and to experience academic success. Many times, academic achievement often depends on the barriers students face and the resources put in place to assist them with overcoming those barriers.

To continue this article, please click here.

Join No More Martyrs at the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevent Walks!

 

 

The Out of the Darkness Community Walks are 3-5 mile walks taking place in over 300 communities across the country this year, with the proceeds benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

Join an Alabama No More Martyrs team for a Suicide Prevention Walk!

To walk with us in Tuscaloosa, AL on Sunday, October 12th, please visit
http://afsp.donordrive.com/team/NoMoreMartyrs-Tuscaloosa

To walk with us in Birmingham, AL on Sunday, November 2nd, please visit http://afsp.donordrive.com/team/NoMoreMartyrs

These are free events but donations are encouraged. All donations are tax deductible and go directly to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org).

No More Martyrs is a campaign focused on Black women with mental health concerns. For more information about No More Martyrs, please visit www.Valenrich.com/No_More_Martyrs and

Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Join.No.More.Martyrs

 

Special Presentation by Dr. Nadia Richardson!

 

In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, Dr. Nadia Richardson, Founder of Valenrich Wellness and the No More Martyrs mental health awareness campaign, presented a special workshop at the historic Ballard House in Birmingham, Alabama.  The workshop focused on the mental health in Black women as well as the myth of the strong Black woman.

Visit the No More Martyrs Website and Join the Movement!

Have you been to the No More Martyrs website yet? 

What are you waiting for?

Scan the code below to learn more about No More Martyrs, a mental health awareness campaign committed to building an online community of support for Black women with mental health concerns!

Join the Movement!

Download Your SOS Mental Health Guide Today!

What would you do if a family member had a panic attack? Or if your best friend told you they’d started self harming? Download the Mental Health SOS guide by Rethink Mental Illness and learn more about what you can do to support someone who is becoming unwell.   

For the full Mental Health SOS guide, visit:  

https://www.rethink.org/media/1136119/Mental%20Health%20SOS.pdf

For more information about Rethink Mental Illness, visit:

www.Rethink.org

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month!

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month!

Stay tuned for a calendar of special Valenrich Wellness events!

Dr. Nadia Richardson of Valenrich Wellness attends the Jed Foundation 13th Annual Gala in New York City!

 

On Thursday, June 5^th, I attended The Jed Foundation’s 13^th Annual Gala by invitation from the Executive Director, Mr. John MacPhee. 

- Dr. Nadia Richardson of Valenrich Wellness -

The special event was hosted by author and television host of ‘What Not To Wear’, Stacy London.   The elegant event was held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. 

 

- Jacob Javits Center -

 

- Stacy London -

 

- Stacy London and Demi Lovato embrace during Jed Foundation Gala. -

 

 

The evening recognized several individuals for their contribution to the mental health advocacy and the work of The Jed Foundation.  Awards recipients included:

The Jed Foundation Corporate Award:  Joe Sullivan – Chief Security Office, Facebook, Inc.

 

Love is Louder Award: Chaz Dean – Celebrity Stylist and Creator of Wen Hair and Bodycare

Voice of Mental Health Award: Scott Stossel – Editor of the Atlantic and Author of My Age of Anxiety

Jeff Greenspan Voice of Mental Health Award: Margaret Kramer – Student, University of South Carolina

The festive evening included performances from the cast of ‘Reality Show: NYU’ and singer, songwriter and actress Rachel Crow. Mental Health Advocate and award-winning recording artist Demi Lovato was also in attendance and presented the Jeff Greenspan Voice of Mental Health Award. Signature Jed Foundation programs were highlighted such as Half of Us (www.halfofus.com) and Love is Louder (www.loveislouder.com).  The Jed Foundation also showcased their powerful collaborations with organizations such as Facebook, Inc, MTV, and the The Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation. 

-  Rachel Crow performs at Jed Foundation Gala. -

 

- Rachel Crow -

- Demi Lovato presents the Jerry Greenspan Student Voice of Mental Health Award -

It was an honor to attend this event and meet so many individuals committed to mental health awareness and advocacy.  The Jed Foundation is dedicated to promoting emotional wellness and suicide prevent in university and college students.  To learn more about their various initiatives and programs, please visit www.jedfoundation.org.

- Dr. Nadia Richardson with Mr. John MacPhee, Executive Director of The Jed Foundation. -

 

A special thank you to Mr. John MacPhee for inviting Valenrich Wellness to share in this special evening!

- Nadia M. Richardson, PhD - Founder, Valenrich Wellness

Valenrich Wellness launches No More Martyrs Campaign!

Valenrich Wellness has officially launched the No More Martyrs mental health awareness campaign. No More Martyrs is a mental health awareness campaign committed to building an online community of support for Black women with mental health concerns.  By bringing together organizations from across the country that focus on the holistic wellness of Black women, the campaign serves as a clearinghouse of resources for living successfully with mental health concerns as well as a virtual support system for Black women who believe they are facing these issues alone.  

 

www.Valenrich.com

In addition to Valenrich Wellness, No More Martyr campaign partners include Black Mental Health.net, Sisterbration, Black Women for Wellness and the Black Women's Life Balance and Wellness Conference.

 

 www.BlackMentalHealthNet.com

 

 www.BWWLA.com

 

www.Sisterbration.com 

 

www.LifeBalanceConference.com

For more information about the No More Martyrs mental health awareness campaign, please visit

www.Valenrich.com/No_More_Martyrs

 

Dr. Nadia Richardson to attend Jed Foundation Gala

Dr. Nadia Richardson, Founder of Valenrich Wellness is set to attend the Jed Foundation Gala in New York City.  The Brightest Night 2014, The Jed Foundation's 13th Annual Gala, will take place on Thursday, June 5, 2014. 

The Jed Foundation was founded in 2000 by Donna and Phil Satow after they lost their son Jed to suicide. The Jed Foundation's mission is to promote emotional health and prevent suicide among college and university students.

For more information about The Jed Foundation, visit www.jedfoundation.org.

For more information about The Brightest Night 2014 - 13th Annual Gala, visit  http://jedfoundation.org/get-involved/gala-2014.

Valenrich Wellness enjoyed being a part of the 

Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (ACPA) 

Annual Conference in Atlanta.

Georgia Executive Women's Network

 Dr. Nadia M. Richardson, Founder of Valenrich Wellness, will be the featured speaker at the 

Georgia Executive Women's Network Monthly Luncheon in 

Atlanta, GA on Thursday, April 17, 2014.  

For more information, please visit www.gewn.org. 

Music is Power!

Music is power! Listen to hip hop artist Kid Cudi talk about the responsibility of music and its ability combat mentally distressing loneliness.

"My mission statement since day one….all I wanted to do was help kids not feel alone and stop kids from committing suicide." - Kid Cudi