Category: Encouragement

What is Shame and How Does It Affect Us?

By LaTangellia Walker on March 9, 2023

By LaTangellia Walker | Community Health and Human Services Intern

Shame is a painful, self-critical emotion; A feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior. When we feel shame, it is common to think of ourselves in a negative light. We begin to think that we are ugly, incompetent, or stupid (The psychology of shame, 2023). The moment we begin having these thoughts, we separate our true selves with an ideal image of who we aspire to be. Our ideal image is usually represented by a strong figure, not someone who drowns themselves in self-pity.

Shame is associated with many mental health disorders. The most common mental health disorder that shame is correlated with is suicide, which is often seen as a motive for suicidal behavior. In 2021, 47,646 people died by suicide (CDC, 2022). Suicide rates have been skyrocketing for years and there is evidence that social factors such as loniless, financial ruin and shame are more direct causes of this dramatic increase.

The most common questions we are asked in the United States are “What do you do?” or “Are you seeing anyone?” or “When are you going to have kids?” Oftentimes, when we are being asked these questions, we judge ourselves before anyone else gets a chance to. But what would happen if we let others judge us without judging ourselves? When we leave this world, we aren’t going to care what people say about us.

So how can we learn let go of our shamefulness?

Admit when you feel shame and explore why.
Talk to someone you trust about what you are feeling.
Find compassion for yourself.
Remember that your opinion of yourself matters the most!

We do not feel ashamed because of our actions, but because of who we are (The psychology of shame, 2023).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, September 30). Suicide increases in 2021 after two years of decline. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/20220930.htm 

Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). The psychology of shame. Psychology Today. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sonnet-freud/202009/the-psychology-shame 

Posted in: emotion, judgement, Mental Health, shame

Advocacy Encouragement Health(y) Protection

Damar Hamlin and the Injury Seen Around the Nation

By trjohns3 on February 9, 2023February 9, 2023

By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Figure 1 Photo Credit: Damar Hamlin Instagram Account @d.ham3 (2023).

Damar Hamlin is a name that might not have been known to many before January 02, 2023. However, now, Hamlin’s name is associated with one of the biggest news stories of 2023 when the nation waited on a health update and prayed for a positive outcome given his health condition. According to Devon Markham of News Nation, Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills collapsed on the field mid-game after a defensive tackle. Following the play, Hamlin lost consciousness and received CPR from medical personnel for nine minutes. Most notably, Journalist Devon Markham shares assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington used a defibrillator during the process and successfully resuscitated Hamlin as he lay lifeless on the field. He was immediately put into an ambulance and taken to a local hospital for treatment.

For days afterwards, fans held vigils waiting for updates. Hamlin transitioned from relying on a breathing tube to 100% breathing on his own and showing significant neurological recovery. He also began speaking and acknowledging teammates, family, and friends. Hamlin was eventually released from the hospital in Cincinnati, OH and transported to his home in Buffalo, NY.

As many were relieved to hear of Mr. Hamlin’s progress, the circumstances of his history raised questions about the severity of hits taken by NFL players. A review of history shows there have been numerous players to experience similar life-threatening injuries. Markham recorded the experience of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier in December of 2017, when he suffered a spinal contusion that left him temporarily paralyzed. In December of 2011, Chicago Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox took a major hit that ended his career. Also, September 2007, Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett was temporarily paralyzed after a hit which also ended his career.

Conversations have taken place about the disability pay received by players. Several people feel more of their contract should be paid out if they experience a life-threatening encounter. Fans may empathize with the players’ expending health and money, far exceeding the contributions made by the league to the players. As such, it is important for the public to advocate for change. NFL policies and perhaps federal legislations may be necessary to hold the NFL more responsible for the health problems of the current and former players. Specifically, the government should introduce a health policy to the NFL that regulates their assessment and treatment of player injuries. Also, part of the millions made by the league should be used to advocate for a health fund used for players with a diversity of NFL related injuries.

Furthermore, steps should be taken to reduce the power the league has over medical professionals, determinations, and overall outcomes. While fans enjoy the fun and excitement players provide, they must also fight to protect their favorite players from various health implications and unfair outcomes. Lastly, fans of the league can flood the #NFL on all social media platforms to express their grievances, concerns, and suggestions. This would increase awareness that the public has expectations that should be addressed along with the players.

References

Hamlin, Damar. (2023). Damar Hamlin 3 on Instagram “GAMETIME @buffalobills

LFG!!!!!!”. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/d.ham3/?hl=en

Markham, Devan. (2023). The most notable life-threatening injuries in the NFL. News Nation. https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/sports/nfl-notable-life-threatening-injuries/

Posted in: Athlete, Buffalo Bills, Cardiac, Football, Hamlin, Health, Injury, Positive

Advancement-oriented Advocacy Encouragement Family (PHAMILY) Hopeful Positive Solidarity (Commonality, Humanity) Understanding (Insight & Wisdom) Wholeness

City of Birmingham and Birmingham City Schools working to improve child reading ability

By phameuscampaign on February 9, 2023July 9, 2023

By Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Page pals is a reading initiative created in a partnership between the City of Birmingham and Birmingham City Schools (BCS) with the purpose of improving student’s reading ability, specifically third graders. This initiative is in response to the Alabama Literacy Act, a law that when fully implemented, will prevent a third grade student who is not reading on grade level from moving up to the fourth grade, essentially being “held back” in third grade. Although parents and students will have the ability to go through a remediation process to improve student reading ability, the law is of great concern as only 56% of 3rd grade students in Birmingham City Schools are effectively achieving grade level reading as measured by the 2021 State of Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP).

The City of Birmingham is supporting BCS on-going efforts to improve student reading ability by asking members from the local community, non-profit groups, and corporations to volunteer some of their time to read with the BCS students. Reading to children improves their opportunity to hear others read outside of their normal classroom setting. These efforts have proven to be very beneficial to the students and may boost their interest and proficiency in reading.

Are you interested in volunteering? Page Pals volunteers go into one of the BCS elementary schools during the students’ library times, spending about thirty minutes of reading time with the students. Volunteers may choose from a list of schools, dates, and times that work best with their schedule. During their selected time, volunteers will read a book to the students that follows a curriculum created by BCS to help them build the background knowledge in science and social studies and to better prepare them for their standardized testing that occurs in April. Volunteers are encouraged to engage with the students by asking them questions periodically, reiterating comprehension and understanding about the book being read, and help grow their love for reading; thereby making a strong connection impact so that they perform better on their Alabama Comprehensive Assessment.

Our local children need our help to ensure their future remains bright, so let’s help to light their path to a brighter future. Sign up to become a Page Pal volunteer. It is easy and free! Simply visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/springpagepals#/ and select your school choice, date and time. Now you’re all set! If you ‘d like more information about the Page Pals program, you can follow this link at https://www.bhamyouthfirst.org/page-pals/.

Acknowledgement: PHAME-US.com would like to thank you to Mr. Marquise Hollingsworth for your time in support of this blogpost.

Posted in: #children, Birmingham, Education, Health, Literacy, Positive, Reading, social, Youth

Encouragement Family (PHAMILY) Hopeful Solidarity (Commonality, Humanity) Wholeness

Brittney Griner and Russian Prison Release

By trjohns3 on February 9, 2023February 11, 2023

By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

The release of Brittney Griner from Russian imprisonment garnered a great deal of attention from around the nation. Brittney Griner is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA athlete that was detained at a Russian airport in 2022. Russian officials accused Griner of being in possession of CBD cartridges which is illegal in the country. However, 10 months after being sentenced to nine years in prison, she is back on America soil thanks to a highly controversial prison swap. As such, her homecoming is both joy-filled and packed with the reality of possible lifelong mental health implications.

CNN Reporters Salahieh and Yan shared Griner was held in an imprisonment camp for women that provided beds insufficient for a small child. Standing six feet nine inches tall, this was one component of her captivity that prevented her from getting sleep. Additionally, the camp forced women to sew as a form of intensive labor. However, Griner was too tall to sit at the tables and her hands were too large for the sewing machines. As a last resort, she was assigned to carrying the fabric used to create various garments. Most notably, Griner was forced to cut her signature locs which nearly reached her waistline. This was considered necessary since Griner could not dry her hair in the frigid temperatures of Russia and constantly battled the flu and pneumonia from exposed, wet hair. Along with these inconveniences, there were numerous aspects of the experience that would cause Griner to need the professional help of a therapist to strengthen her mental state.

As such, it is highly recommended that Griner and her loved ones that have been a part of the journey receive psychological counseling to address any emergent issues. Acknowledging being imprisoned in another country, serving as a political pawn for world leaders, being deemed unworthy for a prisoner swap, and being separated from family; it is imperative that Griner gets the supports she may need. Griner and her family may need to unpack the difficulties of being detained in another country, serving in a penal colony, and dealing with the anxiety of release. This can be achieved in individual counseling, group counseling, and trauma therapy. All parties can also join online support groups, perform community service, and connect with or advocate for Americans still in captivity.

Have you been impacted by a traumatic event? Was your family also impacted? Be encouraged and seek support for yourself and your family. For resources in your community, use the FindTreatment.gov to find the closest treatment location.

References

Kudryavtsev, Kirill. (2022). How the WNBA could have saved Brittney Griner. BAZAAR. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/politics/a40837022/wnba-could-have-saved-brittney-griner-pay-discrepancy-russia/

Salahieh, N. & Yan, H. (2022). Brittney Griner is back in the US and dunking again after almost 10 months detained in Russia. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/12/us/brittney-griner-us-arrival-monday/index.html

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). (2023). Helping Patients Cope with a Traumatic Event. https://www.cdc.gov/masstrauma/factsheets/professionals/coping_professional.pdf

Posted in: Freedom, Mental Health, Physical Health, Safety

Encouragement Hopeful Mission-fulfillment Positive

Non-profit Makes Veterans Wishes Come True

By LaTangellia Walker on January 19, 2023February 10, 2023

By Tan Walker | Community Health & Human Services Intern

Army veteran, Chris Kind was left with a brain injury after a terrifying blast in Iraq. Unfortunately, his brain injury later led him to become diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. “It was just hard adjusting to that, you know, to that new norm,” Kind expressed to CBS News after returning home.

Post traumatic stress disorder develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger. The “flight or flight” response is a normal reaction meant to protect people from harm (NIH, 2023).

Although recreating the life that he knew was tough, the father of five found joy again through gardening. However, the severe burns on his body prevented him from being exposed to direct sunlight.

That’s when Hope for the Warriors- a nonprofit organization that offers assistance to veterans- came to the rescue and gifted Kind a $10,000 greenhouse as a thank you for his service (Home: Hope for the warriors 2022). This organization has granted veterans over 250 wishes, ranging from woodworking equipment to family vacations . The CEO of Hope For The Warriors described this experience as “life changing”.

Now, Kind can enjoy his gardening without fear and use his skills to bring others joy as well.

References

Home: Hope for the warriors. Hope for the Warriors | Restoring: Self, Family, Hope. (2022, December 15). Retrieved January 18, 2023, from https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/

Shamlian, J. (2023, January 18). Nonprofit helps fulfill wishes for wounded veterans. CBS News. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hope-for-the-warriors-wounded-veterans-wishes/

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Post-traumatic stress disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

Posted in: hero, non-profit, PTSDawareness, Veterans, wishes

Encouragement Hopeful Positive

Youngest Black Mayor in U.S.: Jaylen Smith becomes LEGEND

By LaTangellia Walker on January 9, 2023April 6, 2023

By Tan Walker | Community Health & Human Services Intern

A recent high school graduate, 18-year-old Jaylen Smith, has left his mark on the U.S. by becoming the youngest elected black mayor after defeating his opponent, Nemo Mathews Sr. in a runoff election. The teenager received 218 votes while Mathews only received 139 votes (MSN, 2022) .

Smith is a native Earle, Arkansas, with big plans for his small town. Earle has approximately 2,000 residents (MSN, 2022). After his victory, he expressed his gratitude to his supporters by sharing a Facebook post that reads: “It’s Time to Build a Better Chapter of Earle, Arkansas, I would like to thank all my supporters for stepping up getting people to the polls. I am truly grateful for you all.” Mathews, his opponent, also congratulated him on Facebook and wished him well.

Jaylen Smith told FOX13 about a few of his plans following the election. These plans involve improving public safety, tearing down abandoned houses, having effective transportation for the community, and bringing in a grocery store for the small town.

We would like to congratulate Smith for his outstanding accomplishments, and for being a young role model for the youth. Great job, Jaylen!

References

Sylvester, T. (2022, December 8). 18-year-old student, Jaylen Smith becomes youngest black mayor in United States. Kanyi Daily News. Retrieved January 9, 2023, from https://www.kanyidaily.com/2022/12/18-year-old-student-jaylen-smith-becomes-youngest-black-mayor-in-united-states.html

18-year-old Jaylen Smith becomes youngest black mayor in U.S. MSN. (n.d.). Retrieved January 9, 2023, from https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/18-year-old-jaylen-smith-becomes-youngest-black-mayor-in-u-s/ar-AA150Z1I?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=b6acf121cc3f46be8b397a8f6993bc4f

Posted in: #accomplishments, #arkansas, #congrats, #election, #youngest

Advocacy Encouragement Family (PHAMILY) Positive

The Key to Effective Parenting: It Takes a Village

By LaTangellia Walker on December 12, 2022February 10, 2023

By Shon Mack | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

I’m sure there are parents out there (like me) who have concerns about being a good parent. We as parents put way too much pressure on ourselves when it comes to raising our kids. It’s tough enough carrying our babies for 9 months, introducing them to the world, and guiding them until they are old enough to spread their wings on their own.

Surprisingly, our primary concern is encouraging emotional development and making sure that we instill love, validation, protection, a sense of self-worth, and positivity into them. Let’s be honest, it’s kind of challenging to do so when we already have the weight of the world on our shoulders. It is also common for parents to lose sight of who they are as individuals. Constantly working to make ends meet, worrying about when our next bills are due, or even completely giving up on our dreams just to give our offspring the life we never had can negatively affect our mental health.

“It takes a village to raise children” is a popular expression that originates from an African proverb and conveys the message that it takes many people to provide safe, healthy environments for children, where children are given the security they need to develop and flourish (Reupert et al., 2022). This requires an environment where multiple people including siblings, extended family and friends, neighbors, teachers, etc. care for a child, and we as parents need all of the help we can get. We also need to realize that asking for help is okay. It doesn’t t make you weak, in fact, it exudes strength.

Despite many parenting hardships, sitting and watching our children grow into beautiful young adults is very rewarding. It is a major accomplishment and every parent deserves a huge pat on the back! We must keep loving and nurturing our kids and reminding ourselves that the village is the notion that caring for children is a shared responsibility amongst many (Reupert et al., 2022).

Reupert, A., Straussner, S. L., Weimand, B., & Maybery, D. (2022, February 11). It takes a village to raise a child: Understanding and expanding the concept of the “village”. Frontiers. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.756066/full#:~:text=The%20phrase%20%E2%80%9Cit%20takes%20a%20village%20to%20raise,be%20able%20to%20realize%20their%20hopes%20and%20dreams.

Posted in: #children, #parents, #raise, #village

Hopeful

4 Tips for Romantic Modern Day Relationships

By LaTangellia Walker on December 9, 2022February 12, 2023

By Shon Mack | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

I’m sure everyone has heard of the typical fairytale ending for relationships…..you know, boy meets girl, they fall in love, and live happily ever after. Sound familiar? If you’re like me, I used to that this was the ultimate accomplishment, but in reality, it doesn’t always end this way. In fact, I find it hard to believe that anything remotely close to that can occur in this day and age. Speaking from experience as an African American woman who’s been in quite a few relationships, it is common for both men and women to miscommunicate their true intentions at the start of a relationship. This can result in a major turmoil, confusion, and resentment between both parties.

But why has this become the norm? Why has it become easy for couples to split instead of staying together and working it out? Why is it so easy for me to see a future without husband? After all, I am an attractive woman, with a great job, a good head on my shoulders, with a solid spiritual foundation. So what is the problem? A few common reasons why couples are splitting in modern society involve them growing apart, constant arguments, unfaithfulness, lack of respect, different interests, money problems, domestic violence, drinking/drugs/gambling, etc.(Sussex Publishers, 2022).

In some cases, it feels like when we point a finger, there are three pointing back at us. This challenges me to think that maybe we should look more deeply into ourselves to identify any problems that could potentially sabotage future relationships. But, personally, it doesn’t make sense… I’m 45 years old, and I feel that should have some type of introspection over my life, right? I think so. I believe that I have done my dirt and I need to make amends, but sometimes taking ownership is so hard. So what advice could I give to myself and others struggling to maintain healthy and loving relationships?

• Respect and Honesty goes a long way. Make sure that you are always honest about your true intentions before entering a relationship.

• Let go of your pride and ego. No one is perfect. Be open to learning from each other’s mistakes.

• Practice effective communication. Learn the difference between “hearing” your partner and “listening” to your partner, and be mindful of how your response can make your partner feel.

• Forgive. Always be open to forgive your partner, not just for them, but for yourself as well.

Now that I’m older and wiser, I understand the importance of these things. As I stated before, no one is perfect (including me), but with these 4 tips, relationships are destined to thrive in today’s modern society.

Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). The top 12 reasons why couples break up. Psychology Today. Retrieved December 7, 2022, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-instincts/202211/the-top-12-reasons-why-couples-break

Posted in: #forgiveness, #relationships, #trust

Encouragement Prevention Protection Understanding (Insight & Wisdom) Wholeness

You Better Believe Them

By reginiad on December 8, 2022March 28, 2023

By Reginia Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

In the famous words of Maya Angelou, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time” (Maya Angelou, 2023). Often, we as women, and most importantly black women tend to overlook all of the warning signs of a toxic relationship. This may include a romantic, friendship, or even a professional relationship.

Abuse is a pattern of behavior used by one person to gain and maintain power and control over another (Team, 2021). DMost women often ignore the tell-tale signs of an abuser, Abuse comes in all forms such as verbal, physical, and financial. It can come in form of your good friend that always needs to borrow that little $40 she can never seem to pay back. It is amazing how little your $40 becomes when you dare to ask for them back. The excuses you hear when you ask to become a barrage of putdowns and make the situation even worse. Nevertheless, this is an example of financial abuse.

Next, we have the person that always has something negative to say, or makes a harsh comment that may offend us in some way. This is sign of verbal abuse. Sometimes it is easy for us to ignore these statements and signs, or to justify their reasoning behind their actions, but this behavior should not be tolerated.

Lastly, we have the outright physical abuser. This particular person wants to physically harm you. “But it was only one time, they promised me it wouldn’t happen again “, a common yet horrific statement of those suffering from physical abuse. If someone causes us harm, we should run and never look back. Physical abuse can ultimately lead to permanent injury or even death.

You better believe them all. We should be able to identify our limitations and boundaries; and consider them often when experiencing abuse. No relationship is worth a hit to your mental, financial, or physical health so protect it at all costs.

References

Maya Angelou quotes. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/maya_angelou_383371

Team, R. (2021, August 24). 6 different types of abuse. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://reachma.org/blog/6-different-types-of-abuse/

Posted in: #relationships, #trust, Justice, power, violence

Encouragement Positive Wholeness

The Art of Being Care-Free

By LaTangellia Walker on December 1, 2022March 28, 2023

By Tan Walker | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Wherever you invest your time, there lies your heart (The art of not caring, 2017). In other words, the things that matter the most to you are the things you are most present for. Everyone is entitled to have their own agendas but establishing what is most important in our lives should be a priority. The things in our lives that don’t matter as much, we can just go with the flow to see what happens.

Unfortunately, I’ve realized that I am the complete opposite of the term “care-free”. I’m easily agitated and frustrated, and I have a tendency to stress over things that are completely out of my control. Now that I have recognized this flaw of mind, I am able to handle myself a little better whenever I face things that challenge me. The ultimate solution to handling situations like this is mastering “the art of being care-free”.

Being care-free is learning how to pick and choose your battles. At some point in life, we will all have things that challenge us, irritate us, or get us worked up. However, we are entirely responsible for our own emotions and actions. Failure happens. Heartbreak happens. Life happens. We get to decide whether we want to let one situation ruin our entire day, or if we want to learn from it and move on.

Learning to stay focused on things that really matter, and spend less time on things that don’t is a valuable lesson we all should learn from. From the time we wake up in the morning, to the time we go to sleep at night, we will always be faced with making decisions that could affect our lives. It is up to us to decide whether those things will affect us in a positive or negative way. The next time you become flustered and agitated with something, remember “the art of being care-free”.

The art of not caring. (2017, December 31). Retrieved December 1, 2022, from https://thoughtcatalog.com/lindsey-lazarte/2017/12/the-art-of-not-caring/#:~:text=What%20I%20mean%20when%20I%20say%20%E2%80%9Cthe%20art,in%20control%20of%20your%20own%20actions%20and%20emotions.

Posted in: #art, #carefree, #frustrated