Category: Positive

Health(y) Positive Prevention Profiles Promotion

Former NBA star & champion Dwayne Wade raises awareness about Kidney Cancer

By Larrell Wilkinson on

by Larrell L. Wilkinson, PHAME-US.com

Dwyane Wade, the celebrated NBA Hall of Famer, recently opened up about his battle with kidney cancer on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Wade shared that his diagnosis came after he turned 40 and decided to undergo a comprehensive health check-up. With a family history of cancer—his father and grandfather both battled prostate cancer—he wanted to be proactive about his health. In December 2023, Wade underwent a procedure to remove part of his kidney, which was later confirmed to be cancerous.

On the talk show known for its humor and funny comedic bits, Wade shared the importance of knowing your body and getting “checked out” by a doctor. During an emotional appearance on the talk show Jenna & Friends, Mr. Wade shared more regarding his health, challenges, and the symptoms that led him to speak to his doctor who recommended additional tests. He also gave credit to his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, and his children for their support during his recovery.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following symptoms for kidney cancer, including:

  • Blood in the urine.
  • A lump or swelling in the kidney area or abdomen.
  • Lower back pain or pain in the side that doesn’t go away.
  • Feeling tired often.
  • Fever that keeps coming back.
  • Not feeling like eating.
  • Losing weight for no reason that you know of.
  • Something blocking your bowels.
  • A general feeling of poor health.

In 2024, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 14,390 people (9,450 men and 4,940 women) died from kidney cancer disease in 2024 and approximately 81,610 new cases of kidney cancer were diagnosed (American Cancer Society, n.d.). The CDC recommends several steps to lower the risk of kidney and renal pelvis cancers, including:

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor, so staying active and eating a balanced diet can help.
  • Avoid smoking: Smoking increases the risk of kidney cancer, so quitting is highly beneficial.
  • Be cautious with certain chemicals: Especially trichloroethylene, which is used in some industrial jobs. Proper safety measures are essential if you’re exposed to it.

To learn more about Dwayne Wade and hear more about his life, perspectives on sports, fashion, music, and business, we can tune into his channel on YouTube, the WY Network. To learn more about kidney cancer, please visit the CDC web presence for kidney cancer and the American Cancer Society (ACS). To raise awareness and encourage others regarding their health journeys, please consider engaging with US on Facebook.

References
American Cancer Society. (n.d.). About Kidney Cancer. http://Www.cancer.org. Retrieved March 11, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/kidney-cancer/about.html
CDC. (2024, April 25). Kidney Cancer Basics. Kidney Cancer. https://www.cdc.gov/kidney-cancer/about/index.html

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Impact of Free Healthcare at 2024 Paris Olympics & Healthcare Accessibility

By Larrell Wilkinson on

By Larrell L. Wilkinson, PHAME-US.com

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games have introduced a significant benefit for athletes: free healthcare services within the Olympic Village. This initiative is significant, providing comprehensive medical care to athletes from around the world. The healthcare is an additional benefit, ensuring the athletes can perform at their best without worrying about healthcare costs.

The Olympic Village offers a wide range of medical services, including cardiology, orthopedics, physiotherapy, psychology, podiatry, and sports medicine. This extensive healthcare provision is designed to cater to the unique needs of elite athletes, who often require specialized medical attention due to the physical demands of their sports.

Ariana Ramsey, a U.S. women’s rugby player, has spotlighted her positive experiences with the free healthcare services in the Olympic Village, sharing her journey on social media. Her posts have gone viral, emphasizing the benefits she has received utilizing the healthcare system in France. Ariana’s testimonies offer followers greater understanding of the importance of access to quality health care.

Many people in the United States don’t get the health care services they need. A report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that about 1 in 10 people in the United States don’t have health insurance (Berchick, Barnett, & Hood, 2018). Strategies to increase insurance coverage rates are critical for making sure more people get important health care services, like preventive care and treatment for chronic illnesses. Voting for policies that expand healthcare coverage, utilizing current healthcare resources consistently, and practicing health promoting behaviors can lead to better health and well-being for individuals and our communities.

Using your voice and your vote can make a difference. In light of ongoing global discussions about healthcare accessibility and affordability, healthcare was is being offered at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. Importantly, the initiative is supporting physical and mental health, supporting athletes ability to manage the stresses of competition. When the Olympic Games come to Los Angeles, CA in 2028, let’s hope we too will offer free health care to all Olympic Athletes. In fact, let’s do more than hope! Let’s lift our voices and support the Olympic athletes coming to our country and our many neighbors who are here and can benefit from expanded access to health care.

Strategies like providing team-based care and reducing copays can help people get recommended preventive care services. Still, there are other ideas on how to best expand access to healthcare. To find out more about efforts to support greater access to healthcare, consider visiting https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/health-care-access-and-quality.

References

Berchick, E.R., Hood, E., & Barnett, J.C. (2018). Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2017. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2018/demo/p60-264.pdf

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Overcoming Life’s Challenges with a Positive and Healthy Attitude | Encouragement from James 1: 2-4

By phameuscampaign on
Photo by Eric Sanman on Pexels.com

Life is a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected hurdles. As we traverse our own path, we encounter challenges that test our resilience, adaptability, and determination. These enduring challenges shape our character, help define our purpose, and propel us toward growth and development. Additionally, working through troubling circumstances helps to strengthen us emotionally, especially perhaps to endure greater responsibilities for the advancement of God’s kingdom. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (New International Version Bible, 2024, James. 1: 2-4).

Very interesting encouragement from the epistle of James. What if James is suggesting within the sacred text that as we endeavor to work through adverse circumstances negatively impacting us, we should keep a positive and healthy posture when dealing with these issues or problems? Perhaps this seems like a tall order to endure trials and keep a positive and healthy attitude, kind of like climbing a tall mountain.

First we must choose to climb the mountain (decide to address the hardship). Next, we prepare to climb the mountain (Prepping mindset to climb, trusting Him as the source of our strength). Then we climb (working to overcome the problem, building our faith and confidence with each step we take). Finally, we reach the mountain peak (at the top, we have a new sense of ourselves and our faith through this accomplishment).

Although navigating the steep terrain of a mountain can be daunting, reaching the peak can strengthen our sense of purpose, relationships, health, productivity, etc. No matter the mountain(s) (i.e., hardship, obstacle, problem, barrier, etc.) we are facing in our lives, with a view from the mountaintop, we can look back and reflect on the journey up the mountain – allowing for learning and new strength to be applied to the next climb. We become a more complete version of ourselves to be more useful in fulfilling our kingdom purpose. Still, in the climb, we must remain positive and healthy, emotionally. In this way, we endure.

We work to maintain a positive and healthy emotional well-being as we face any struggle. This means managing emotions well and having a sense of meaning, purpose, and supportive relationships (CDC, n.d.). Managing our emotions well, especially when experiencing hardships, includes:

  • Identifying, processing, and expressing emotions in healthy ways.
  • Knowing how to deal with uncertainty, stress, and change.
  • Being able to work through disagreements.
  • Looking for solutions to problems in useful ways.
  • Asking others for help and support.

Efforts to be remain positive and healthy during stressful and tough times may not be easy. That is why it is important to keep your sight towards the peak (look up) and keep moving in a forward (advancing) direction. Continue to climb, working ourselves out of any valley (low place, low feeling). For more encouragement, we hope you will connect with us in the comments area of this blogpost or on Facebook. Also, we encourage connecting with a good church that positively and healthfully nurtures spiritual and emotional well-being.

References
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. (n.d.). About Emotional Well-Being. https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-well-being/about/index.html

New International Version. (2024). YouVersion. https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.4.13

New International Version. (2024). YouVersion. https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JAS.1.NIV

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Advocacy Encouragement Health(y) Hopeful Positive Prevention Profiles

Nicole Eggert’s brave battle and raising breast cancer awareness

By phameuscampaign on

By PHAME-US Campaign

In December of 2023, Nicole Eggert shared publicly that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The 52 year old actress and mother of two, popularly known for her roles in popular television shows such as “Baywatch” and “Charles in Charge,” shocked her fans when she revealed her breast cancer diagnosis. By sharing her personal journey, she has become an advocate for breast cancer awareness, shedding light on the challenges that individuals facing this disease encounter.

Nicole Eggert’s decision to share her breast cancer diagnosis with the public is a commendable act that goes beyond personal vulnerability. By doing so, she has actively contributed to the ongoing conversation about breast cancer awareness. Awareness campaigns play a crucial role in encouraging early detection, emphasizing the importance of regular screenings, and dispelling myths surrounding the disease. Eggert’s openness encourages others to prioritize their health and seek medical attention when needed.

In 2024, the American Cancer Society (ACS) (n.d.) estimates about 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. Eggert’s openness about her breast cancer diagnosis not only raises awareness but also encourages a much-needed dialogue about the emotional and physical toll of the disease. The ACS (n.d.) reports that a cancer diagnosis can affect the emotional health of patients, families, and caregivers and is associated with feelings of anxiety, distress, and depression. By sharing the ups and downs of her treatment, she helps break down the stigma associated with cancer, fostering a supportive environment for those facing similar challenges. This dialogue is essential in creating a more empathetic society that understands the complexities of the cancer journey.

To reduce risk of breast cancer, the ACS recommends:

Have you used been screened for breast cancer? Is breast cancer on your health radar? What are your experiences in breast cancer prevention? We encourage the sharing of valuable information and experiences here in the comments section or here on Facebook.

References

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Advocacy Encouragement Especially for the Ladies Health(y) Hopeful Mission-fulfillment Positive Prevention Profiles Promotion Wholeness

Taraji P. Henson is taking a stand to challenge mental health stigma

By aamyasw1999 on

By Aamya Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Taraji P. Henson is a beloved actor and veteran in the entertainment industry. She is best known for taking strong female leads that focus on the empowerment and strength of African American women. Though she is a very gifted actress, Taraji has also been a advocate for raising mental health awareness within the African American community. Mental illnesses can be experienced by many each year, with the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) reporting 57.8 million adults each year experience any mental illness (AMI) (NIMH, 2023). AMIs are characterized as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder and can range from causing no impairment to daily functioning to mild, moderate, and severe impairment (NIMH, 2023).

The percentage of African Americans experiencing AMIs annually is 21.4% or roughly one (1) of out every five (5) African American adults (NIMH, 2023). However, it may seem that challenges in mental health are not discussed within our communities. Not discussing mental illness may be even more detrimental to our health, especially because African Americans have experienced more forms of historical oppression, racism, dehumanization, and race-based violence than other people groups in the United States (SAMHSA, n.d.). Additionally, adverse experiences and negative encounters in the health care system can cause mistrust among African Americans for health care professionals (SAMHSA, n.d.). 

Stigma in discussing mental health challenges and overcoming negative encounters accessing health care is one of several reasons Ms. Henson has established an initiative within her community to create Wellness Pods. In 2018, Taraji, created the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her Veteran father who struggled with his mental health after his time in war. Her foundation was created to battle the stigma against mental health in the Black community and she does this with the He, She, and They Care Wellness Pods initiative within HBCUs. Recently created was the She Care Wellness Pod that is used as a healthy and safe space for Black women who may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or depressed.

Taraji has long been an advocate for mental health and therapy for the Black community and she has expressed her own battle with mental health on many different occasions. She even told Entertainment Tonight about her suicide ideation back in 2020. This is one example of many that shows anyone can be affected by mental health and we should show love and support to those within our sphere of influence when something is just “not right.” To help improve your mental health and the health of well-being of those around you, the WWL encourages the following (Tartakovsky, 2022):

  • Getting enough sleep (generally 7 – 9 hours nightly)
  • Spending less time engaged with social media
  • Strengthening your relationships with those are supportive of you
  • Staying active with exercise most days (generally 30 minutes daily)
  • Drinking plenty of water (8+ cups daily)
  • Knowing when to relax, de-stress, and seek help (overcoming previous experiences and advocating for yourself and loved ones)
  • Going outside for sunlight and fresh air

Let’s all work to prevent mental illnesses and build mental resilience by following general health and wellness tips offered by trusted sources. Additionally, it is “OK” and normal to need the help and support of positive and healthy people in your network. As the good song says,…”we all need somebody to lean on.” Finally, seek the support of professionals and if in crisis, use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Resources

NIMH. (2023, March). Mental Illness. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness#part_2540

SAMHSA. (n.d.). Black/African american. SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity/black-african-american

Tartakovsky, M. (2022, May 2). 8 daily habits for Improved Mental Health. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/habits-to-improve-mental-health#sleep

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Previous experiences may bias our perceptions, even as racial bias does exist

By aamyasw1999 on

By Aamya Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Our previous life experiences may influence the way we perceive the event we encounter daily. When we encounter past traumas, the effects can linger for a long time. Thusly, when aspiring musician Baby Storme experienced a process of protocols to prevent her from flash mobbing (i.e., shooting her video) in a Target, she may have and continue to view the incident through a lens filtered with previous racially biased experiences. Given the Target encounter shared over social media, Baby Storme sparked a firestorm of responses on the encounter with comments supporting her views that the incident is clouded in racism and others exclaiming that Target has a right to implement protocols preventing flash mobs and other activities on/in their premises.

Racism, according to the CDC, can be defined as a system that assigns value and determines opportunity based on the way people look or the color of their skin, which can unfairly advantage and disadvantage those within our societies (CDC, 2023). Some social media commenters claimed that Baby Storme played the “race card” and suggested “racism” was at hand in order to exploit the particular situation for gaining sympathy or advantage. Was the popular TikTok platform African American alternative pop music star using the history of racism in America as way to seek benefit or raise a level of support for her actions? Maybe. When she made allegations against Target for being racist by not letting her and her dancers perform within their establishment, she may have felt victimized due to her race as months earlier the artist experienced an incident where she feels she was racially profiled at a local Citibank branch when performing a transaction with a $30,000.00 check. According to her self-report on social media, the workers within that bank immediately confiscated her check and called the police on her during the process. Her emotional experience shared on social media offers insight to how the negative event made her feel. Taken into consideration, it may not be such a far reach to see how Baby Storme may have perceived the Target incident have been biased by race.

Let’s continue to be reasonable. Target is a public space for consumers and has a duty to keep their store safe and friendly for their customers. Target as a corporation is definitely within their rights to authorize their employees to implement protocols and practices to preserve store safety and be accessible for all customers. Thusly, it is OK for them to limit the actions of flash mobs, limiting public disturbances, no matter what time of night the flash mob occurs (i.e., near closing hours).

As social media has become the new outlet to express many negative encounters and discriminatory actions, we may do so without fostering understanding. True, a soundbite is not enough time to offer context and comprehensive truth. Still, if people have an aim for sharing experiences to foster understanding, then processes toward strengthening relationships among people from different backgrounds will provider greater solidarity within society. Because, racism and discrimination to continue to occur within American society. Perhaps with social media, people may believe these negative experiences happen more often than they do. That is why it is also important to remember the following:

  • Work to not dwell on negative or dark thoughts (i.e., I will not let this negative situation define me…)
  • Stop negative self-talk (i.e., I will work to find the humanity and beauty; I hope my offenders will be able to find the humanity and beauty of all people, etc.)
  • Reframe negative situations (i.e., Racial bias is real, but I am determined for people to know my character, value my culture,…)
  • Establish healthy patterns for yourself (i.e., engage in exercise, healthy eating, prayer, meditation, supportive relationships, etc.)
  • Embrace positive moments (i.e., reflect on the positive moments in your life)
  • of all people I hope that those offending me will be able to see the beauty of all people

What are your thoughts? How do you stay positive? How do you offer to others your experiences to support understanding among diverse people? Please share in the comments below and on Facebook, here.

Resources

CDC. (2023, August). Racism and health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/minorityhealth/racism-disparities/index.html

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Advocacy Encouragement Hopeful PHAITH (Faith) Positive Profiles Solidarity (Commonality, Humanity) Understanding (Insight & Wisdom)

Reflecting on a tragic moment of civil rights history and feelings of yesterday

By Larrell Wilkinson on

Larrell L. Wilkinson | PHAME-US

Photo of window at the 16th Street Baptist Church and memorial plaque honoring the memory of the four young girls killed by the KKK bombing of the the church on September 15, 1963.

I knew yesterday was going to hit me hard. During the early weeks of September in Birmingham, AL, the annual commemorations begin. This year marks 60 years since the tragic death of four little girls and the injuries of several others, during the turbulent days of the Civil Rights movement. The City of Birmingham honored the victims of the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church on September 15, 1963, during the week of remembrance.

Working in the Birmingham area, I often drive past the historic markers of the Civil Rights movement. I can see the A.G. Gaston Motel, the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and drive to Montgomery, AL to the Equal Justice Initiative & National Memorial, Dexter Ave. Church, the Rosa Parks Museum, and sacred sites of the movement. This year, 60 years after that fateful day of losing Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, & Cynthia Wesley, I know that America has made progress towards racial conciliation. I see it daily at my job, during worship occasions at my church, in visiting my children’s school, walking my neighborhood and patronizing businesses in my community. Still, exercising faith for a future that overcomes the actions of hatred manifested by individuals and groups that want to further efforts to separate us in the U.S., by race, by class, by the faith we practice, by any means that furthers their hate filled mission, that faith must be strong and resilient.

The actions of 60 years ago may seem like history to some but are very relevant to communities of people who have additional concerns when we go for a jog, shop at our community stores, or worship in our churches. Our families trade text messages to remind each other to “be safe”, “travel in groups”, “don’t travel at night”, “don’t get off the phone until you get home”, “don’t get gas at night”, “don’t stop at any stores tonight, we’ll order it later”, etc. Perhaps some if you are reading this, you might say, these sayings sound like useful tips. In contrast, others reading these words understand that these aren’t just tips, but necessary actions of life preservation for people feeling maliciously targeted due to their culture. For many, events that happened 60 years ago doesn’t feel like history, it feels like yesterday. Still, these groups of people press forward in hopes that their girls and boys will experience a society where the actions of a hateful few are no longer. Their hope is in a loving God, with the direction to love Him and to also love your neighbor as yourself (New International Version, Matt. 22: 34 – 40). It is in experiencing this form of solidarity that we can share in faith, hope, and love; love being the greatest of these (New International Version, Cor. 13:13).

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Hitting the Hot 100, checking STD stats, checking your STD status

By purpose88 on

Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Sexyy Red is the latest Hip-Hop sensation and cultural phenomenon.  She cemented herself as a mainstream artist with her break-out hit “Pound Town” and partnered up with Niki Minaj on the certified Gold hit entitled “Pound Town 2″, debuting at No. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100. Unfiltered, the rapper’s lyrics may be considered a bit “raunchy” for some listeners. Still, she has fans, many fans, amassing over 1.7 million followers on Instagram and is currently the opening act for mega-entertainer and rapper, Drake.  Often dawning pierced lips, eccentric hairstyles, and revealing clothes, Sexyy Red is a rising star in the rap and hip-hop genre. It appears many enjoy her message of sexual freedom, but some may also take issue with her messages, portrayal of Black women, or the way she discusses sexual experiences openly.

Sexy Red, whose real name is Janae Wherry, has been receiving tons of backlash lately after proclaiming herself “the raw dog queen” on Lil Yahty’s podcast. “Raw dog” is a saying that means “having unprotected sex.” She also revealed that she does not like condoms or latex and claimed that they make her private area smell. It did not take long for her comments to hit Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other forms of social media; with some disapproval and others claiming that she’s “keeping it real.”

It is easy to understand the concerns about the some of the statements Sexy Red made in her interview. Still, it is important to raise awareness about some specific concerns if one chooses to engage in sexual activity. Check out the graphic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) below regarding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States.

Additionally, it is important to understand that consistent and correct use of latex condoms can drastically reduce the risk of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. Latex condoms can also reduce the risk of genital herpes, syphilis, and chancroid, working when a person’s infected area or site of potential exposure is protected (CDC, 2023). Check out the links with each sexually transmitted infection or disease (STI or STD) to learn the facts about each.

If someone has concerns about latex condoms, some condoms are made of other materials (i.e., polyurethane, polyisoprene, and nitrile) are great for people who have latex allergies or sensitivities. Still, these condoms may be slightly less effective at preventing STDs than condoms made from latex (Marfatia, Pandya, & Mehta, 2015).

If choosing to engage in sexual activities, health experts from the CDC and Planned Parenthood encourage individuals to consider the following tips:

For more tips and to learn more about protecting yourself during sexual activities, please check out the links above. Want to talk some more, check out our Facebook page here: @phame.us.impact.

References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, September 5). U.S. STI Epidemic Showed No Signs of Slowing Down in 2021 – Cases Continued to Escalate. https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2023/STD-Surveillance-Report-2021-media-statement.html

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, September 5). How can I Protect Myself from HIV?. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-prevention/protect-yourself-during-sex.html

Marfatia YS, Pandya I, Mehta K. Condoms: past, present, and future. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2015;36(2):133–9. doi:10.4103/0253-7184.167135

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Nick Cannon Stands Up Against Lupus

By phameuscampaign on

Ashley Peoples | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Photo: Instagram/nickcannon

Nick Cannon is known for many of his attributes with his long-standing career, in the areas of as acting, rapping, and his show “Wild N’ Out“. However, like many people he has been battling lupus since 2012. Lupus is a chronic auto-immune disease that causes the body to attack itself. Mr. Cannon was first hospitalized for lupus in 2012. He was experiencing kidney failure which is a known symptom.

On Christmas day 2016, Mr. Cannon was hospitalized again for a lupus flare up as stated by CNN. During his time in the hospital, he experienced many emotions and relied strongly on his faith. It is important to understand that Lupus is an auto immune disease that can cause a flare up randomly. Nick Cannon’s strength of pushing through and choosing to fight every day is admirable.  As stated by Mr. Cannon “I’m sitting here getting stronger like ‘Iron Man’” (Melas 2016). I believe his story can help people that are experiencing lupus or undergoing test to figure out if it is cause for their current health issues. Celebrities like Mr. Cannon are brave for sharing their personal health issues with the world.

References

Melas, C. (2016, December 28). Nick Cannon Gives Health Update after spending Christmas in the hospital. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2016/12/28/entertainment/nick-cannon-lupus-hospital/index.html

McLaughlin, K. (2012, March 10). Nick Cannon on the fight for his life. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2012/03/09/showbiz/nick-cannon-on-the-fight-for-his-life/index.html

Nick Cannon, lupus warrior. Lupus Foundation of America. (n.d.). https://www.lupus.org/personal-stories/nick-cannon-lupus-warrior

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Pete Davidson – It’s OK when you are not OK

By purpose88 on

Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo: Saturday Night Live @NBCSNL on Instagram

Pete Davidson is a comedian, actor, and writer.  He made us laugh for many years while performing outrageous skits on the late-night series, Saturday Night Live, but America’s funny man has checked into a rehabilitation facility, and it is no laughing matter (Drillinger, 2023) . Davidson has always been transparent about his diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder, (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. Sometimes we think that entertainers are exempt from mental health issues, but Davidson is the epitome of that not being the case.  Pete Davidson is one of millions of Americans who suffer from mental health disorders, partially brought on by the death of his father in the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Like Pete, many Americans need therapy to help protect their mental health, and according to Cindy Sharp, a local Clinical Social Worker/ Therapist, who specializes in trauma, anxiety, and depression, there has been a spike in people seeking mental health services. Worry, grief, self-doubt, anxiety, losing loved ones, and divorce are things that we all go through at some point in our lives. However, due to the stigma attached to mental health, we often do not seek out the help that we need. People end up suffering in silence as they struggle with day-to-day living. Most of us will go to a doctor when our physical body is in pain, but when our mental state is hurting, we do not put forth the same energy. We need to normalize and destigmatize taking care of our mental health.

Mrs. Sharp’s practice focuses on a holistic approach to therapy.  She feels passionate about providing an environment where people with mental health issues can feel safe and supported so they can embrace positivity and begin the journey to heal.  She is just one of many therapists who can help you explore your troubling issues. 

If you are struggling with your emotions, thoughts, or behaviors and feel that your mental health is at risk, please seek help! It is OK so say you are not OK.  Pete Davidson realized he was not ok and took the necessary steps to get help. How many others are willing to do the same?

References

Drillinger, M. (2023). Pete Davidson Checks Into Rehab for PTSD, Other Mental Health Issues. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com

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