IFA speaks...

"When it comes to unpacking trauma, we don't have to rip the bandaid off and heal overnight. The healing is a process and it takes time, patience and loving kindness. It's okay to go slow; to go in and unpack a little and then come out again and shelf it for another day."

Thinking about my thoughts and why I'm thinking those thoughts. It's amazing how certain thoughts just "pop" in our head whether healthy or unhealthy. We just have to decipher.....

BSWP: Numerous studies have found that low-quality marriages put individuals at greater risk for depression and other mental illnesses. Eighty percent of those with depression are left untreated and undiagnosed. In most cases, couples therapy has not been discussed.

BSWP: Numerous studies have found that low-quality marriages put individuals at greater risk for depression and other mental illnesses. Individuals feeling emotionally exhausted or fatigued in a relationship are at higher rates. For most, couples therapy hadn't been discussed.

We all have trauma in our lives and if we've only been putting bandaids on our scars, there's a good chance we'd eventually need to address the wounds. Sooner rather than later, but it's never too late.

BSWP: A few reasons why couples should pray together. A. Builds intimacy. B. Stabilizes and strengthens the relationships. C. Space for vulnerability and reconciliation. D. Helps know each others needs and struggles. E. Invites the presence of spirit.

BSWP: Few signs we're carrying unhealed ancestral trauma: A. Family history of mental illness, addiction or other patterns which affect us now. B. Frequent unconscious self-sabotage. C. Hatred or disgust towards own ancestors. D. Low self-esteem. E. Feeling empty/stuck.

Intergenerational or ancestral trauma is embodied trauma which is passed down from previous generations. It's stored in our bodies causing certain things to happen or recycle in our lives. Accepting it, identifying it and healing it is key to liberation.

Black mental health is understanding that everything we need is already inside of us. We don't have to wait for others to light the fire 🔥 for us, we have our own matches. Hence: There is no savior but us.

ON DA REAL: Pay attention to our dreams, there are lots of hints and messages from our ancestors and spirit guides who are trying to "either" warn us or align us with greater possibilities.

Why do we expect and want people to keep their promises to us, when we don't keep our promises to ourselves? In some cases, when we keep our promises to ourselves it's easier to demand that from others.

BSWP: Trauma bonding is forged through affection alternating with abuse. So instead of us removing ourselves, we focus on the good parts of the relationship and ignore the abuse. We've rationalized the fact to stay by making excuses on behalf of our abuser. #death

When unhealed trauma goes unquestioned, it becomes the normal day-to-day values. Unfortunately, when individuals and families unknowingly adhere to centuries of old trauma, it's widely accepted as the culture. For most of us, we live it, because we think it's normal.

Black mental health is understanding how we should be treated. Accountability is realizing that how we allow others to treat us, is direct reflection of how we see and treat ourselves. "Don't it feel go to be mistreated?" 🤷🏿‍♂️

Black mental health is self-respect. Accountability is realizing that how we allow others to treat us, is a direct reflection of how we see or treat ourselves. "Don't it feel go to be mistreated?" I'm sure it doesn't. While some are unaware they are.

Black mental health is self-respect. Accountability is realizing how we allow others to treat us, is a direct reflection of how we see or treat ourselves. Dont it feel good to be mistreated? I'm sure it doesn't. While some are unaware they are.

We saw the red flags before we got in it, but didn't have the courage to say no or walk away. We're in it and have accepted the red flags as normal, because abuse is better than not having anyone at all. 🏳️ 🏳️ 🏳️ 🏳️

BSWP: Nothing is going to change, until we change. Nothing is going to get better, until we get better. Nothing is going to happen, until we make it happen. When we're not willing to do the above, we will remain pitiful, sorry, unhappy and depressed.

BSWP: People are going through a lot "quietly" and the fear of dealing with deep emotional pain prevents them from taking the next steps towards healing. "I'm having a mental breakdown and I'm suffocating, but I'm afraid to ask for help." - Many people.