Dear Grandma: An Interactive Approach For Obtaining Mental-Health Related Tools

Welcome

Hello readers! Welcome and thank you for embarking on this mental health journey with me. My name is Deja Jackson, and I am a Mental Health Therapist based in Florida. As a Black Queer Woman, I have navigated my own mental health journey while helping others with theirs. Understanding the perspective of the writer is crucial, and I am grateful to share mine with you. 

This blog, as well as my business, is a love letter to my Grandmother, Alpha Lee Nichols. My Grandmother was a fierce protector of those who could not advocate for themselves and she dedicated her life to serving. I have many fond memories of my Grandmother from when I was a child; however, my heart yearns for the ability to have not only her wisdom but her physical presence to help guide me through my "interesting" life. My Grandmother was called home in the year 2019 and I'm still processing this loss with my own therapist.

As I dedicated more time to my business, I learned more about myself, my family, and my community. For the sake of avoiding dual relationships, as I know there is a possibility that current clients of mine are reading, my personal mental health journey will not be the main focus of this blog.

Think of 'Grandma' as the wise, safe person in your life, or someone you had the pleasure of knowing if they have since passed. "Grandma" can even be seen as a symbol of compassionate acceptance. That person who never gave up on you. The person that you could trust with everything. It is my hope that this blog will assist you with obtaining mental health-related tools in a way that is less intimidating.

My Beautiful Grandmother, Alpha Lee Nichols

Rules of Engagement for Obtaining Mental Health-Related Tools

This blog is not to replace therapy itself. I will repeat...this blog is not to replace therapy. Please go see that Lady. We will be discussing various topics so please consider this as a trigger warning. If at any point you are feeling activated, please reach out to your established care team. If you need assistance with finding a therapist, please let me know! At the conclusion of each blog, there will be a journal prompt associated for additional opportunities for self-reflection.

Conclusion

Mental health is near and dear to my soul. I have dedicated most of my life to better understanding myself, others, and the world we live in. Everything has the potential to impact our mental health, yet most of us are not aware of this until well into adulthood. I believe my purpose in life is to serve just like my Grandmother. Please feel free to post any questions, comments, concerns, ideas, etc. Community is so important and this blog will be a consistent reminder that you are not alone.

Journal Prompt #1: Who is/are your "Grandmother"?