Light Up The Darkness

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Because Black people deserve to heal too. This podcast is a response to the stigma that exists around acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges in the Black community. By providing education and sharing stories of black people on their journey to healing, I hope to chip away at this stigma. We deserve to be a part of the larger conversation around wellness in this country. Especially now.

Erin Edwards

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    • Dec 29, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 16 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Light Up The Darkness

    S2 Ep 7: Unpacking Suicide - Prevention and Resources (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2022 27:49


    In this two-part episode, host Erin Edwards is joined by a friend of the show, Thérèse Kempf, LCSW to discuss suicide.  In the wake of the passing of Stephen "Twitch" Boss by suicide, Thérèse helps us to understand that we need to examine the journey that leads up to suicide to support people struggling with suicide ideation.Helpful Resources if you or someone you know is struggling with intolerable feelings:Call or text 988 to the National Suicide and Crisis LifelineWhen people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.Safehorizon Domestic Violence HotlineOur hotline advocates offer personalized, non-judgmental support. They can talk to you about your safety, provide information about resources in your community, and connect you to our programs and services.Our confidential hotlines provide one-on-one support including:– Crisis counseling– Safety planning– Assistance with finding Domestic Violence Shelters– Information about resourcesAssistance is available in any languageNYC WellNYC Well is your connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365.Suicide Support Groupshttps://afsp.org/find-a-support-group/https://allianceofhope.org/Support the show Follow LUTD Podcast on Instagram Shop LUTD Merch

    S2 Ep 6: Unpacking Suicide - How can we understand it better and support our people? (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2022 35:46


    In this two-part episode, host Erin Edwards is joined by a friend of the show, Thérèse Kempf, LCSW to discuss suicide.  In the wake of the passing of Stephen "Twitch" Boss by suicide, Thérèse helps us to understand that we need to examine the journey that leads up to suicide in order to really support people struggling with suicide ideation. Helpful Resources if you or someone you know is struggling with intolerable feelings:Call or text 988 to the National Suicide and Crisis LifelineWhen people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.Safehorizon Domestic Violence HotlineOur hotline advocates offer personalized, non-judgmental support. They can talk to you about your safety, provide information about resources in your community, and connect you to our programs and services.Our confidential hotlines provide one-on-one support including:– Crisis counseling– Safety planning– Assistance with finding Domestic Violence Shelters– Information about resourcesAsssistance available in any languageNYC WellNYC Well is your connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365.Suicide Support Groupshttps://afsp.org/find-a-support-group/https://allianceofhope.org/Support the show Follow LUTD Podcast on Instagram Shop LUTD Merch

    S2, Ep5: Spiritualism & Mental Health Care with Hakim Pitts

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 62:19


    In this episode, I was joined by the amazing light that is - Hakim Pitts (they/them). And we have an illuminating and beautiful conversation about their work and origins as a provider of spirit care.More about Hakim: Hakim is a multi-award-winning, Black genderqueer creative and scholar crafting at the nexus of visual culture, community health, social justice, & spiritual activism. Utilizing this interdisciplinary practice, their mission is twofold: to resource people, communities, and organizations with theoretical and pragmatic tools to create, sustain, and manifest their best; and to use fine arts and media to (re)craft works that carefully explore notions of power, identity, ritual, embodiment, and formations of Black religious social and political life.You can find Hakim:Instagram (@keemhasthedreem)Twitter (@KeemHastheDream)Email them: Hakim@DreamWithHakim.comSupport the show

    Bonus: Instagram Follower Q&A with Ebony Medas, LMHC

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 15:02


    This is an addendum to Episode 4, "Can Energy Healing Benefit Mental Health?"My guest Ebony Medas, LMHC, answers questions that were submitted by LUTD Podcast Instagram subscribers. Support the show

    S2, Ep 4: Can Energy Healing Benefit Mental Health?

    Play Episode Play 49 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 48:36


    In today's episode my guest, Ebony Medas, LMHC, discusses Reiki, IET (Integrated Energy Therapy), and how they can be a huge benefit to our mental health care. *Make sure to listen to the bonus episode after this, to hear Ebony answer specific questions that came in from our Instagram subscribers.Mentioned in this episode:Ebony's upcoming Energy Healing training which you can register for here: https://minka.as.me/ietlevel1Minka Brooklyn, who offer community Reiki sessions at an accessible rate: https://www.minkabrooklyn.com/Heal Haus - Ebony is a therapist here and it is a Black-owned wellness space that combines diverse healing modalities and practitioners under one roof to provide people with an inclusive space focused on holistic health and wellness: https://www.healhaus.com/Support the show

    S2, Ep 3: LUTD's Origin Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 12:13


    Host, Erin Edwards shares how and why this podcast came to be and gets a little personal!Check out the article mentioned in the episode, "Shelly, A Strong Black Woman."  Join our community on Instagram and support the show by donating on CashApp.Support the show

    S2, Ep 2: Grief Healing Journey - We're Not Alone & Not Meant to Do This Alone

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2022 30:11


    In this episode,  Naomi of The Glorious Hum & Black Folks Grieve shares her perspective on grief journeys and we're here for it! It was a lovely conversation and an even more beautiful "Mindful Moment" at the end of the episode. More on Naomi, who you can follow on IG at @theglorioushum:Naomi Edmondson (she/her) is a Grief Guide, Space holder, and Black Queer Femme with all the feelings. The loss of a mother figure is what brought her to deathcare, her training with Going with Grace, and the beginning of her time as a Hospice Volunteer. The death of her mother brought her to Grief care, her training as a Grief Guide, Breathwork, and what it really means to lose a parent. She provides safer, gentler spaces for conversations around death, loss, grief, and everything in between.Support the show

    Bonus: Dear Auntie...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2022 4:45


    In this mini-episode, host Erin Edwards shares a personal letter to her Auntie on the anniversary of her death. It's all about growth and healing ya'll. Support the show

    S2, Ep 1: Grief Healing Journey - Remember to Give Yourself Grace

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 27, 2022 34:35


    Welcome back to Light Up The Darkness Podcast! In this second "season," host Erin Edwards is joined by a friend of the show, Naiylah [Ny-eel-ah] Warren, LMFT to discuss grieving and giving yourself grace through the process.Naiylah is a licensed marriage/Family therapist, Clinical Content Manager at Real, and Corporate Wellness Facilitator. She specializes in treating interpersonal conflict, family trauma, addiction counseling, work-related stress, and spiritual development with BIPOCs. You can follow her on Instagram at @naionlife.Support the show

    Ep 6: Heather's Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2020 42:19


    In this episode, Heather Chelan discusses how she began what is a lifelong healing journey through her own mental health challenges. She also produced a lovely Mindful Moment song in the vein of her PSA, viral songs (i.e., "The Pandemic Isn't Over, Just Because You're Over it")- "Be Patient with Yourself." It's definitely a mantra and tune I'll have on repeat indefinitely!You can follow Heb on all the social platforms @hebontheweb. Make sure to go and give her music some streams on Spotify and Apple Music.Support the show (https://cash.app/$EFIE)

    Ep 5: Chris' Story

    Play Episode Play 25 sec Highlight Listen Later Oct 1, 2020 34:43


    My little cousin Chris shares his deeply personal story about a suicide attempt and his healing journey. Looking for a moment of joy? Check out my cousin Chris' breakdance videos on Instagram.----If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help Iis available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). They provide 24/7, free and confidential support.Support the show (https://cash.app/$EFIE)

    Ep 4: Addressing Our Children's Mental Health & Breaking Unhealthy Cycles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2020 53:07


    In this episode I am joined by "The Breakthrough Mama," Anese Barnett, M.Ed. This episode is about sowing the seeds for developing emotional intelligence in our children in order to create "generational health." Anese also offers many gems and tangible advice for parents and caregivers that will help them to maneuver and manage the effects the pandemic may be having on children's mental and emotional health. Stay tuned to the end for our "Mindful Moment," which you can do with your children!---In this episode, Anese suggests two books: Ruby's Worry & Purple Elephants. Links to purchase from a Black-owned bookstore local to me - The Lit. Bar. Support the show (https://cash.app/$EFIE)

    Ep 3: Moving Through Racial Trauma: Nourishment, Safe Spaces & Connection (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020 30:40


    In Part 2 of this episode, my expert guests Naiylah Warren, LMFT and Thérèse Kempf, LCSW, discuss healthy ways to move through racial trauma. Thérèse Kempf, LCSW leads this week's "Mindful Moment" with a visualizatin and body scan. Support the show (https://cash.app/$EFIE)

    Ep 2: Moving Through Racial Trauma: Defining Trauma (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020 26:52


    In this episode, with the help of my expert guests, Naiylah Warren, LMFT and Thérèse Kempf, LCSW, we define trauma and racial trauma. Support the show (https://cash.app/$EFIE)

    Ep 1: Healing is a Process & Possible

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2020 28:39


    In this episode I speak with Rebekah Ferguson, LMHC about how we can move past stigmas and any misconceptions to begin healing. She offers actionable and helpful tips that can get you started on your healing journey. We close out the episode with a mindful moment led by Ebony Medas, LMHC.Support the show (https://cash.app/$EFIE)

    Welcome to LUTD!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2020 1:24


    Start here for a brief intro on what you can expect In the episodes to come! This podcast centers black healing. Let's go on the journey together!Support the show (https://cash.app/$EFIE)

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