What Are the Three Common Mental Health Issues?

• These are the three common mental health issues I find:
• Anxiety Disorder
• Depression/ Major Depressive Disorder
• Trauma-related Disorders, including PTSD
• You may be experiencing these mental health disorders and not realize it. I know when I was first going to school, I didn’t realize I was suffering from depression. This is why I’m so passionate about helping others who may be facing the same hidden problem. 

Anxiety Disorder

• Studies show that 1 in 2 black women experience anxiety but never receive help. So many women are dealing with consistent worrying and intrusive thoughts that keep them from living a stress-free life. 
• Why it happens: Being a part of the sandwich generation (those focusing on kids and aging parents) often deals with chronic stress, past trauma, or long-term effects of always being the dependable one.

Major Depressive Disorder

• Depression affects how you think, sleep, and function. It’s way more common than you think it is, especially among women of color. 
• 60% of black women report symptoms of depression, but only 12% receive consistent support.
• On a day-to-day basis, it often shows up as feeling drained after a full night of rest, loss of interest in once enjoyable activities, and irritability. 

Trauma-Related Disorders and PTSD

• This disorder often develops from deeply stressful life experiences such as childhood trauma, sexual assault, and abusive relationships.
• It often shows up as random, intense flashbacks, emotional numbness, always on the edge, and avoidance of places or people who bring up the painful memory.
• PTSD may even make it difficult to trust your current partner and build a healthier relationship with them.

“Depression thrives in silence. Too many of us don’t talk about it because we've been told to be strong. But silence doesn’t protect you; speaking up does.” - Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC. 

Book a session with me.

Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling yourself - let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help to schedule an appointment. 

Resources

Don’t forget to connect with me on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. 

Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

Our Services | Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

Explore our comprehensive services at Fortis Mentris Psychiatry, providing personalized online mental health solutions for all ages.

The Seasons of Sacrifice

• If you go back to the very first episode, you'll hear my story of when I had to send my children to Haiti to live with family. 
• This was during the time when I decided to start school again. It was a very dark moment for me, but I knew it was a sacrifice worth making.

Three Things to Help You When Going Back to School

• From my journey, I found three tips that helped me during my transition into college in the later stages of my life:
• Start with why: What are the reasons you want to go back to school?
• Have a support system: Look to see who's around you who can help you so you can finish your degree.
• Build tech confidence: If you can scroll social media, you can figure out the school's technical systems.

You Can Do It

• If I can do it, so can you. Today, I have my own thriving practice, and my children are pursuing their own higher education. This is all because I took the time to go after my own, even when I felt like giving up.
• If you need more help or just a safe place to talk, click the link below to schedule a consultation with me.

“Purpose is what carries you when motivation fails.” — Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC.

Book a session with me.

Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling yourself - let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help to schedule an appointment. 

Book a session with me.

Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

Resources

Don’t forget to connect with me on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. 

Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

Our Services | Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

Explore our comprehensive services at Fortis Mentris Psychiatry, providing personalized online mental health solutions for all ages.

In this episode, I invite Dr. Deeawn Roundtree, who is a leadership coach and management consultant. She joins me in this much-needed conversation on the improper treatment of Black and Brown women at work.

Welcome, Dr. Deeawn Roundtree

• Dr. Roundtree holds a dual doctorate in Business Administration and Ministry. She owns her own business that helps leaders step into their identity with strategy, clarity, and confidence.
• Today, she’s joining me to share her insight on why Black and Brown women face so much trouble in the workplace. She also provides empowering tips to help you navigate the workforce as a woman of color.

3 Common Issues for Women of Color in the Workplace

• There are three main challenges that Black and Brown women often face:

1.  Lack of representation and role models

2. Microaggressions and implicit bias

3. Pay inequity and double standards

Negative Effects of Underrepresented Women of Color on Work Culture

• Starting off, I share some statistics on the matter. Recent studies shows, Black women hold a mere 1.4% of c-suite roles, and Latina women are also significantly underrepresented in leadership.
• Dr. Roundtree shares how this underrepresentation affects the workplace environment, starting with her own personal experiences. From her view she says that Black and Brown women are often seen at work as:
• Undervalued
• Underutilized
• Subject to negative stereotypes
• Facing double jeopardy due to both race and gender
• Seeing how women of color are often judged harshly and held back because of bias, she designed a leadership program to help empower and teach women to handle the unique workforce challenges.

Imposter Syndrome

• Dr. Roundtree describes the all-too-common psychological phenomenon as an internal experience. She provides an example of being promoted to a CEO-level position but not feeling confident enough to perform the role.
• What causes Imposter Syndrome is based on how you see yourself due to external factors. It’s a superficial feeling you get when you believe you’re pretending to be more than you are.

Strategies to Become Visible at the Table

• To stop being unseen and unheard at the table, Dr. Roundtree advises that you first do whatever it takes to feel good about yourself.
• There’s a reason she went to college after college to get her dual degrees, on top of getting a certification as well. It helped her build the confidence she needed to go after the jobs she wanted.
• She shares how essential it is to start with a self-assessment to see what you’re missing. Is it a degree, skills, or something else? Work on filling this gap first to get where you want to be.

Organizational Support for Women of Color

• Dr. Roundtree reflects on her work with organizations that genuinely wanted to support their diverse populations before recent political changes. 
• However, she shares that there are resources available, just like her program, to help the Black and Brown population network within their own communities.
• Dr. Roundtree discusses why our community needs to network within our circle. The money we help make and spend needs to be seen for the value it brings to the marketplace.

Why Do Women of Color Experience Microaggressions?

• Another statistic I share is that women of color are three times more likely to report experiencing otherness or disrespectful bias, which doubles their risk of burnout.
• Dr. Roundtree says that we often...]]>Have you ever felt unseen, unheard, and underpaid at your job? These are often three common problems women of color face in the workplace.

  In this episode, I invite Dr. Deeawn Roundtree, who is a leadership coach and management consultant. She joins me in this much-needed conversation on the improper treatment of Black and Brown women at work.

  Welcome, Dr. Deeawn Roundtree

  • Dr. Roundtree holds a dual doctorate in Business Administration and Ministry. She owns her own business that helps leaders step into their identity with strategy, clarity, and confidence.
  • Today, she’s joining me to share her insight on why Black and Brown women face so much trouble in the workplace. She also provides empowering tips to help you navigate the workforce as a woman of color.
  
  

  3 Common Issues for Women of Color in the Workplace

  • There are three main challenges that Black and Brown women often face:
  
  

  1.  Lack of representation and role models

  2. Microaggressions and implicit bias

  3. Pay inequity and double standards

  Negative Effects of Underrepresented Women of Color on Work Culture

  • Starting off, I share some statistics on the matter. Recent studies shows, Black women hold a mere 1.4% of c-suite roles, and Latina women are also significantly underrepresented in leadership.
  • Dr. Roundtree shares how this underrepresentation affects the workplace environment, starting with her own personal experiences. From her view she says that Black and Brown women are often seen at work as:
  • Undervalued
  • Underutilized
  • Subject to negative stereotypes
  • Facing double jeopardy due to both race and gender
  • Seeing how women of color are often judged harshly and held back because of bias, she designed a leadership program to help empower and teach women to handle the unique workforce challenges.
  
  

  Imposter Syndrome

  • Dr. Roundtree describes the all-too-common psychological phenomenon as an internal experience. She provides an example of being promoted to a CEO-level position but not feeling confident enough to perform the role.
  • What causes Imposter Syndrome is based on how you see yourself due to external factors. It’s a superficial feeling you get when you believe you’re pretending to be more than you are.
  
  

  Strategies to Become Visible at the Table

  • To stop being unseen and unheard at the table, Dr. Roundtree advises that you first do whatever it takes to feel good about yourself.
  • There’s a reason she went to college after college to get her dual degrees, on top of getting a certification as well. It helped her build the confidence she needed to go after the jobs she wanted.
  • She shares how essential it is to start with a self-assessment to see what you’re missing. Is it a degree, skills, or something else? Work on filling this gap first to get where you want to be.
  
  

  Organizational Support for Women of Color

  • Dr. Roundtree reflects on her work with organizations that genuinely wanted to support their diverse populations before recent political changes. 
  • However, she shares that there are resources available, just like her program, to help the Black and Brown population network within their own communities.
  • Dr. Roundtree discusses why our community needs to network within our circle. The money we help make and spend needs to be seen for the value it brings to the marketplace.
  
  

  Why Do Women of Color Experience Microaggressions?

  • Another statistic I share is that women of color are three times more likely to report experiencing otherness or disrespectful bias, which doubles their risk of burnout.
  • Dr. Roundtree says that we often experience some form of otherness because our uniqueness is very apparent. God created us with color, different hair textures, and culture.
  • We are often the ones who experience someone randomly coming up to us to touch our hair, especially within the workplace. Our looks should not determine our skills or mindset, despite what society has taught us.
  
  

  Mental Health Effects of Microaggressions and Learning How to Thrive

  • Dr. Roundtree shares her insights on the mental health effects of microaggressions. She explains that it all starts with looking inside yourself and knowing who you are. 
  • This includes identifying your self-worth, thoughts, thinking patterns, and being more intentional.
  • She also shares how her faith is her anchor, and once you find your spiritual path, it can help you heal negative self-worth.
  
  

  Combating the Gender and Race Pay Gap

  • Black women earn just 64% and Latinas earn 54% of what white men earn. The statistics show that it's a structural inequality gap and not due to a lack of education.
  • Dr. Roundtree shares how there are companies out there that choose to set pay based on gender, titles, and race. There’s a double standard and a need for a DTI instrument to control these issues.
  • We can’t control those who take advantage of this, but what we can control is deciding if you will stay with the organization, find somewhere else, or start your own company. She also shares how important it is to diversify your income and stop letting others control it.
  
  

  "You can only control yourself. Make sure you show up with excellence. Show up professionally and do your job to your best ability." - Dr. Deeawn Roundtree.

  Book a session with me.

  Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

  Resources

  Learn more about Dr. Roundtree by clicking on these links below:

  • Black in the Boardroom Executive Coaching Program:  Roundtree Training & Consulting Checkout
  • Ladies Lending the Ladder Mastermind Group:  Welcome to Roundtree Training & Consulting
  • Website: https://deeawnroundtree.com
  • Book: Leading From Within: A Faith-Based Perspective on Leadership
  • Email: droundtreeconsulting@gmail.com
  • Office:  (561) 323-3845
  
  

  Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

  Our Services | Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

  Explore our comprehensive services at Fortis Mentris Psychiatry, providing personalized online mental health solutions for all ages.

  ]]>0076c595-c76f-4c99-bbc3-2b447db6cf00Wed, 06 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -050038:44falsefull1111Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC | Mental Health Coping Tools Every High-Performing Mom NeedsHey girls! Today, I’m sharing three coping tools for moms who are always on the move. If you’re struggling with balancing career goals, kids' activities, and an active social life, join me in this episode and hear my strategies to become a master of harmony.

  What Do We Carry?

  • I see it in every woman in my practice and even myself. You have to agree that it can be exhausting to nurture everyone else while neglecting yourself.
  • But guilt creeps in when you’re trying to relax. I’m here to tell you to pause, take a moment for yourself, and just rest.
  • Even if you have to get a hotel to unplug and kick back, you’ll feel the quiet hum of peace.
  
  

  Tool 1: 90-Second Rule

  • Did you know that when your body gets triggered by stress or anger, it enters the fight-or-flight mode?
  • Also, it usually peaks at 90 seconds. Try pausing, breathing, and sitting through it to see what happens.
  
  

  Tool 2: 3-3-3 Technique

  • My favorite tool for when your mind is racing non-stop, and it's so simple to do.
  • Stop and name three things you can see, three things you can hear, and three things you can feel.
  • It helps pull you out of your mind and bring focus back to your body.
  
  

  Tool 3: Make Time for Yourself

  • This may be the hardest for everyone to do, but make time for yourself. Now, I don’t mean doing chores while the kids are gone.
  • I mean to do whatever brings you peace! Rest is a requirement, not a reward. Whatever it looks like for you, claim it!
  
  

  “That one day of me time reminded me how powerful that moment really is. It gave me clarity, peace, and rest for my nervous system.” Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC.

  Book a session with me.

  Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

  Resources

  Reach out and let me know what you thought about these moms’ coping techniques on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok!

  Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

  Our Services | Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

  Explore our comprehensive services at Fortis Mentris Psychiatry, providing personalized online mental health solutions for all ages.

  ]]>Hey girls! Today, I’m sharing three coping tools for moms who are always on the move. If you’re struggling with balancing career goals, kids' activities, and an active social life, join me in this episode and hear my strategies to become a master of harmony.

  What Do We Carry?

  • I see it in every woman in my practice and even myself. You have to agree that it can be exhausting to nurture everyone else while neglecting yourself.
  • But guilt creeps in when you’re trying to relax. I’m here to tell you to pause, take a moment for yourself, and just rest.
  • Even if you have to get a hotel to unplug and kick back, you’ll feel the quiet hum of peace.
  
  

  Tool 1: 90-Second Rule

  • Did you know that when your body gets triggered by stress or anger, it enters the fight-or-flight mode?
  • Also, it usually peaks at 90 seconds. Try pausing, breathing, and sitting through it to see what happens.
  
  

  Tool 2: 3-3-3 Technique

  • My favorite tool for when your mind is racing non-stop, and it's so simple to do.
  • Stop and name three things you can see, three things you can hear, and three things you can feel.
  • It helps pull you out of your mind and bring focus back to your body.
  
  

  Tool 3: Make Time for Yourself

  • This may be the hardest for everyone to do, but make time for yourself. Now, I don’t mean doing chores while the kids are gone.
  • I mean to do whatever brings you peace! Rest is a requirement, not a reward. Whatever it looks like for you, claim it!
  
  

  “That one day of me time reminded me how powerful that moment really is. It gave me clarity, peace, and rest for my nervous system.” Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC.

  Book a session with me.

  Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

  Resources

  Reach out and let me know what you thought about these moms’ coping techniques on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok!

  Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

  Our Services | Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

  Explore our comprehensive services at Fortis Mentris Psychiatry, providing personalized online mental health solutions for all ages.

  ]]>0c2df2b7-3dfc-414e-8e6d-efc0d273f4baWed, 30 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -050008:57falsefull1010Kendra Collins | Self-Love and Weight Loss: How Keto Reclaimed My Body ImageDid you know that the type of food you eat can prevent you from experiencing the joys of becoming a mother? Through personal experience and entrepreneurship, my guest, Kendra Collins, a Houston health coach, shares how switching to a keto diet can improve fertility issues, along with mental health.

  Meet Kendra Collins

  • Kendra Collins empowers women through her Houston-based health brand, Black Keto Girl. She helps others reclaim their health by changing mindsets, owning their mistakes, and embracing keto living.
  • Her passion for breaking cycles and living with intention has helped over 10,000 people transform their lives, and over 500 women with PCOS, fibroids, and fertility issues.
  • Kendra is here to share her knowledge and authenticity on the keto lifestyle, motherhood, and building a brand to help everyone who listens break through tough moments and keep moving forward.
  
  

  What is Keto Living?

  • Don’t think of keto as just a diet; it’s more than that. Switching to a keto diet becomes a lifestyle. 
  • Kendra shares her journey into keto living and explains what it exactly means. You’ll learn how to remove the bad ingredients from your food and mind to help you live a healthier life.
  
  

  Body Image Affecting the Mindset

  • Before starting her keto diet journey, Kendra describes how negatively she viewed herself due to body dysmorphia. She hated to look in the mirror, didn’t want anyone to take pictures of her, and kept herself covered.
  • Kendra also realized that keto living included a focus on mental health. She utilized her resources to talk to a therapist and see what the root cause of her overeating was. Talking with her therapist, she discovered how important it is to treat your body like a temple.
  
  

  Beating the Challenges in Starting a Keto Lifestyle

  • Losing weight is a challenge on its own, especially when you have to give up all the foods that you’re accustomed to eating. Kendra says it’s best to start by choosing yourself. Give yourself 30 days to embrace a keto lifestyle.
  • Next, you need to start utilizing your health insurance and getting a blood test done. This will let you know if you have diabetes or other conditions that are ailing you.
  • Also, she shares how the keto diet helps everyone because of the types of food they eat.
  
  

  Why It’s Important to Seek Help from a Keto Coach?

  • What makes Kendra so passionate about helping her clients, and how she’s able to touch them so deeply is through her own experiences. She knows what it’s like to experience fertility issues due to poor eating habits. 
  • She understands why it’s so hard to lose weight even after changing your diet. This is why she advocates for those interested in keto living to seek help from a coach. They understand the mental, physical, and emotional aspects of pushing through the challenges to claim your health.
  
  

  Deeper Issues in Losing Weight

  • Sometimes it may not be your diet that keeps you from losing weight. Kendra found through her clients that the issues lie in PCOS, fibroids, other infertility issues, and mental health struggles.
  • She shares her experience of how her past anger kept her from truly living a keto lifestyle. However, therapy helped her face the problems and create a healthier relationship with food.
  
  

  Recognizing Food Addiction

  • Cutting her sugar addiction wasn’t easy, especially in beverages. Sweetened and alcoholic drinks can easily keep you from being on a weight loss journey, especially when you use them to hide your pain.
  • Kendra shares how she researched how excessive sugar can cause high blood pressure, skin tags, and hyperpigmentation. She noticed when she started her keto]]>Did you know that the type of food you eat can prevent you from experiencing the joys of becoming a mother? Through personal experience and entrepreneurship, my guest, Kendra Collins, a Houston health coach, shares how switching to a keto diet can improve fertility issues, along with mental health.

    Meet Kendra Collins

    • Kendra Collins empowers women through her Houston-based health brand, Black Keto Girl. She helps others reclaim their health by changing mindsets, owning their mistakes, and embracing keto living.
    • Her passion for breaking cycles and living with intention has helped over 10,000 people transform their lives, and over 500 women with PCOS, fibroids, and fertility issues.
    • Kendra is here to share her knowledge and authenticity on the keto lifestyle, motherhood, and building a brand to help everyone who listens break through tough moments and keep moving forward.
    
    

    What is Keto Living?

    • Don’t think of keto as just a diet; it’s more than that. Switching to a keto diet becomes a lifestyle. 
    • Kendra shares her journey into keto living and explains what it exactly means. You’ll learn how to remove the bad ingredients from your food and mind to help you live a healthier life.
    
    

    Body Image Affecting the Mindset

    • Before starting her keto diet journey, Kendra describes how negatively she viewed herself due to body dysmorphia. She hated to look in the mirror, didn’t want anyone to take pictures of her, and kept herself covered.
    • Kendra also realized that keto living included a focus on mental health. She utilized her resources to talk to a therapist and see what the root cause of her overeating was. Talking with her therapist, she discovered how important it is to treat your body like a temple.
    
    

    Beating the Challenges in Starting a Keto Lifestyle

    • Losing weight is a challenge on its own, especially when you have to give up all the foods that you’re accustomed to eating. Kendra says it’s best to start by choosing yourself. Give yourself 30 days to embrace a keto lifestyle.
    • Next, you need to start utilizing your health insurance and getting a blood test done. This will let you know if you have diabetes or other conditions that are ailing you.
    • Also, she shares how the keto diet helps everyone because of the types of food they eat.
    
    

    Why It’s Important to Seek Help from a Keto Coach?

    • What makes Kendra so passionate about helping her clients, and how she’s able to touch them so deeply is through her own experiences. She knows what it’s like to experience fertility issues due to poor eating habits. 
    • She understands why it’s so hard to lose weight even after changing your diet. This is why she advocates for those interested in keto living to seek help from a coach. They understand the mental, physical, and emotional aspects of pushing through the challenges to claim your health.
    
    

    Deeper Issues in Losing Weight

    • Sometimes it may not be your diet that keeps you from losing weight. Kendra found through her clients that the issues lie in PCOS, fibroids, other infertility issues, and mental health struggles.
    • She shares her experience of how her past anger kept her from truly living a keto lifestyle. However, therapy helped her face the problems and create a healthier relationship with food.
    
    

    Recognizing Food Addiction

    • Cutting her sugar addiction wasn’t easy, especially in beverages. Sweetened and alcoholic drinks can easily keep you from being on a weight loss journey, especially when you use them to hide your pain.
    • Kendra shares how she researched how excessive sugar can cause high blood pressure, skin tags, and hyperpigmentation. She noticed when she started her keto diet how everything started to change.
    
    

    “It's easier to sweep it under the rug. We don't like to come face-to-face with our problems. It takes you to your last straw with yourself, to where you just give in spiritually.” - Kendra Collins. 

    Book a session with me.

    Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

    Resources

    Follow Kendra on Instagram and visit her website to learn more about her. 

    Don’t forget to follow me on these socials: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

    Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

    Our Services | Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

    Explore our comprehensive services at Fortis Mentris Psychiatry, providing personalized online mental health solutions for all ages.

    ]]>35ff45a2-8453-40f7-b797-3feeb2b57678Wed, 23 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -050013:43falsefull99Ericka Bell | How Therapy Can Help Heal Your Relationship With Your BodyIn a world where food is often a source of comfort, many find themselves trapped in a painful cycle of emotional eating and self-neglect. This week, Erica Bell Barnes shares how she overcame food addiction and depression to reclaim her mental health and sense of self.

    The Turning Point

    Erica’s story began with a moment of deep self-awareness. At nearly 400 pounds and struggling with severe depression, she realized she wasn’t just feeding her body she was feeding her depression. Her weight had become a physical representation of her emotional struggle. This moment of clarity pushed her to take the first step toward healing.

    Discovering the Ketogenic Lifestyle

    As part of her transformation, Erica turned to the ketogenic lifestyle. A low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet helped her body enter a state of ketosis, where it began to burn fat for fuel. Within nine months, she lost over 106 pounds. But more importantly, she gained mental clarity and energy that had once felt impossible. By removing processed foods and sugar, Erica didn’t just lose weight, she regained control. The lifestyle became a tool for nurturing both her physical and mental health.

    The Role of Community

    Erica credits much of her success to a strong community of women on similar journeys. They offered encouragement, accountability, and emotional support when it was needed most. For Erica, that connection made all the difference in staying committed to her goals and improving her mental health. Community gave her space to be vulnerable, to be seen, and to be understood.

    Advice for Others

    Her advice for those ready to start their own journey is simple: take one brave step. Choose yourself. Erica reminds us that prioritizing your mental health is not selfish, it’s necessary.

    Why This Conversation Matters

    Struggles with food addiction and depression are more common than many realize. Erica’s journey shows that healing is possible when we take a holistic approach to mental health, nutrition, and emotional support. Her story is a reminder that change begins with one choice, to believe that you're worth saving.

    Book a session with me.

    Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

    Resources

    • Follow Erica on Instagram: @ketoqueenwithlove
    • National Eating Disorders Association: nationaleatingdisorders.org
    • Find a Therapist: Psychology Today
    • Join a Keto Support Group: Keto for Mental Health Facebook
    • Book Recommendation: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
    
    

    Don’t forget to follow me on these socials: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

    Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

    Our Services | Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

    Explore our comprehensive services at Fortis Mentris Psychiatry, providing...]]>In a world where food is often a source of comfort, many find themselves trapped in a painful cycle of emotional eating and self-neglect. This week, Erica Bell Barnes shares how she overcame food addiction and depression to reclaim her mental health and sense of self.

    The Turning Point

    Erica’s story began with a moment of deep self-awareness. At nearly 400 pounds and struggling with severe depression, she realized she wasn’t just feeding her body she was feeding her depression. Her weight had become a physical representation of her emotional struggle. This moment of clarity pushed her to take the first step toward healing.

    Discovering the Ketogenic Lifestyle

    As part of her transformation, Erica turned to the ketogenic lifestyle. A low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet helped her body enter a state of ketosis, where it began to burn fat for fuel. Within nine months, she lost over 106 pounds. But more importantly, she gained mental clarity and energy that had once felt impossible. By removing processed foods and sugar, Erica didn’t just lose weight, she regained control. The lifestyle became a tool for nurturing both her physical and mental health.

    The Role of Community

    Erica credits much of her success to a strong community of women on similar journeys. They offered encouragement, accountability, and emotional support when it was needed most. For Erica, that connection made all the difference in staying committed to her goals and improving her mental health. Community gave her space to be vulnerable, to be seen, and to be understood.

    Advice for Others

    Her advice for those ready to start their own journey is simple: take one brave step. Choose yourself. Erica reminds us that prioritizing your mental health is not selfish, it’s necessary.

    Why This Conversation Matters

    Struggles with food addiction and depression are more common than many realize. Erica’s journey shows that healing is possible when we take a holistic approach to mental health, nutrition, and emotional support. Her story is a reminder that change begins with one choice, to believe that you're worth saving.

    Book a session with me.

    Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

    Resources

    • Follow Erica on Instagram: @ketoqueenwithlove
    • National Eating Disorders Association: nationaleatingdisorders.org
    • Find a Therapist: Psychology Today
    • Join a Keto Support Group: Keto for Mental Health Facebook
    • Book Recommendation: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
    
    

    Don’t forget to follow me on these socials: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

    Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

    Our Services | Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

    Explore our comprehensive services at Fortis Mentris Psychiatry, providing personalized online mental health solutions for all ages.

    ]]>df1645a3-00a3-4411-9230-c3cf6f1916d2Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -050020:21falsefull88Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC | Creating Emotionally Safe Relationships For YourselfGrowing up around trauma and then going through it yourself can keep you in a loop of relationships that wreak havoc on your mental health. How can you break the cycle so you can attract friendships and lovers who are there to support you? How can you heal so you’re not accidentally spreading hurt to others? I’m going to show you how in this episode, so you can have emotionally safe relationships that support your overall well-being.

    The Cycle of Unsafe Relationships

    • First, I like to say that creating emotionally safe relationships was something that I struggled with for the longest time. After experiencing the abusive relationship, I didn’t feel secure enough to open up to anyone else.
    • I would wake up with knots in my stomach from being invalidated, gaslighted, and shamed by my partner. You know what else, it didn’t stay with me at home. The heavy feeling from being emotionally abused would travel with me to work, cause problems with my friends, and keep me from being a good mother. 
    • I thought the only way I could heal from this pain was by closing everyone out and by healing alone. But I was wrong.
    
    

    My Journey to Emotional Safety

    • My true healing path didn’t start until I went to therapy. This was when I realized that it’s in no way possible to heal in isolation. It gave me the tools so I can go within myself and start healing internally. 
    • It also taught me that emotional safety isn’t about having someone who treats you as you want to be treated; it’s about treating yourself right, so you’ll stop accepting less than what you deserve.
    • Now, I’m married to a wonderful man who takes time to connect with me emotionally. I even have a better relationship with my children, all because I took the time to go within and decided to start treating myself better.
    
    

    What is Emotional Safety?

    • I just want to share what emotional safety really means, so you can have a better understanding of it. 
    • Being able to express yourself freely without shame or fear of punishment.
    • Knowing your feelings is valid.
    • Trusting that conflict won’t start fights.
    • It also means that you’re being seen and heard by the other person. It can be hard to create an emotionally safe environment, especially when you were raised in chaos. But I’m here to tell you that it is possible, and with help, you can thrive in an environment where you can express your emotions without living in fear. 
    
    

    Why Does This Conversation Matter?

    • I'm going to share a few statistics from the American Psychological Association:
    • 1 in 4 women in the U.S. have experienced severe intimate partner violence—many of those experiences begin with emotional abuse, not physical.
    • Women in emotionally abusive relationships are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and low self-worth, which can spill over into parenting and workplace performance.
    • Black women, specifically, are less likely to seek help due to cultural stigma and fear of being labeled "angry" or "unstable."
    • These statistics are why this conversation matters. If you're in an abusive relationship or just coming out of one, please seek help. The pain travels way further than you think it does, and you can't heal in isolation. 
    
    

    “The truth is: I lost my emotional safety, and it changed how I saw everything—including myself.” - Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC.

    Book a session with me.

    Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link...]]>Growing up around trauma and then going through it yourself can keep you in a loop of relationships that wreak havoc on your mental health. How can you break the cycle so you can attract friendships and lovers who are there to support you? How can you heal so you’re not accidentally spreading hurt to others? I’m going to show you how in this episode, so you can have emotionally safe relationships that support your overall well-being.

    The Cycle of Unsafe Relationships

    • First, I like to say that creating emotionally safe relationships was something that I struggled with for the longest time. After experiencing the abusive relationship, I didn’t feel secure enough to open up to anyone else.
    • I would wake up with knots in my stomach from being invalidated, gaslighted, and shamed by my partner. You know what else, it didn’t stay with me at home. The heavy feeling from being emotionally abused would travel with me to work, cause problems with my friends, and keep me from being a good mother. 
    • I thought the only way I could heal from this pain was by closing everyone out and by healing alone. But I was wrong.
    
    

    My Journey to Emotional Safety

    • My true healing path didn’t start until I went to therapy. This was when I realized that it’s in no way possible to heal in isolation. It gave me the tools so I can go within myself and start healing internally. 
    • It also taught me that emotional safety isn’t about having someone who treats you as you want to be treated; it’s about treating yourself right, so you’ll stop accepting less than what you deserve.
    • Now, I’m married to a wonderful man who takes time to connect with me emotionally. I even have a better relationship with my children, all because I took the time to go within and decided to start treating myself better.
    
    

    What is Emotional Safety?

    • I just want to share what emotional safety really means, so you can have a better understanding of it. 
    • Being able to express yourself freely without shame or fear of punishment.
    • Knowing your feelings is valid.
    • Trusting that conflict won’t start fights.
    • It also means that you’re being seen and heard by the other person. It can be hard to create an emotionally safe environment, especially when you were raised in chaos. But I’m here to tell you that it is possible, and with help, you can thrive in an environment where you can express your emotions without living in fear. 
    
    

    Why Does This Conversation Matter?

    • I'm going to share a few statistics from the American Psychological Association:
    • 1 in 4 women in the U.S. have experienced severe intimate partner violence—many of those experiences begin with emotional abuse, not physical.
    • Women in emotionally abusive relationships are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and low self-worth, which can spill over into parenting and workplace performance.
    • Black women, specifically, are less likely to seek help due to cultural stigma and fear of being labeled "angry" or "unstable."
    • These statistics are why this conversation matters. If you're in an abusive relationship or just coming out of one, please seek help. The pain travels way further than you think it does, and you can't heal in isolation. 
    
    

    “The truth is: I lost my emotional safety, and it changed how I saw everything—including myself.” - Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC.

    Book a session with me.

    Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

    Resources

    Don’t forget to follow me on these socials: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

    Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

    Our Services | Fortis Mentis Psychiatry

    Explore our comprehensive services at Fortis Mentris Psychiatry, providing personalized online mental health solutions for all ages.

    ]]>bd80773c-fba2-4e73-ab27-63a115df90b3Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -050007:22falsefull77Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC | I Don't Look Good Enough!Okay, ladies, let's all take a deep breath before we dive into this sensitive topic. One... Two... Three... Today, I'm going to share ways to challenge and strengthen yourself when you're not feeling good enough. The advice I share in this episode can help you work through negative thoughts about your look and push toward body positivity.

    Current Beauty Standards

    • I'm sure you've noticed how the media has shown us what's considered beautiful and what's not. To be honest, most features on Black women tend to be downplayed in the mass media. Even though they're just now embracing our body types, they still suggest that straight hair is better or lighter skin is more desirable.
    • Either way it goes, it still affects us as Black women. It makes it harder for us to embrace our curves, hair texture, and skin tones.
    • Research shows how these effects make us shrink and diminish our magic. A study done by Dove found that only 4% of women worldwide consider themselves beautiful. The study also found that 69% of women of color don't feel represented in beauty advertisements and feel pressure to change their features to fit current beauty standards.
    
    

    My Story on Beauty Standards

    • I'm going to keep it real with you ladies. For years, I struggled to keep up with beauty standards and didn't feel as though I was good enough.
    • Often, I felt like I would never be. I used to look in the mirror and see nothing but flaws.
    • But once I started therapy, I was able to stop punishing myself and move in ways that empowered me despite what beauty standards told me.
    • I hope that what I shared in this episode helps you overcome your own insecurities and recognize that you’re beautiful just the way you are. 
    • Also, please don’t forget to say these affirmations (no matter where you are, say it loud and proud): I AM ENOUGH, I LOOK GOOD, and I LOVE ME.  
    
    

    “Society wasn't built to celebrate our beauty. From the time we were little girls, we were shown images of what beauty should look like.” - Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC.

    Book a session with me.

    Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

    Resources

    1.  This episode is brought to you by Fortis Mentis Psychiatry, where black and brown girls can find individual therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, coaching, medication management, and case management. To learn more, go to fortismentispsychiatry.com/safeplace.

    2.  Start checking in with yourself with the How We Feel App

    3.  Don’t forget to follow me on these socials: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok

    ]]>Okay, ladies, let's all take a deep breath before we dive into this sensitive topic. One... Two... Three... Today, I'm going to share ways to challenge and strengthen yourself when you're not feeling good enough. The advice I share in this episode can help you work through negative thoughts about your look and push toward body positivity.

    Current Beauty Standards

    • I'm sure you've noticed how the media has shown us what's considered beautiful and what's not. To be honest, most features on Black women tend to be downplayed in the mass media. Even though they're just now embracing our body types, they still suggest that straight hair is better or lighter skin is more desirable.
    • Either way it goes, it still affects us as Black women. It makes it harder for us to embrace our curves, hair texture, and skin tones.
    • Research shows how these effects make us shrink and diminish our magic. A study done by Dove found that only 4% of women worldwide consider themselves beautiful. The study also found that 69% of women of color don't feel represented in beauty advertisements and feel pressure to change their features to fit current beauty standards.
    
    

    My Story on Beauty Standards

    • I'm going to keep it real with you ladies. For years, I struggled to keep up with beauty standards and didn't feel as though I was good enough.
    • Often, I felt like I would never be. I used to look in the mirror and see nothing but flaws.
    • But once I started therapy, I was able to stop punishing myself and move in ways that empowered me despite what beauty standards told me.
    • I hope that what I shared in this episode helps you overcome your own insecurities and recognize that you’re beautiful just the way you are. 
    • Also, please don’t forget to say these affirmations (no matter where you are, say it loud and proud): I AM ENOUGH, I LOOK GOOD, and I LOVE ME.  
    
    

    “Society wasn't built to celebrate our beauty. From the time we were little girls, we were shown images of what beauty should look like.” - Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC.

    Book a session with me.

    Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

    Resources

    1.  This episode is brought to you by Fortis Mentis Psychiatry, where black and brown girls can find individual therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, coaching, medication management, and case management. To learn more, go to fortismentispsychiatry.com/safeplace.

    2.  Start checking in with yourself with the How We Feel App

    3.  Don’t forget to follow me on these socials: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok

    ]]>f2ccf43f-9697-48e9-a57c-bc01216f307cWed, 02 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -050006:36falsefull66Herdyne Mercier | Generational Grief: What Our Mothers Never Got to HealGrief can linger in your body even after you've laid a loved one to rest. Sometimes it sticks around until someone in your family is ready to heal.

    You might be that person who puts an end to generational grief. If you're unsure how, listen to this episode with my guest, Herdyne Mercier, a licensed clinical social worker. She'll show us how to recognize generational grief and how to release it so we're no longer carrying something that isn't ours.

    What Is Generational Grief?

    • Before you can understand generational grief, you have to know what grief really means. As Herdyne shares, grief is when your heart breaks, and only you can truly understand what your heart is going through at that moment. This can happen during a divorce, a death in the family, or even watching your child graduate from school.
    • Generational grief is something passed down from one generation to another. Herdyne gives the example of a Black mother and the pain she experiences raising a Black son in America. 
    • She also realized that the generational grief passed on to her was tied to her skin color. Things like racism, oppression, and financial gaps are all experiences that Black and Brown communities face in our society.
    
    

    Our Grandmothers' and Mothers' Unacknowledged Grief

    • Many of our grandmothers and mothers were never allowed to truly sit down and process the pain they experienced in life. This unacknowledged grief has unknowingly been passed down to our generation, or the next.
    • Herdyne explains that our grandmothers and mothers grew up in a time when they weren't permitted to be seen or heard. However, they often found solace in the kitchen, around the dinner table, or at church. These spaces allowed them to feel validated and begin to process their grief.
    
    

    How Unprocessed Grief Shows Up in Our Lives

    • Unprocessed generational grief tends to bleed into other areas of our lives and onto those around us. This often happens when we don't do the work to process our emotions and truly feel what's going on in our inner world.
    • Signs that you're experiencing grief can include sleepless nights, loss of appetite, isolation, and a loss of community. This is something you should never have to experience alone, and unfortunately, our society doesn't teach us how to properly handle it.
    
    

    The "Strong Black Woman" and "Silent Latina" Versus Grief

    • The personas of the "strong Black woman" and the "silent Latina" stem from societal messages that tell us grieving isn't okay. Herdyne shares that in order to grieve, you need vulnerability and safe spaces to truly feel your emotions.
    • In some cultures, there's a practice of stripping away what's causing your pain. However, Herdyne suggests it's better to hold onto it, allowing yourself to grieve the loss properly.
    
    

    What Does Healing Look Like?

    • Herdyne created grief anchors to help you begin the healing process. These include:
    • Truth: Remember, it will set you free.
    • Heart: What is it telling you?
    • Community: You need to find a grief community that can support you.
    • Faith: How does it support and heal you?
    • Restoration: This doesn't mean you stop crying; instead, you learn to embrace your emotions.
    • For those who have never truly processed grief, Herdyne recommends simply making time to do it. Start by dedicating five minutes a day to tune into your emotions, and then allow yourself to move through the rest of your day without them overwhelming you.
    
    

    “Don’t run away from grief; instead, make it your friend.” - Herdyne Mercier.

    Book a session with me.

    Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or]]>Grief can linger in your body even after you've laid a loved one to rest. Sometimes it sticks around until someone in your family is ready to heal.

    You might be that person who puts an end to generational grief. If you're unsure how, listen to this episode with my guest, Herdyne Mercier, a licensed clinical social worker. She'll show us how to recognize generational grief and how to release it so we're no longer carrying something that isn't ours.

    What Is Generational Grief?

    • Before you can understand generational grief, you have to know what grief really means. As Herdyne shares, grief is when your heart breaks, and only you can truly understand what your heart is going through at that moment. This can happen during a divorce, a death in the family, or even watching your child graduate from school.
    • Generational grief is something passed down from one generation to another. Herdyne gives the example of a Black mother and the pain she experiences raising a Black son in America. 
    • She also realized that the generational grief passed on to her was tied to her skin color. Things like racism, oppression, and financial gaps are all experiences that Black and Brown communities face in our society.
    
    

    Our Grandmothers' and Mothers' Unacknowledged Grief

    • Many of our grandmothers and mothers were never allowed to truly sit down and process the pain they experienced in life. This unacknowledged grief has unknowingly been passed down to our generation, or the next.
    • Herdyne explains that our grandmothers and mothers grew up in a time when they weren't permitted to be seen or heard. However, they often found solace in the kitchen, around the dinner table, or at church. These spaces allowed them to feel validated and begin to process their grief.
    
    

    How Unprocessed Grief Shows Up in Our Lives

    • Unprocessed generational grief tends to bleed into other areas of our lives and onto those around us. This often happens when we don't do the work to process our emotions and truly feel what's going on in our inner world.
    • Signs that you're experiencing grief can include sleepless nights, loss of appetite, isolation, and a loss of community. This is something you should never have to experience alone, and unfortunately, our society doesn't teach us how to properly handle it.
    
    

    The "Strong Black Woman" and "Silent Latina" Versus Grief

    • The personas of the "strong Black woman" and the "silent Latina" stem from societal messages that tell us grieving isn't okay. Herdyne shares that in order to grieve, you need vulnerability and safe spaces to truly feel your emotions.
    • In some cultures, there's a practice of stripping away what's causing your pain. However, Herdyne suggests it's better to hold onto it, allowing yourself to grieve the loss properly.
    
    

    What Does Healing Look Like?

    • Herdyne created grief anchors to help you begin the healing process. These include:
    • Truth: Remember, it will set you free.
    • Heart: What is it telling you?
    • Community: You need to find a grief community that can support you.
    • Faith: How does it support and heal you?
    • Restoration: This doesn't mean you stop crying; instead, you learn to embrace your emotions.
    • For those who have never truly processed grief, Herdyne recommends simply making time to do it. Start by dedicating five minutes a day to tune into your emotions, and then allow yourself to move through the rest of your day without them overwhelming you.
    
    

    “Don’t run away from grief; instead, make it your friend.” - Herdyne Mercier.

    Book a session with me.

    Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

    Resources

    1. This episode is brought to you by Fortis Mentis Psychiatry, where black and brown girls can find individual therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, coaching, medication management, and case management. To learn more, go to fortismentispsychiatry.com/safeplace.
    2. Visit Herdyne’s website to learn more about her.
    3. Follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. 
    4. Don’t forget to follow me on these socials: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
    
    ]]>63dcf51b-d946-43fc-8f09-225c7f2e0330Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -050023:24falsefull55Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC | Challenges of Underrepresentation in the Mental Health CommunitySociety may have unconsciously taught us that therapy isn't meant for Black and Brown women. This belief, often rooted in mistrust, keeps us from seeking the help we need to stay empowered. In this episode, I'll explore the challenges we face when seeking mental health support.

    The Dangers of Underrepresentation

    • Even when we do seek help from a mental health professional, we might be told we're just angry and need to control it better. But what they don't see is the deep pain we've been holding onto, pain that's causing anxiety in every little task.
    • Or maybe we're viewed as the strong ones in our families—everyone comes to us for help or advice. But who can we turn to for that same support without being told to just "suck it up"?
    • Healing is a long game that takes consistency. If we don't feel safe in a place to heal, it can keep us from going back. These are the challenges Black and Brown women face when trying to seek mental health support. I'm here to help you find the support you deserve, where you can feel safe and fully open up without judgment.
    
    

    My Personal Experience with a Therapist

    • Years ago, I had a Haitian woman therapist who was smart and driven. However, I couldn't quite explain to her why I felt so tired and drained at the time. I felt invisible and unable to truly convey what was going on deep down inside.
    • Have you ever felt this way? Trying to tell a therapist what's going on, but the right words just aren't coming out? It's not just in your head, and you deserve to be seen by your therapist so you can release that chaos within.
    
    

    Benefits of Having More Black and Brown Women Therapists

    • We need more representation of Black and Brown therapists who understand us. What it's like to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. What it's like to be strong all the time and feel like no one is in our corner.
    • We need people who understand our culture, our identity, and our world as women of color. Without more representation of us, our community continues to suffer in unseen ways.
    • Also, don't think that healing has to come only from seeing a therapist. Some of the most profound healing moments I've witnessed have come from group or faith-based sessions. Connecting to a community that truly resonates with you can bring forth the deep healing you need in life.
    
    

    "You deserve care and a therapist who sees you and doesn’t respond with, 'Can you explain that again?' All it takes to feel safe is that the person across from you gets you, and that they've walked in the same shoes you have before." — Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC

    Book a session with me.

    Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

    Resources

    1. This episode is brought to you by Fortis Mentis Psychiatry, where black and brown girls can find individual therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, coaching, medication management, and case management. To learn more, go to fortismentispsychiatry.com/safeplace.
    2. Don’t forget to follow me on these socials: Facebook, X, Instagram, and Society may have unconsciously taught us that therapy isn't meant for Black and Brown women. This belief, often rooted in mistrust, keeps us from seeking the help we need to stay empowered. In this episode, I'll explore the challenges we face when seeking mental health support.

       The Dangers of Underrepresentation

       • Even when we do seek help from a mental health professional, we might be told we're just angry and need to control it better. But what they don't see is the deep pain we've been holding onto, pain that's causing anxiety in every little task.
       • Or maybe we're viewed as the strong ones in our families—everyone comes to us for help or advice. But who can we turn to for that same support without being told to just "suck it up"?
       • Healing is a long game that takes consistency. If we don't feel safe in a place to heal, it can keep us from going back. These are the challenges Black and Brown women face when trying to seek mental health support. I'm here to help you find the support you deserve, where you can feel safe and fully open up without judgment.
       
       

       My Personal Experience with a Therapist

       • Years ago, I had a Haitian woman therapist who was smart and driven. However, I couldn't quite explain to her why I felt so tired and drained at the time. I felt invisible and unable to truly convey what was going on deep down inside.
       • Have you ever felt this way? Trying to tell a therapist what's going on, but the right words just aren't coming out? It's not just in your head, and you deserve to be seen by your therapist so you can release that chaos within.
       
       

       Benefits of Having More Black and Brown Women Therapists

       • We need more representation of Black and Brown therapists who understand us. What it's like to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. What it's like to be strong all the time and feel like no one is in our corner.
       • We need people who understand our culture, our identity, and our world as women of color. Without more representation of us, our community continues to suffer in unseen ways.
       • Also, don't think that healing has to come only from seeing a therapist. Some of the most profound healing moments I've witnessed have come from group or faith-based sessions. Connecting to a community that truly resonates with you can bring forth the deep healing you need in life.
       
       

       "You deserve care and a therapist who sees you and doesn’t respond with, 'Can you explain that again?' All it takes to feel safe is that the person across from you gets you, and that they've walked in the same shoes you have before." — Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC

       Book a session with me.

       Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

       Resources

       1. This episode is brought to you by Fortis Mentis Psychiatry, where black and brown girls can find individual therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, coaching, medication management, and case management. To learn more, go to fortismentispsychiatry.com/safeplace.
       2. Don’t forget to follow me on these socials: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok
       
       ]]>37ace764-43ca-4d8b-bd5f-9cc0ddb2f173Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -050007:06falsefull44Brittney Gio | How I Lost 150lb...Living in a world saturated with "ideal" body types, it can be challenging to find the confidence to truly embrace and love your own.

       From the powerful "slim-thick" era of the '70s to today's glamorized "Georgia peaches" aesthetic, Black and brown women have often been taught their bodies are only ideal if they conform to one of these options.

       If you carry a few extra pounds around your waistline, you might feel as though you don't measure up to trending body type standards. This is why I've invited my guest, Brittney Gio, to share her body positivity story.

       It's important to love the body you're in and embrace your uniqueness. Listen to her journey on how she lost 150 pounds for inspiration.

       Meet Britt Don't Quit

       • Brittney Gio is the founder and CEO of Britt Don't Quit Motivation. She's a healthcare entrepreneur, mindset coach, and motivational speaker.
       • Britt Don't Quit Motivation was born from Brittney's realization about the limited health resources available during her early days in the healthcare field. After taking out a loan and growing tired of working for someone else, she decided to start her own business.
       • Her weight loss journey is a testament to her strength and confidence, teaching women to never give up on themselves.
       
       

       Taking Back Her Power

       • Five years ago, Brittney was struggling with fertility issues. She soon realized that she couldn't conceive because she had diabetes.
       • Recognizing how much her health was suffering made her want to take back control. She found a nutritionist and therapist who could help her understand her triggers.
       • Now, she has a healthy and wonderful 19-month-old baby, all thanks to combating her food addictions.
       • Even though she admits to being a "quitter" growing up, she developed an alter ego thanks to her brother. This helped her build the confidence she needed to get through big challenges.
       • Along with a nutritionist, she hired a trainer and started doing HIIT workouts. Those 5 AM workouts helped her find the perfect time to focus on herself, rather than trying to fit in evening sessions.
       
       

       Internal Change from Weight Loss

       • For years, Brittney struggled with confidence due to her home environment and weight issues. Having parents who didn't help boost her self-esteem contributed to her negative mindset.
       • Going from 300 pounds to 150 pounds, she noticed everything started changing mentally. Realizing what made her depressed allowed her to piece together what was holding her back from her weight loss goals.
       • During the mentally challenging days, she found that having a strong support system, especially from her husband and her faith in God, also helped her push through.
       
       

       "The biggest thing on the journey is fighting the thought that you want to quit." - Brittney Gio.

       Book a session with me.

       Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

       Resources

       1. Follow Brittney on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.
       2. Visit Britt Don’t Quit Motivation to learn more about the business.
       3. This episode is brought to you by Fortis Mentis Psychiatry, where]]>Living in a world saturated with "ideal" body types, it can be challenging to find the confidence to truly embrace and love your own.

          From the powerful "slim-thick" era of the '70s to today's glamorized "Georgia peaches" aesthetic, Black and brown women have often been taught their bodies are only ideal if they conform to one of these options.

          If you carry a few extra pounds around your waistline, you might feel as though you don't measure up to trending body type standards. This is why I've invited my guest, Brittney Gio, to share her body positivity story.

          It's important to love the body you're in and embrace your uniqueness. Listen to her journey on how she lost 150 pounds for inspiration.

          Meet Britt Don't Quit

          • Brittney Gio is the founder and CEO of Britt Don't Quit Motivation. She's a healthcare entrepreneur, mindset coach, and motivational speaker.
          • Britt Don't Quit Motivation was born from Brittney's realization about the limited health resources available during her early days in the healthcare field. After taking out a loan and growing tired of working for someone else, she decided to start her own business.
          • Her weight loss journey is a testament to her strength and confidence, teaching women to never give up on themselves.
          
          

          Taking Back Her Power

          • Five years ago, Brittney was struggling with fertility issues. She soon realized that she couldn't conceive because she had diabetes.
          • Recognizing how much her health was suffering made her want to take back control. She found a nutritionist and therapist who could help her understand her triggers.
          • Now, she has a healthy and wonderful 19-month-old baby, all thanks to combating her food addictions.
          • Even though she admits to being a "quitter" growing up, she developed an alter ego thanks to her brother. This helped her build the confidence she needed to get through big challenges.
          • Along with a nutritionist, she hired a trainer and started doing HIIT workouts. Those 5 AM workouts helped her find the perfect time to focus on herself, rather than trying to fit in evening sessions.
          
          

          Internal Change from Weight Loss

          • For years, Brittney struggled with confidence due to her home environment and weight issues. Having parents who didn't help boost her self-esteem contributed to her negative mindset.
          • Going from 300 pounds to 150 pounds, she noticed everything started changing mentally. Realizing what made her depressed allowed her to piece together what was holding her back from her weight loss goals.
          • During the mentally challenging days, she found that having a strong support system, especially from her husband and her faith in God, also helped her push through.
          
          

          "The biggest thing on the journey is fighting the thought that you want to quit." - Brittney Gio.

          Book a session with me.

          Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

          Resources

          1. Follow Brittney on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.
          2. Visit Britt Don’t Quit Motivation to learn more about the business.
          3. This episode is brought to you by Fortis Mentis Psychiatry, where black and brown girls can find individual therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, coaching, medication management, and case management. To learn more, go to fortismentispsychiatry.com/safeplace.
          4. Don’t forget to follow me on these socials: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
          
          ]]>464cb0eb-586d-4cd3-90e4-e5ea9aa1a9cfWed, 11 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -050025:18falsefull33Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC | My Personal Mental Health JourneyIn the introductory episode, I briefly shared my mental health story with you. Today, I’m going to delve a bit deeper into it. This way you can see that you’re not alone. Also, if there’s a specific mental health topic you would like for me to discuss, please feel free to reach out.

          My Humble Beginnings

          • I know there’s someone out there who can relate to my story. For years I dealt with depression, anxiety, abuse, and body image issues, starting from my childhood.
          • Growing up with Haitian immigrant parents wasn't easy because their specific views on the world and how they dealt with mental health issues were challenging.
          • After I was born, my mother found out that she had cancer and instead of receiving medical treatments she sought help through natural and spiritual remedies.
          • This led me to live with my aunt in Miami and the loss of my mother caused a huge impact on my mental health as a young girl. Even though my aunt was there and provided as much love as she could, I still needed my mother.
          • To make things worse, my father was stationed in Africa due to work obligations as a doctor. My siblings and I suffered from childhood depression that went untreated due to the negative thinking of the 70s era and our Caribbean background.
          • Around the age of ten, my father came back, but I didn’t know who he was. He was basically a stranger, and this has caused a strained relationship between us that made my mental health more challenging.
          • Trying to figure out how I could make positive changes in my life, I decided to join the military. At the time, I figured it would help me with my housing and income issues.
          • Even though it did provide me plenty of opportunities, I still struggled with mental health issues due to the abuse I suffered from the father of my twin boys.
          • Leaving the military and becoming a single mother caused me to send my children to Haiti. I wasn’t mentally or physically able to be there for them and thought that having someone else to look after them would be a better option. Of course, this gave me mom guilt and messed with my mental health even more.
          • During this time, I went back to school to start a new career and worked towards a criminal justice degree. My plan was to go to law school, but from working in a PTSD clinic, I decided to go into the nursing field.
          • Working at the clinic also allowed me to seek help with my own mental health problems, and this was when I realized what had been going on with me this entire time.
          • Receiving therapy helped me become the person I am today. Sometimes it’s hard for me to recognize who I am as years ago I was entirely different. The way I think and feel is more positive than before I went to therapy.
          • This is why I created this podcast. If you are unsure about seeking therapy, you can at least come here and seek some type of refuge from your mental health struggles. Never feel alone in this journey as there are always resources there to help.
          
          

          “As women of color, we’re expected to carry a heavy load and nobody talks about it. We are the beast of burden within our society. We carry our responsibilities of maintaining the home, finances, and work, and we rarely take care of ourselves. It's time for us to start doing this.” - Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC.

          Book a session with me.

          Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

          Resources

          1.  This episode is brought to you by Fortis Mentis Psychiatry, where black and brown girls can find individual therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, coaching, medication management, and case management....]]>In the introductory episode, I briefly shared my mental health story with you. Today, I’m going to delve a bit deeper into it. This way you can see that you’re not alone. Also, if there’s a specific mental health topic you would like for me to discuss, please feel free to reach out.

             My Humble Beginnings

             • I know there’s someone out there who can relate to my story. For years I dealt with depression, anxiety, abuse, and body image issues, starting from my childhood.
             • Growing up with Haitian immigrant parents wasn't easy because their specific views on the world and how they dealt with mental health issues were challenging.
             • After I was born, my mother found out that she had cancer and instead of receiving medical treatments she sought help through natural and spiritual remedies.
             • This led me to live with my aunt in Miami and the loss of my mother caused a huge impact on my mental health as a young girl. Even though my aunt was there and provided as much love as she could, I still needed my mother.
             • To make things worse, my father was stationed in Africa due to work obligations as a doctor. My siblings and I suffered from childhood depression that went untreated due to the negative thinking of the 70s era and our Caribbean background.
             • Around the age of ten, my father came back, but I didn’t know who he was. He was basically a stranger, and this has caused a strained relationship between us that made my mental health more challenging.
             • Trying to figure out how I could make positive changes in my life, I decided to join the military. At the time, I figured it would help me with my housing and income issues.
             • Even though it did provide me plenty of opportunities, I still struggled with mental health issues due to the abuse I suffered from the father of my twin boys.
             • Leaving the military and becoming a single mother caused me to send my children to Haiti. I wasn’t mentally or physically able to be there for them and thought that having someone else to look after them would be a better option. Of course, this gave me mom guilt and messed with my mental health even more.
             • During this time, I went back to school to start a new career and worked towards a criminal justice degree. My plan was to go to law school, but from working in a PTSD clinic, I decided to go into the nursing field.
             • Working at the clinic also allowed me to seek help with my own mental health problems, and this was when I realized what had been going on with me this entire time.
             • Receiving therapy helped me become the person I am today. Sometimes it’s hard for me to recognize who I am as years ago I was entirely different. The way I think and feel is more positive than before I went to therapy.
             • This is why I created this podcast. If you are unsure about seeking therapy, you can at least come here and seek some type of refuge from your mental health struggles. Never feel alone in this journey as there are always resources there to help.
             
             

             “As women of color, we’re expected to carry a heavy load and nobody talks about it. We are the beast of burden within our society. We carry our responsibilities of maintaining the home, finances, and work, and we rarely take care of ourselves. It's time for us to start doing this.” - Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC.

             Book a session with me.

             Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

             Resources

             1.  This episode is brought to you by Fortis Mentis Psychiatry, where black and brown girls can find individual therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, coaching, medication management, and case management. To learn more, go to fortis mentis psychiatry.com/safeplace.
             2. Don’t forget to follow me on these socials: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok
             
             ]]>5d017f11-52df-4185-bb7c-6e672d685dbcWed, 04 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -050013:01falsefull22Katie Staffor | Social Worker - She’s Not Just Tired: The Silent Signs of Anxiety in Black Women No One Talks AboutAs Black women, we often stay quiet when the world is tearing us down. On the outside, you may look just fine, waking up every morning and presenting the world a big smile.  

             Yet inside, the daily grind is eating you alive. This may be a silent indication that you're suffering from anxiety and just don't know it. 

             In our community, anxiety isn't often talked about, but we're discussing it today with my guest, Katie Stafford, who will share signs of anxiety and what you can do to combat the disorder from an experienced social worker's perspective.

             Meet Katie Stafford

             • Katie is a licensed clinical social worker in several states and a qualified supervisor for interns.
             • She provides individual counseling to adults between the ages of 18 to 99 plus.
             • Katie is passionate about helping everyone who struggles with mental health, but has a special place for helping women of color.
             
             

             Why Do Black and Brown Girls Deal With Anxiety?

             • Growing up, you may have seen your mom and grandmothers face every single challenge that came towards them with ease. However, deep down they were really suffering and just unable to show it. 
             • Katie shares that it’s part of the reason so many women in the black and brown communities suffer from anxiety now. It’s been unknowingly taught to us that we must suffer in silence to keep peace.
             • She also explains how society puts pressure on black and brown girls to perform at the highest level and to stay resilient no matter what they go through.
             
             

             How Does Anxiety Manifest in the Black Community?

             • Sadness, lashing out, and not wanting to get out of bed are often seen as indicators of laziness and an inability to control emotions. However, Katie explains that these are all part of the emotional range that is required to keep you safe. 
             • But in the Black and Brown community, when someone has anxiety, it makes them look like the bad guy. Anxiety can also cause racing thoughts, hypervigilance, and difficulty relaxing. 
             • Katie shares how Black and Brown girls are less likely to be treated for anxiety and only 14% of this demographic actually seek help for it.
             
             

             Try Opening Up About Your Mental Health Problems

             • You may see on TikTok how everyone is trying to use sage, crystals, Tibetan bowls to calm their nervous systems.
             • We’re not saying all of these spiritual items don't work. However, just talking can do wonders for your mental health.
             
             

             Family and Religion: Mental Health Barriers

             • It’s not just within African American communities in the states that people are kept from seeking help. In the United States, family embarrassment or religion may keep an individual from talking to a mental health professional.
             • Katie also found how those within the Caribbean communities also discourage those suffering from going to therapy.
             • Caribbean families often believe that mental health issues are curses. Instead of seeking a professional, they may go to a Voodoo priest for remedies.
             
             

             Anxiety and ADHD: Which Is Making Things Worse

             • Katie dives into how having ADHD can make anxiety symptoms a bit worse. 
             • She shares her diagnosis of ADHD and how before her medications she struggled with doing tasks. This caused her to beat herself up and make her anxiety worse.
             
             

             Why is Anxiety Often Misdiagnosed in Black Women

             • Katie shares how anxiety is often misdiagnosed in Black women with depressive disorder. This is usually due to how it presents itself, such as isolation, avoidance, lashing out, and crying. 
             • The misdiagnosis and mistreatment lead to mistrust and keep women of color from seeking help. Discouragement also comes...]]>As Black women, we often stay quiet when the world is tearing us down. On the outside, you may look just fine, waking up every morning and presenting the world a big smile.  

               Yet inside, the daily grind is eating you alive. This may be a silent indication that you're suffering from anxiety and just don't know it. 

               In our community, anxiety isn't often talked about, but we're discussing it today with my guest, Katie Stafford, who will share signs of anxiety and what you can do to combat the disorder from an experienced social worker's perspective.

               Meet Katie Stafford

               • Katie is a licensed clinical social worker in several states and a qualified supervisor for interns.
               • She provides individual counseling to adults between the ages of 18 to 99 plus.
               • Katie is passionate about helping everyone who struggles with mental health, but has a special place for helping women of color.
               
               

               Why Do Black and Brown Girls Deal With Anxiety?

               • Growing up, you may have seen your mom and grandmothers face every single challenge that came towards them with ease. However, deep down they were really suffering and just unable to show it. 
               • Katie shares that it’s part of the reason so many women in the black and brown communities suffer from anxiety now. It’s been unknowingly taught to us that we must suffer in silence to keep peace.
               • She also explains how society puts pressure on black and brown girls to perform at the highest level and to stay resilient no matter what they go through.
               
               

               How Does Anxiety Manifest in the Black Community?

               • Sadness, lashing out, and not wanting to get out of bed are often seen as indicators of laziness and an inability to control emotions. However, Katie explains that these are all part of the emotional range that is required to keep you safe. 
               • But in the Black and Brown community, when someone has anxiety, it makes them look like the bad guy. Anxiety can also cause racing thoughts, hypervigilance, and difficulty relaxing. 
               • Katie shares how Black and Brown girls are less likely to be treated for anxiety and only 14% of this demographic actually seek help for it.
               
               

               Try Opening Up About Your Mental Health Problems

               • You may see on TikTok how everyone is trying to use sage, crystals, Tibetan bowls to calm their nervous systems.
               • We’re not saying all of these spiritual items don't work. However, just talking can do wonders for your mental health.
               
               

               Family and Religion: Mental Health Barriers

               • It’s not just within African American communities in the states that people are kept from seeking help. In the United States, family embarrassment or religion may keep an individual from talking to a mental health professional.
               • Katie also found how those within the Caribbean communities also discourage those suffering from going to therapy.
               • Caribbean families often believe that mental health issues are curses. Instead of seeking a professional, they may go to a Voodoo priest for remedies.
               
               

               Anxiety and ADHD: Which Is Making Things Worse

               • Katie dives into how having ADHD can make anxiety symptoms a bit worse. 
               • She shares her diagnosis of ADHD and how before her medications she struggled with doing tasks. This caused her to beat herself up and make her anxiety worse.
               
               

               Why is Anxiety Often Misdiagnosed in Black Women

               • Katie shares how anxiety is often misdiagnosed in Black women with depressive disorder. This is usually due to how it presents itself, such as isolation, avoidance, lashing out, and crying. 
               • The misdiagnosis and mistreatment lead to mistrust and keep women of color from seeking help. Discouragement also comes from the difficulty Black and Brown women face in finding a therapist of their background. 
               • Katie discusses how the underrepresentation of women of color therapists keeps us from seeking professional help. 
               • Also, even when one is found, things don’t always go as planned, making it harder to even begin the journey to find help.
               
               

               Reasons Behind People Pleasing

               • In the mornings, while on your way to work, you may have the music blasting sky high and feel authentically in tune with yourself. However, once it’s time for you to clock in and you get around your co-workers, especially your bosses, there’s an automatic switch that causes you to act a certain way. 
               • This is a form of people pleasing and it often shows up in ways you don’t realize. Katie discusses how it can cause anxiety and present itself in different ways. She also provides tips on how to handle obligations when you don’t really want to.
               
               

               “Know what your anxiety shows up as. What are you irritated about? Recognizing allows you to know when you’re struggling with anxiety. Approach your emotions with curiosity.” - Katie Stafford.

               Book a session with me.

               Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling like yourself — let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help or use the link below.

               Resources

               1. This episode is brought to you by Fortis Mentis Psychiatry, where black and brown girls can find individual therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, coaching, medication management, and case management. To learn more, go to fortismentispsychiatry.com/safeplace.
               2. Start checking in with yourself with the How We Feel App
               3. Don’t forget to follow me on these socials: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok
               
               ]]>baa0e851-0b5d-4258-920f-e1c2aeef9227Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -050041:17falsefull11Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC | What is this podcast all about?Hi, welcome to the introductory episode of A Safe Place for Brown Girls Podcast. My name is Dr. Kathleen Estimé, DNP, PMHNP-BC, and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner. This is a short little episode where I will give you details about myself and what you can gain from listening to this podcast.

               Meet Me: Dr. Katheen Estimé, DNP, PMHNP-BC

               • It’s only right for me to introduce myself to you and explain why I wanted to start this podcast. For years, I have dealt with mental health issues, and because of this, I strive to help others who are struggling in the same way.
               • In 1996, I joined the army. Even though I wasn’t too fond of it then, I’m still grateful for the experience because it helped shape me into the person I am today.
               • After leaving the military, I was hospitalized a few times and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. I was also struggling with body image issues around this time.
               • Trying to make sense of what was going on and to get on a healing path, I decided to study nursing. This helped me study the brain and see how so many factors can affect one’s mental health.
               • Through my own personal journey and experience as a psychiatric nurse, I strive to create a safe and comfortable space for my clients to open up and discuss their mental health problems.
               • With my new podcast, I’m bringing that safe place to you. Don’t feel ashamed about what you’re going through. Every week, I’m sharing discussions on mental health topics such as depression, anxiety, and body image issues to help you feel you’re not alone in this journey.
               
               

               "Like many of you, I face my own battles with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and body image issues. It hasn’t been an easy path, but it has shaped who I am today and fuels my passion to advocate for others.” - Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC.

               Resources

               1. This episode is brought to you by Fortis Mentis Psychiatry, where black and brown girls can find individual therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, coaching, medication management, and case management. To learn more, go to fortismentispsychiatry.com/safeplace.
               2. Don’t forget to follow me on these socials: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok
               
               ]]>Hi, welcome to the introductory episode of A Safe Place for Brown Girls Podcast. My name is Dr. Kathleen Estimé, DNP, PMHNP-BC, and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner. This is a short little episode where I will give you details about myself and what you can gain from listening to this podcast.

               Meet Me: Dr. Katheen Estimé, DNP, PMHNP-BC

               • It’s only right for me to introduce myself to you and explain why I wanted to start this podcast. For years, I have dealt with mental health issues, and because of this, I strive to help others who are struggling in the same way.
               • In 1996, I joined the army. Even though I wasn’t too fond of it then, I’m still grateful for the experience because it helped shape me into the person I am today.
               • After leaving the military, I was hospitalized a few times and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. I was also struggling with body image issues around this time.
               • Trying to make sense of what was going on and to get on a healing path, I decided to study nursing. This helped me study the brain and see how so many factors can affect one’s mental health.
               • Through my own personal journey and experience as a psychiatric nurse, I strive to create a safe and comfortable space for my clients to open up and discuss their mental health problems.
               • With my new podcast, I’m bringing that safe place to you. Don’t feel ashamed about what you’re going through. Every week, I’m sharing discussions on mental health topics such as depression, anxiety, and body image issues to help you feel you’re not alone in this journey.
               
               

               "Like many of you, I face my own battles with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and body image issues. It hasn’t been an easy path, but it has shaped who I am today and fuels my passion to advocate for others.” - Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC.

               Resources

               1. This episode is brought to you by Fortis Mentis Psychiatry, where black and brown girls can find individual therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, coaching, medication management, and case management. To learn more, go to fortismentispsychiatry.com/safeplace.
               2. Don’t forget to follow me on these socials: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok
               
               ]]>080278bb-eea7-4d45-a685-db4501063ca9Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -050004:54falsefullTeaserThis episode is brought to you by Fortis Mentis Psychiatry, where black and brown girls can find individual therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, coaching, medication management, and case management. To learn more, go to fortismentispsychiatry.com/safeplace.
               ]]>This episode is brought to you by Fortis Mentis Psychiatry, where black and brown girls can find individual therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, coaching, medication management, and case management. To learn more, go to fortismentispsychiatry.com/safeplace.
               ]]>3d6e7803-9fb6-4591-b78a-6f3bea87b9baTue, 27 May 2025 06:00:00 -050004:00falsefull