#RallyUp2SaveLives
Mental Health
Magazine
SHAMANDA
Burston
The Wounded Healer bringing Therapy to Films with Cinematherapy
REWRITE YOUR STORY
By: Melena Saddler
TRAUMA & THE ARTS By: Tor White
Special Feature: KEITH MASCOLL Founder of The Triggered Project SPRING/SUMMER 2021 $10.99
Warrior Zone XiI: ROBNESHA R. SMITH JESSICA BAGGETT
FEATURES: KATRINA LEGGINS, LCSW Founder of K. Nicole Writing CRAIG COOPER Founder of Uplift Kings
SPRING/SUMMER 2021
OUR FIGHT OUR FIGHT “Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” ~ Steve Maraboli
“No matter how much falls on us, we keep plowing ahead. That's the only way to keep the roads clear.” ~ Greg Kincaid
07
BEHIND THE SCENES
09
FASHION SECTION | How much do you love yourself? POETRY CORNER | Simone Walsh • KeErica Brown
13 16
YOUTH ZONE
Youth Cover Feature: TIVA • Poem | Caleah Henneghan Poem | Lorelai Symmes • YOUTH ZONE FASHIONS
COVER FEATURES | Shamanda Burston
23 26 28 30 31 34 35 37 39 41 43 44
Faith & Mental Health | Peace During the Storm Therapy Is Dope: | Unused Smart Ways to Lift Your Mood Dear Amanda 5 WAYS To Develop Your Strengths And Starve Your Weaknesses | By: Kendra Hathaway
WARRIOR ZONE XII | Jessica Baggett
• Robnesha Smith
LOVE & MENTAL HEALTH | Divorced But NOT Defeated BEAUTY | MAKEUP & Mental Health Does It Really Matter
RALLYUP & SEE WHAT'S INSIDE
FOUNDER'S LETTER
06
MHCA Mental Health Change Agent | Katrina Leggins, LCSW
MAKING A DIFFERENCE | Craig Cooper
SPECIAL FEATURE | Keith Mascoll
TRAUMA & THE ARTS | Tor White
HEALTH & WELLNESS | Mental Health Mood-Boosting Recipes
FOUNDER'S LETTER Dear RUM Family & Friends,
As I sat down to write this, I felt the need to explain where I've been mentally lately. As the founder, I like to keep it real because others need to know they are not alone. Too many times, I wanted to stop, disappear and remain inactive on social media. I was exhausted, mentally & physically. My anxiety was heightened and I was experiencing heart palpitations at times. I was burned out and just did not realize it at the time. I learned that burnout can take place in bereavement, it is not all "work-related." I just want to heal in harmony but Life just does not give you a chance; especially when you have one family after another family member pass away. It's really taking me longer than I can imagine getting back to some sort of normalcy. Grief can really make you weaker. I was questioning whether I should move on but God quickly reminded me that RallyUp Magazine is aligned with my purpose and begin to give me the provisions needed to push through. Are You Burning Out? Does every day seem like a bad day, you feel overwhelmed most of the time? You are not just tired, you feel like the weight of the world is sitting on your shoulders. Burnout generally starts from work or a day-to-day routine you perform but it can be anything that pushes you consistently to your limit for too long. It can happen as a result of toxic and difficult relationships, separation, divorce, caring for an elderly or sick relative. As for treatment, therapy was necessary for me. I needed help sorting out things. Sometimes a few weekend getaways, simple vacations, or lifestyle modifications can do the trick. Other times, a career change or a total life change is inevitable. I spend lots of alone time praying and deep thinking. For me, this is crucial and very helpful so I can understand what I am experiencing and what I need to change. I hope this is helpful and the rest of this issue because it is really some great reads! Blessings & Love,
RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 06 | SPRING/SUMMER 2021
Using Movies For Healing Shamanda Burston all smiles as she prepares to share her first cinema-therapy film with the world. Cinema therapy can be a powerful tool used for healing! After watching a movie, are you left full of emotions, insights and inspired? Does it make you want to reflect on your own life experiences, challenges or gifts? If you answered Yes, than you may be interested in the transformation power certain films could have on your healing journey. It will require you to be open to learning how movies affect us when watching certain films. It allows you to use the effect of the films on our psych for inspiration, insight, change, emotional release or relief. Cinema Therapy is being used as a part of psychotherapy. It is an innovative method based on traditional therapeutic principles. In following certain guidelines when choosing films for cinema therapy and watching them consciously can support personal and spiritual growth. Cinema therapy is only recommended in the context of psychotherapy for long-standing psychological problems" (Wolz, 2021).
I am Beautiful
POETRY CORNER
By: Lorelai Symmes
“I am beautiful” I said as I looked at my reflection on that summer night standing in the mirror at my third grade dance recital my hair curled my face bright my soul alive “I am beautiful” I said on my first day of sixth grade I kept telling myself that but I believed it less and less every single long day my smile grew smaller my motivation dulled yet I kept going reminding myself of who I was
“I want to be beautiful” I said on that october night my parents were gone I was all alone in front of the space heater as my body began to give up nothing but bones bruised skin dull eyes and I wanted nothing more than to be able to say “I am beautiful” one last time
LIP GLOSSES, LIP SCRUBS & BODY SCRUBS
"Building the Beauty from within" www.kenedi-beauty.com : @kenedi_beauty
Natural Products made with Love by hand CEO "Teenprenuer " Nina Hollingsworth ***Proceeds goes towards building business & college funds.
Your thoughts matter. Your words matter. Your experiences matter. Your experiences are uniquely yours and no one can share your stories like you! Your words are the exact medicine needed to heal others.
Photo By: SDeneen Photography
Join the RallyUp team as a contributor writer for our Youth Zone and share your brilliance with the world! For more information about the Youth Zone, please contact Lex Morgan at: lexmorgan.ruyouthzone@gmail.com.
RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 28 | SPRING/SUMMER 2021
UNUSED SMART WAYS TO LIFT YOUR MOOD By: Amanda Fludd, Psychotherapist
L
ately we’ve been consuming an extraordinary amount of media focused on our health with COVID-19 and our personal and emotional safety with the very visible crimes against people of color. Let’s face it, life can be very negative sometimes. Whether or not you recognize it, the media you consume can be very toxic and have a negative impact on your thinking, behavior and even your mood. Discrimination is a traumatic experience that can cause a similar experience to PTSD, as well as depression and anxiety.
”
“The media you consume can be very toxic and have a negative impact on your…mood
Some of the signs to look out for are fatigue, fears about personal safety, withdrawal from others, increased sensitivity to people, periods of sadness, worry and trouble sleeping. Have you had any of those experiences? If so, you’re not alone. A third of Americans are showing signs of clinical anxiety or depression, and per the CDC, have reported mood altering symptoms during this monumental moment in history. In the face of this pandemic and racial trauma, it’s vital that you have ways to manage how you feel and your natural response to that. There are effective ways you can lift your mood and take control of your day. Fake it Until You Make it! Have you heard the phrase, “thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become habits”? Well, if you haven’t, it’s really so true. If you find yourself feeling angry, sad, irritated or in a slump, try to refocus what you are thinking about. It is probably connected to what you are thinking, and your brain just needs a jump. How do you do that? Change the thoughts! Change the negative into a positive or find a perspective that is more helpful to you. Whether it is with positive affirmations, journaling what you’re thankful for, or simply putting on a smile and an uplifting tone- even if it doesn’t feel believable in the moment, act like it is, act like the person you want to be (faking a better mood) and focusing on new thoughts is a sure-fire way to find yourself in a better mood. Reduce Your Consumption Consider what you are taking in and how beneficial it is to your health. As we mentioned, words (pictures, sounds) have impact. You do have the power to turn off the news or even go on a media “diet” intentionally avoiding images of racial abuse and negative events. Get Up and Move! Stretching, Yoga or activities like walking and biking can also help alleviate stress, which can help you work your way into a better mood. I’m aware we can’t always hop up and run a mile – or that we would even want to – but you can totally take a minute to stretch your body! Do what you need to get your blood flowing, be proud of yourself for all that you do, and realize by taking the time to move your body, you’re moving in the right direction.
RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 28 | SPRING/SUMMER 2021
Spread the Love! Studies have shown that doing something nice for someone is another quick way to boost your mood. It’s easy to get busy and neglect ourselves, as well as other important people in our lives. While Photo by: Uriel Mont from Pexels it may seem harder to engage in an act depending on how you feel, doing something to brighten the day of someone you care about tends to raise your serotonin levels. It has a boomerang effect- what you put out comes back. Another quick tip as an act of self-love is to create people boundaries. Try to avoid relationships with people who dismiss the seriousness of how you feel and your experiences, and connect with communities who have shared experiences and can support you. You deserve love back too! Change Your Mood, Change Your Life With so much going on in the world each and every day, it’s natural to have difficult days. We all do. The better prepared you are to combat the unexpected and navigate the impact it has on your mood, the more likely you are to protect your mental health and handle the issues that disrupt our lives. I hope you remember these quick tips when you’re feeling blue. Self-care is so important and to be your best self, you need to implement best practices. Sometimes the solution is so simple, it might just work.
Amanda Fludd, LCSW-R, is a Licensed Therapist, Mental Health Consultant and Personal Development Coach with over 15 years’ experience. Amanda oversees Therapy is Dope for RallyUp Magazine. You can find her at :
: @Therapyisdope : @Therapyisdope : www.amandafludd.com
DEAR AMANDA
Photo by Stanley Morales from Pexels
Everything you need to know about
Mental Health
Lately I've been having frequent panic attacks and feeling anxious. I don't want to go on medication. What are some other things I can do to cope? Journaling and therapy is not working. ~Andre, Richmond, VA I’m curious to know why therapy isn’t working and whatever your reason is, you should discuss that with your therapist. Therapy is your experience and if you’ve tried it for at least 4-5 sessions and you have been actively going to therapy and doing the work, but still don’t see changes, share that with your therapist. It’s a collaboration between the two of you to figure out what may be stalling your progress. In some cases, it could be your commitment to the work (are you invested in homework, open while in session, practicing skills between sessions, etc.), or maybe you need a new treatment approach like Cognitive Behavior Therapy or CBT for anxiety. When your quality of life still isn’t where you want it to be, explore medication. Exploring doesn’t mean you are going to start it; it’s having a conversation about your options to make an educated decision about what you need. Sometimes, because of the makeup of our brain, medication is the missing key. It’s like telling an asthmatic to breathe in the middle of an asthma attack - all the strategies in the world won’t work if they just need their medications to open up their airways so they can then do the work to breathe.
Some similar things you can also incorporate - a regular yoga practice and daily mindfulness practices to naturally teach your body to slow down and relax. As you incorporate that into your life, make sure to also start that conversation with your current therapist or another mental health professional. Amanda Fludd, Licensed Clinical Therapist in NY, Mental Health Consultant and international women in business Empowerment Coach. She helps professional women master limiting mindsets, achieve work life balance and live their lives in confidence. Her passion is working with people affected by trauma, particularly people of color (POC), and she is excited by the opportunities to reduce the stigma around mental health and improve healing amongst Black and Caribbean communities. Her coaching programs focus on work-life balance during crisis situations, understanding trauma in the workplace, tackling negative thinking and productivity and self-care through mindfulness. Find her at: www.amandafludd.com and follow her on Instagram @therapyisdope Thank you for your courage with this question. You’ve helped so many people and I wish you the best on your journey to great mental health. Amanda Fludd, LCSW-R www.amandafludd.com RallyUp Magazine
RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 29 | SPRING/SUMMER 2021
Advertise With Us! Have a Product or Service ... Advertise with RallyUp Magazine
Visit : www.rallyupmagazine.com/contact Email us info@rallyupmagazine.com to discuss our prices.
THE GREEN PAGES T RESOURCES Shamanda Burston
BLACK GIRL, LOST KEYS
Therapist/Cinematherapy Shamanda.Burston@gmail.com www.ShamandaBurston.com
A forum for other people with ADHD to have a point of reference to find answers and discuss the disorder. rene@blackgirllostkeys.com @Black Girl, Lost Keys www.blackgirllostkeys.com
ATLANTA
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. www.empirecounseling.net
CALIFORNIA
Everyday Being
DR. NEKESHIA HAMMOND
INSPIRING YOUTHS
Online community providing information for those looking for a place to find healing. www.myeverydaybeing.com mjones@myeverydaybeing.com 202-957-7499 Founder, Marisa Jone
Psychologist and ADHD Specialist Hammond Psychology & Associates, Supports parents of children dealing with ADHD. DrNekeshiaHammond.com Dr.NHammond@gmail.com
A foundation built to give youth a voice through their various platforms, bullying workshops, youth panel discussions, as well as introducing mental health through workshops. www.inspireyouths.com info@inspireyouths.com Founder, Devon Lewis Buchanan, MSW
COLORADO
MARYLAND
PATRICE N DOUGLAS, LMFT, CAMS-I
FLORIDA
FLORIDA
WE FIGHT FOUNDATION
DESIGNED FOR ROYALTY
A nonprofit providing mentorship for at risk male and females youth and young adults to nurture their mental health in hope to reduce the risky behaviors, self-harm, selfmedicating or sadly suicide. www.wefightfoundation.org
(Queen/King/Princess Series) A mentorship program for women and men between the ages of 7-25. For more information: info@tamikawoodard.com www.tamikawoodard.com
MARYLAND
ALEXIS ALTON Been working with children, adults and families for more than 15 years improving behaviors, relationships, educating, and providing therapeutic support and families. www.alexisalton.com alexis@alexisalton.com
MARYLAND
RALLYUPMAGAZINE.COM | 53 | SPRING/SUMMER 2021