Andrea Wise-Brown is a licensed psychotherapist and trained Hostage Negotiator. Her practice Intrinsic Motivation Counseling Services is based in Dallas, Texas. She earned her bachelors in Psychology/Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Kean University and her Masters in Education in Counseling at the University of North Texas.
Wise-Brown is a go-to expert for various news outlets and has consulted various police departments and Mental Health organizations. She has been featured on OWN Network, Sway in the Morning, Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell and other national media.
Wise-Brown is committed to creating an environment in which her clients feel comfortable and safe to explore their innermost thoughts, needs and emotions.
WHAT IS THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF THE PRESIDENTS ACTIONS?
The President has been very disrespectful, denigrating and dismissive in many of his comments about the people in our world. Many people feel hurt, isolated and disregarded. Many times when hurt people lack healthy coping and communication skills they feel the need to act out fueled by anger which may create other problems.
A LOT OF HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS ARE STILL SUFFERING PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY. HOW DO YOU FEEL DONALD TRUMP’S “SH*THOLE COUNTRIES” COMMENT ABOUT HAITI AND AFRICAN NATIONS MADE THEM FEEL?
The President disrespected Haiti, Haitian people and many others when he ignorantly made the racist comment that their country is a SH*THOLE country and that he does not want them here in the United States. He may have psychologically reinjured many of the Haitian survivors who were devastated by the tragedy and are suffering with the diagnosis of PTSD.
WHY DOES SEEKING PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR MENTAL ILLNESS ISSUES HAVE SUCH A STIGMA ATTACHED TO IT WITHIN THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY?
There is a stigma in the African American community that stereotypes people who are diagnosed with a Mental Illness as scary, uncontrollable, worthless, weak, demonic, etc. This stigma creates feelings of shame, blame, embarrassment, hopelessness which is why some African Americans are disinclined to seek treatment.
WHAT ARE SOME KEY SIGNS THAT LOVED ONES, CO-WORKERS AND FRIENDS MAY BE DEALING WITH DEPRESSION AND WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO HELP THEM?
Key signs to look for when assessing if a loved one or co-worker may need help with their mental health; Isolation, extreme changes in their behavior and or mood, missing days from work, disinterest in activities that they usually enjoy, strong feelings of anger, suicidal thoughts, strange thoughts and beliefs and a growing inability to cope with daily activities.
ARE THERE SOME CORE COPING TACTICS OR TIPS YOU SUGGEST FOR PEOPLE WHO MAY BE DEALING WITH DEPRESSION?
If you or someone that you know are experiencing symptoms of Depression seek therapy from a licensed psychotherapist in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Each treatment plan should be individualized. A treatment plan may or may not include; psychotherapy, coping skills, exercise, grounding, spirituality and/or medication. Early detection and effective interventions are the key to healing.
If they are exhibiting any of these symptoms refer them to local mental health services. Here are some resources:
You’re not alone. Confidential help is available for free.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
1-800-487-4889 (TTY)
Free and confidential information in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing substance abuse and mental health issues. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Andrea Wise Brown answers your Text Tom Questions on the next page.
How can you tell if a person is bipolar?
Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, is a chronically recurring condition involving moods that swing between the highs of mania and the lows of depression. It’s inappropriate for a person who is not trained or licensed as a mental health professional to diagnose someone with a mental disorder. Please seek an assessment from a licensed mental health professional.
What if you recognize that your spouse needs to seek counseling but they refuse to do so?
Communication is key! You have to create a “safe” space of communication between you and your spouse so that they are open to hearing your concerns for them without feeling that you are judging them.
How do you get over being sexually abused when you were a child? I was also abused in a relationship and I don’t trust men.
It’s understandable that you would have difficulty trusting others after suffering sexual abuse. Please seek psychotherapy, a psychotherapist can help you to heal those wounds of abuse so that you live a better quality of life.
How do you handle the stress that comes with balancing work life and family life? I’m currently in the military which I’m planning to separate from in the next year and a half, but until then how do I keep from letting the stress it’s causing from ruining my family – especially with 45 in office?
I hear you! It’s difficult to have a “perfect” balance of work, and family life so I say give that up. Do the best that you can do by being present during every interaction at home and at work while doing your best. In addition, you have to take care of you first or everything else will crumble.
Strengthen your connection with God while taking care of your mind by exercising, eating healthy foods and practicing meditation/groundwork. Seek psychotherapy for extra support and coping skills.
How do you cope with the stress if it lives with you – meaning your other half?
Seek couples therapy for better understanding of yourself and your spouse. I help couples heal their relationships by showing each member of the partnership that they both play a role in “stressing” the relationship. Sometimes it appears that your partner has to do all the work but I can bet that you have some work to do too. 🙂
GM Doc. I’m 66 and still privately dealing with two main issues. I was sexually abused from 5th to 8th grade by my stepbrother and I found out at my father’s funeral that the “cousin” I was raised with was actually my sister. Years of lies and abuse. How do I get past it all?
Wow, I’m sorry to hear that. As I stated earlier, please seek psychotherapy, a psychotherapist can help you to heal those wounds of abuse.
My 11-year-old is hearing voices. Is this an indication of schizophrenia? I have her scheduled for counseling.
It may not be, there are a number of reasons that she may be hearing voices. You are a great parent! Get a diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional. I’m glad that you have her scheduled for counseling.
What’s the best thing to do if your with someone experiencing an anxiety attack?
Before doing anything, verify with the person that it is an anxiety attack. If it is there is nothing that you can do accept allow the person their space to feel safe. People who are experiencing anxiety attacks feel sudden and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest pains, breathlessness, vertigo, or abdominal distress. Anxiety attacks are treated with medications and psychotherapy. Encourage the person to make an appointment with a psychotherapist.
I am a disabled veteran that suffers from PTSD, amongst other mental challenges. I have attempted to open up to family members about my illness, only to be met with negative feedback. I am the sibling that everything is blamed on. I have been lied on and was an unwanted child. I wanna just divorce myself from all of them, including one of my daughters, who is on the van wagon with family members. Please help me.
Do not isolate yourself from others, we all need healthy support. Please go talk to a licensed psychotherapist, they are trained to help you and they care about you needs. They can help you to find your “appropriate” voice and quality of life.
Are there any “NON-THERAPIST” methods to cope with stress??? Because it sounds like only those that can afford will be able to manage their stress effectively.
Yes! Coping skills such as deep breathing, exercise, meditation and spirituality are some. Psychotherapy is the most beneficial while doing the latter because it will help you to resolve core issues so that you aren’t triggered to stress quickly and as frequent.
How do you get your young men and women in college to not forgo their morals and values because of peer pressure?
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate, while being a good example of their morals and values. 🙂
What about a white therapist vs. a Black therapist? Do you think that a white therapist can relate to our issues?
Caucasian therapists who are educated about our culture are capable of empathizing for us about our issues and concerns. During your process of selecting a therapist ask them that question. It’s a good question.
I go to a licensed social worker/MSW. She always seems to rush our sessions and we talked about medicine for bipolar however I’m active, vibrant and a medical assistant. I want to stay off meds.
If you are not pleased with your current licensed mental health professional, change mental health professionals.
The weekly cost is TOO high! How does one attempt to afford counseling?
Actually, more and more companies are providing free counseling sessions through their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Check with your Human Resources department or call customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask them if you have EAP benefits that will pay for free counseling sessions.
HOW CAN PEOPLE REACH CONTACT YOU? ARE YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
website- www.Awisebrown.com
Facebook- @awisebrown
IG- @awisebrown
Twitter- @awisebrown
PHOTO: Courtesy
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