The Lotus Flower Podcast, where we explore life's challenges with resilience. I’m Dr. Pamela Robinson, your host—a licensed clinical social worker associate, ordained minister, and mental health advocate. Join me as we delve into comedy, religion, music, mental health, fitness, and more, with a focus on African American voices. Each episode is packed with helpful tips, useful tools, and vital discussions. Tune in during your commute, on a walk, or even during your lunch hour.

Join us on this journey toward mental wellness and personal development. Blooming through difficult situations is a metaphor for navigating life's trials without being overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. In Matthew 17:7-8, Jesus reassures his disciples, saying, "Don't be afraid," reminding us to trust in divine presence even in our darkest moments.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about mental health and behavioral health issues, and to reduce stigma. The 2024 theme is "Take the Moment," which encourages open dialogue, empathy, understanding, and sharing resources to support individuals and families on their journey towards mental wellness. Our aim this month is to educate the public, fight stigma, provide support, advocate for policies that support mental illness, remove treatment barriers, celebrate recovery, and raise awareness of the impact of trauma.

Tonight we will have another esteemed guest, my cousin Ms. Amber Roberts, MSW, RCSWI discussing "The Impact of Technology on Mental Health." Ms. Roberts is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern in the state of Florida. Amber has been working as a social worker since 2011, specializing in at-risk teenagers. She obtained her Bachelor in Social Work (2011) and Master in Social Work (2016) from the University of South Florida. Throughout her career, she has served in various roles including case manager, school social worker, care advocate, counselor, and school-based mental health therapist. Amber is passionate about instilling hope in those who have lost their sense of hope due to past experiences. ______________________________________________________________________________________

Resources

Headspace: A mindfulness and meditation app that helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Calm: Provides guided meditation, sleep stories, and relaxation techniques.

BetterHelp: An online counseling platform connecting individuals with licensed therapists.

Common Sense Media: Provides reviews and advice on age-appropriate media and technology usage for children and teens.

Child Mind Institute: Offers resources and articles on how technology affects children's mental health.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Guidelines on screen time and media usage for children and adolescents.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Information on the impact of technology and screen time on mental health.

Tools for Managing Screen Time

Family Link by Google: Allows parents to set screen time limits and monitor app usage on their children's devices.

Apple Screen Time: A built-in feature on iOS devices that helps monitor and control screen time.

Bark: A parental control app that monitors texts, emails, and social media platforms for signs of cyberbullying and other issues.

Website

Helplines and Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 – Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress.

Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 – Offers free, 24/7 support via text.

Local Mental Health Services: Contact local hospitals, clinics, and mental health organizations for resources and support in your area.

School Counselors: Utilize school-based counselors and psychologists for additional support and resources.