Paula discussed the complexities of anger and its various expressions, triggers, and cultural influences. She emphasized the importance of identifying the underlying causes of anger to manage it effectively and, highlighted the negative consequences of unmanaged anger on one's well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life.

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Paula McMillan-Perez discusses the French word 'Ennui,' as an emotion. She explains the differences between ennui and boredom, and the differences between a deeper issue like depression. Paula emphasizes the importance of recognizing and naming emotions like ennui to help individuals feel seen and understood. She also provides strategies for management.

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Paula explores the concept of nostalgia, discussing its definition, positive and negative aspects, and influence on collective memory. She highlights the importance of balancing positive and negative experiences as well as leveraging nostalgia as a coping mechanism for trauma and significant life changes. Paula shares her experiences of feeling nostalgic and distracted, and the value of identifying the opposite perspective and keeping things in perspective.

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Paula discusses the complexities and manifestations of embarrassment, the history of its origins as well as responses/strategies for managing it. She also shares a personal story where she was impacted by embarrassment and why it is so important to reflect on these experiences.

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Paula explores the complex emotion of envy, defining it and its differences with jealousy. She examines the negative impact of envy on mental health and various relationships. Paula also delves into the various forms of envy and their impact on motivation and self-esteem, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing these feelings to overcome them.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ emotion of envy defined
+ envy vs. jealousy
+ types/variables of envy
+ impact of envy and its relationship to our mental health

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Paula provides an overview of Anxiety and how it affects both adults and adolescents in the US, with gender differences in prevalence. She explores some factors contributing such as social exclusion, bullying, family dynamics, trauma, and personal factors as well as practical strategies for addressing anxiety at any level.

U.S Anxiety Data

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Paula explores challenges faced by youth in accessing summer engagement and programs due to financial constraints, transportation issues, or other factors as well as the impact of summer break on mental health, including anxiety and disrupted daily routines. She emphasizes the importance of engaging in meaningful conversations with youth, particularly during the summer months, to create spaces where they feel seen and heard. Paula highlighted the need for parents and caregivers to prioritize building connections and provides suggestions surrounding validating the feelings of youth to support their mental health.

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Whitley explores personal experiences with racial trauma in predominantly white institutions, addresing microagressions and navigating the importance of creating spaces for black women to validate experiences. She also speaks about the value of finding healing in their shared struggles, while also acknowledging the intersections of racial trauma with gender and education.

Guest Bio:

Whitley Grant-Goodman, LCMHCS, LCAS is a culturally competent therapist, entrepreneur, and speaker. She has practiced multicultural counseling for almost ten years. She is the founder and owner of The Melanated Space, PLLC. She helps people set boundaries, tackle self esteem issues, communicate assertively, and tackle generalized anxiety because of workplace trauma. Her philosophy is that you must pour into yourself first before you can pour into others. This is done by advocating for oneself and focusing on overall holistic wellness.

Contact/Socials:
Instagram: @whitleygrantgoodman
Email: info@themelanatedspace.com

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