Breaking the Silence: Chrys Violet, HBCU Alum, Maps Out the Journey to Mental Wellness
The Californer/10256199

LOS ANGELES - Californer -- The month of October ushers in Depression Awareness Month with a solemn recognition that 29.0% of U.S. adults have encountered the labyrinth of depression at some juncture in their lives, and a staggering 8.3% are grappling with significant depression (Gallup and NAMI). Depression doesn't discriminate; trauma, life-altering events, genetics, neurological changes, or even the misuse of substances can trigger it.  Chrys Violet, a seasoned psychotherapist based in Los Angeles and a proud Spelman College alumna, founded Space for Healing, an oasis for those in need (https://www.spaceforhealingtherapy.com/). She implores us to acknowledge that depression exceeds the occasional tears or isolation depicted in commercials and movies. It infiltrates various facets of our lives and can intensify with daily challenges like work anxiety, health issues, strained relationships, isolation, and the ongoing specter of COVID-19.  And, while there are key symptoms when diagnosing depression, individuals' journeys with depression are as varied as approaches to treatment can be - from prayer and supervised care with a support group or therapist to various other methods of finding healing and support.

Chrys Violet knows that statistics do little to convey the depths of the lived experiences of those battling depression and the empathy that must meet it. Picture this: you're dealing with the usual worries, sadness, or discomfort that life throws your way, but instead of processing and releasing them, they intensify, leaving you feeling like a stranger to yourself, rendering you incapable of functioning normally. Astonishingly, it takes an average of 11 years for individuals to seek treatment after their mental health symptoms surface—eleven years of silent suffering fueled by fear, shame, or apprehension about seeking help. As Chrys emphasizes, "Mental health, left untreated, doesn't go away, instead it festers like diabetes or cancer." Statistically, 1 in 5 adults grapple with mental illness and 1 in 20 face severe mental health challenges. Chrys underscores the significance of culturally competent care, especially within the Black community.

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Space for Healing was created to underscore the value of a therapeutic environment fostering openness and acceptance and remind us that the journey toward healing is not a mere indulgence but a vital pilgrimage that shapes us, our relationships, and our place in the world. This realization prompted Chrys to focus on helping individuals and couples achieve everyday wellness through private practice. Simultaneously, she has been actively engaged in writing, collaborating with thought leaders and fellow therapists, conducting seminars, participating in panel discussions, and utilizing various creative means to normalize mental health care, placing it on par with spiritual and physical well-being. Chrys Violet states, "My mission is to debunk the myths surrounding mental health, dismantle the barriers to overall wellness, reshape perceptions, and emphasize the positive impact of non-judgmental, culturally competent care on daily functioning."

Chrys Violet's Tips for Managing Depression:

1. Establish a Flexible Routine: Routines can grow stale, mix it up with new activities like yoga or pilates for self-care engagement
2. Embrace Positive Distractions: Coping skills are not a means to ignore depressive symptoms but to address them and find small moments of pleasure and hope
3. Prioritize Basic Needs: Ensure healthy eating, adequate rest, and regular exercise, as they are essential for managing depression
4. Find Comfort in Small Pleasures: discover new music or oldies that bring back good memories and dance.  engage in activities that soothe your soul
5. Practice Mindfulness and Journaling: Mindfulness techniques can calm intrusive thoughts, and journaling can release them
6. Volunteer: Volunteering reminds us that we are not the only ones with a story and reconnects us with the world
7. Build a Support Network: Spend time with friends who can be there for you, whether  in silence, or in laughter, for a mood boost
8. Seek the alternative story: To counter depression's negative lens, look for the good around you, practice gratefulness
9. Grant Yourself Grace: Sometimes, allowing time for stillness is just as important as movement

In Chrys Violet's words, "Through mindfulness, we can navigate life's ups and downs with greater insight, patience, and love, finding peace of mind not in a perfect life but in a balanced one."

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About Chrys Violet
Chrys Violet is a licensed clinician and the founder of Space for Healing, with over two decades of experience working with others. Chrys' dedication to promoting mental wellness and breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health within the African-American community is her mission and passion.

About Space for Healing
Space for Healing is a sanctuary founded by Chrys Violet, providing a safe and accepting environment for individuals and couples to embark on their journey toward wellness. It offers therapy, counseling, and resources to support mental health and well-being. Visit https://www.spaceforhealingtherapy.com/ for more information.