ICONIC CHICA
  • Cover
  • Life & Style
  • Mental Health
  • TV & Movies
  • Giveaways
  • Contact
  • Cover
  • Life & Style
  • Mental Health
  • TV & Movies
  • Giveaways
  • Contact
Search

'The Shift' Hosts Virtual Rallies to Keep  Mental Health Awareness Active

1/10/2021

0 Comments

 
The Shift is partnering with local and national mental health nonprofits to host localized virtual Wellness Rallies. These will be customized to meet the needs of teens and young adults across the country, including but not limited to high school and university students, young residents in large and small communities, employees of large corporations, sports and other youth organizations.  By working together to not only bring awareness, but also create conversation, the goal is to end the stigma on mental health for good.

The Shift is a digital content platform and docu-series that helps #starttheconversation and #Shiftthestigma around mental health. It connects young people to resources to help live their best lives. Founder|Chief People & Wellness Officer of The Shift, Mary Albertoli is a former Clinical Social Worker with 12 years experience and a Masters degree in Social Work from Columbia University. Albertoli provides "solid strategies on how to start the conversation on mental health between parents and children, teens and young adults." Not diagnose, but support "with resources and alternatives to open the lines of communication and remove the stigma attached to mental health." 

Picture
Mary Albertoli

Some of the subjects The Shift highlights include anxiety, bullying, depression, self-image, rejection, and suicide. If you missed our interview with Mart Albertoli, here is the direct link, Ending Stigma on Mental Health Amid Growing Suicide Rate in Teens.

In their work on creating conversation on mental health, The Shift shares tips and helpful information on their social media, @theshift_series.​
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Shift (@theshift_series)

They also lead conversations and talk with real people about their experiences on dealing with bullies, anxiety, supporting those who need our support, and asking for help. In the video below, Lead Ambassador|ShiftStarter Series Host, AdrienneFinch talks with teen @NotOKApp creators, Charlie and Hannah Lucas about their lifesaving app and what inspired them to build it.
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Shift (@theshift_series)

To keep in touch with the conversation, you can follow@theshift_series on Instagram. You can also visit https://shifttheshow.com for more information.

IC Mag Editors
0 Comments

Social Media & Mental Health: Is There A Connection?

12/11/2020

3 Comments

 

The Connection Between Mental Health And Social Media

Human beings need the companionship of other people. This connection that we share with other people can impact our happiness and mental health. By connecting to others on social media, we can ease our anxiety, stress, and depression, prevent loneliness, provide comfort, boost self-worth, and even increase our life. However, there is a flip side to it. Studies have shown that social media can risk our emotional and mental health.

In today's world, we use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Snapchat to find and connect with other people. And while there are several benefits to it, it is important to understand that social media is not a replacement for real human connections. To trigger hormones that can alleviate stress and feel happy, healthy, and positive, you need to have in-person contact. Ironically, a technology for bringing people closer together can sometimes make people feel isolated and lonely. By spending too much time on social media, you can exacerbate mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Even though social media has been in existence for more than a decade, there isn't much research establishing the long-term consequences of social media use. However, some studies have found a strong link between prolonged use of social media and risk for anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Here is how social media can promote negative experiences and affect your mental health:
  1. Inadequacy about your appearance or life - Most of the images you see on social media are edited. And even though we know that they are manipulated, we can feel insecure about our looks and lifestyle. We know that people are only sharing the highlights and not the low points of their life; we get dissatisfied or envious of their airbrushed photos or new promotion.
  2. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) - This has been around for a long time. With platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the feeling that others have a better life is exacerbated. This idea of missing out can trigger anxiety, impact your self-media, and fuel more social media use. It will force you to pick up your phone frequently and respond to every alert.
  3. Isolation - As mentioned before, using Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat can increase feelings of loneliness. Spending too much time on social media can turn you away from the real world to a point where you prioritize it over your real relationships.
  4. Anxiety and depression - For optimal mental health, you need to have face-to-face contact. Nothing boosts your mood faster and reduces stress more effectively than spending time with someone you are close to. If you prioritize your social media interactions over real relationships, you increase the risk of developing mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
  5. Cyberbullying - With the rise in social media activity, the reports of cyberbullying have increased as well. Teens are the most affected by these offensive comments. Platforms like Twitter are a known hotspot to spread lies, hurtful rumors, and abuse that can lead to lasting emotional scars.
If you are one of those individuals who spend a lot of time on social media and, as a result, are feeling dissatisfied, sad, lonely, and frustrated, it is time that you reexamine your habits and decrease your social media activity. By hiring a local SEO outsourcing company, you can take a break from business social media activities as well.
​There are services available that can help ease your workload and are not expensive. Remember, corporations have departments for different tasks and jobs. Meanwhile, many who work for themselves on social media do most of the work. However, many creatives have taken off some workload by hiring others to help with video editing, marketing, etc. Remember, you can take a break. It is okay to relax and enjoy some freedom. Your mental health will thank you. 

by IC mag Contributors
3 Comments

Why You Need to Socialize Your Way to a Better Mental Health

9/24/2020

0 Comments

 
Today's most controversial generation is Generation Y. Millennials, or Gen-Yers are surrounded by numerous stereotypes. They are financially-burdened, anxious, and unhappy. According to studies, millennials are also mentally unhealthy.
Gen-yers are changing the way we view mental health. They are more open to talking about mental health are looking into different options to resolve their issues. They use their love for technology in seeking professional help. Millennials make use of mental health apps approved by the experts. But if you are a millennial who is serious about improving your mental health, another strategy worth considering is to socialize more.
Online Social Interactions: the Good and the Bad
Millennials would rather socialize online; they are always on their phone and constantly on social media. It is for this very reason that many employers claim Gen-Yers lack important social skills needed in a traditional workplace.

Even if millennials get invited to social gatherings, many would rather skip the occasion. If they indeed show up, you will often find them with their eyes glued to their phones. Some are probably busy on their social media. Others would be busy exploring the gorgeous hotel ballroom looking for the perfect spots to snap photos of themselves for their next post on Instagram.

While the internet allows you to interact with many people at once, it can also be the reason why your mental health is suffering. For one, you can interact with other people without ever leaving your home. Many millennials are used to isolation since they take advantage of the social interactions they can enjoy online. As social creatures, it is natural to crave real social connections and not just a virtual one. In a nutshell, online social interactions will remain to be superficial and can never beat real-life socialization.

How Socializing More in Real Life Helps Boost One's Mental Health
Developing your real-life social skills will help you improve current relationships and form new connections. This can also help you in your job, as most employers still value interpersonal skills. When you become more comfortable socializing in real life, you can form professional connections that can boost your chances of career success.

We generally feel happier after talking and interacting with others. The happier you are, the better you will feel and more confident you will be. Our physical health also improves when we are happy. This is why loved ones of seniors are encouraged to visit and socialize with them more.

Even introverts would say that sometimes, it is nice to talk to people in real life. They may be more comfortable listening and observing in the background. But that does not mean they can't benefit from real social interactions.

When you talk to someone, you get a better understanding of what the person is trying to tell you. You can observe their body language and those visual cues to better communicate. This helps you respond accordingly, form stronger connections, and build better relationships.

The longer you talk to others, the happier you will get. It is important to note that the quality of the conversation also matters. The more in-depth the talk is, the more gratifying the social experience gets.

Socialization also helps promote a sense of purpose. When you can talk to people and touch their lives, you feel useful. You get to enjoy that feeling knowing your presence alone and comforting words are enough to lift other people up. When we know that other people depend on us, this makes us want to stay healthy and available for more conversations.

How Millennials Can Improve Real-Life Interactions
The first step millennials can take to boost real-life interactions is putting your phone down or keeping it on silent mode. Instead of staying indoors after work, choose to go out with your colleagues or have dinner outside with your friends. Avoid turning down people when they invite you to hangout. During your free time, choose to meet a loved one or two, go shopping or explore the city.

When you're running errands, try to smile more. Stop avoiding eye contact. Make it a habit to see connection. When exercising, go out for some fresh air and invite a friend to go jogging with you. You can also try joining a fun run or dedicate your time volunteering. This way, you can meet new people who have the same purpose, making it easier to interact with new friends.
​
Millennials can benefit from forming better social connections in real life. It can help you maintain good relationships with your loved ones and the different people in your industry. It will make you feel happier, more confident, and less stressed. Your mental health will improve and you will feel generally healthier. So, instead of prioritizing online socialization, choose real-life interactions more (or as best you can, given the current pandemic situation). www.bestvenuesnewyork.com/eventtype/event-type

by IC mag Contributors
0 Comments

September is Suicide Prevention Month

9/3/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
​The Suicide Prevention Lifeline has some proven ways that could be useful in helping your loved ones.
 Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.”
While it is not up to us to fully guide others in mental health, it can be helpful to listen and be there when asked. As adults we are all responsible for our health and we must personally take action to help ourselves. That being said, if you fear someone might harm themselves, call the suicide prevention line. They are there to help. 
Suicide is without a doubt a delicate subject, but not an invisible one and the more we talk freely about it, the easier it is for someone having suicide thoughts to speak openly about it. Sometimes the thought itself is simply entertaining and takes us away from our daily struggles or demons. However, when too much thought is given to suicide, it becomes dangerous because the fear of death begins to fade and the thought of life can be more painful. This is why it’s important when someone you love is going through stressful and difficult times, listening and helping out -even if just by getting their favorite food- is important. 
​Some extra info on how to prevent suicide here.
Picture
Source: suicidepreventionlifeline.org
We all yearn for love and to be loved. Share love, and remember life is short. Enjoy with those you love and make memories that are worth remembering. ​​
​Additional Resources: 
MentalHealth.gov
Your Life Your Voice
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Crisis Text Line


​Thank you
​for staying alive.

​The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. " 
*Disclosure: Jessica G Ferrer is not a doctor or a therapist. ​To find a licensed therapist in your area, this might help: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov

Picture


by Jessica G Ferrer
0 Comments

Keeping Your Mental Health in Check During Quarantine

8/19/2020

0 Comments

 
With the pandemic continuing to keep everybody secluded at home, it's natural to feel uneasy. With so much uncertainty abound, it doesn't help that being inside for an extended period can result in some persistent cabin fever. Now more than ever, it's essential to keep your mental health in check and give yourself the proper self-care to get through this time day by day. 

Start by incorporating these into your routine.

  • Find therapy in music
If there ever was a time to get those piano lessons, this is the one. Numerous studies and controls have revealed the significant impact that music has on various mental health issues, from depression to stress and more. Simply listening to music already has positive effects, but there is a known link to the therapeutic effects of actually playing an instrument. You can even go beyond and try to freestyle or create your own music as well, as long as you don't make it a pressure point on yourself.
  • Reach out if you feel alone
Loneliness can be a terrible thing that consumes you if you don't get pulled out of it. Plus, to be left alone with your thoughts is another issue that can compound that. Call up some friends, make sure you still take the time to communicate with a trusted circle and even talk to a therapist if you feel like you need guidance or a listening ear. Even if you may not be able to surround yourself with people yet, simply being able to hang out over the phone or through a video chat can be a world of difference.
  • Get enough exercise
Quarantine has put a wrench in people's routines, and that alone is a big adjustment to deal with. There's a tendency to fall into a sedentary lifestyle, and although you shouldn't pressure yourself to keep it moving each day, it's best to keep exercising regularly. Extended sedentary time has medically been known to make emotional well-being go down and increases the risk for anxiety and depression to develop. It can also lead to sleeping disorders that exacerbate those mental detriments.
  • Pursue your hobbies
Take this time to simply do what you like. Having something fun to fill up the time can be therapeutic and rewarding, and it can make the hours much more bearable. If you can start any projects in line with your hobbies, it can even help you feel accomplished and more motivated.
Don't fall into the trap of thinking things are just a waste of time, as any interest that engages you is a reliable way to spend your time.
  • Dedicate some offline time
With the barrage of bad news and different information on social media, it's okay to want to disconnect now and then. Give yourself some ample time away from the internet and bask in the little things you can enjoy in the "real world." Water some plants, have a snack, or even just lay back and watch some clouds by the window. It's a great way to recharge your social battery and get your mind off of things while keeping your eyes healthy with limited screen time.
​
Try these out yourself to make quarantining a little easier, especially if you're feeling troubled.

by IC mag Contributor
0 Comments

My 'Go-To Smoothie Bowl' Recipe

8/3/2020

2 Comments

 
Picture

English

Waking up to the dry heat of Southern California is nice, but if there's one thing my body craves, it's frozen fruit! To pack everything in one meal, I like to go for my quick smoothie bowl.

Here's a quick guide to my Go-To Smoothie Bowl
  • 2 frozen bananas 
  • 1/4 cup (or more to taste) strawberries 
  • 1/4 cup of oats 
  • Splash of plant milk 
  • Handful of kale and spinach​​

Blend until smooth and serve with toppings of choice. You can even add your liquid supplements too. I like to add Vitamin D and Magnesium. 
​

Keep in mind some blenders take longer than others. Also, remember don’t over blend if you want it creamy. 

Spanish

​Despertar con el calor seco de California no esta mal. Y algo que mi cuerpo siempre pide durante estos calores es fruta congelada. Para tener todos mis ingredientes favoritos y nutritivos en una, me gusta hacer el la "smoothie bowl". Esta batida es fácil, rápida y deliciosa.

Aquí les comparto como preparar mi "Go-To Smoothie Bowl"
  • 2 guineos congelados 
  • 1/4 taza (o más a tu gusto) fresas
  • 1/4 taza de avena 
  • Splash de leche de almendra 
  • Un puñado de espinaca y col rizada (kale)

Mezcla ingredientes en licuadora y sirve con tus toppings favoritos. También le puedes añadir tus vitaminas (en líquido). Yo añado Vitamina D y Magnesio.

Recuerda que algunas licuadoras toman más tiempo que otras. No olvides que si lo mezclas demasiado no será tan cremoso. 

by Jessica G Ferrer
2 Comments

Let's Talk About Anxiety and Beating It

6/16/2020

2 Comments

 
Most of us experience anxiety at some point or another in our lives. In fact, it is very common to experience it routinely, and a lot of people do struggle with that. If you are concerned about your anxiety levels, or you are feeling as though you would like to be done with it once and for all, there are many things you can do to help. It’s important to bear in mind that you should never feel it is out of your control. No matter how bad it is, there are effective ways to manage and control anxiety.

Let’s take a look at how to do this.

Picture
Image Credit - CCO Licence
​Noting It & Naming It
One of the most important things you can do here is to make sure you note anxiety when it arises, and that you name it for what it is. This is essentially a kind of mindfulness which you can bring to your anxiety in order to spot it when it arises as clearly as possible. Doing so is powerful, and it actually works to remove much of anxiety’s power, especially if you normally feel that you are in the grip of it. Note it, name it, and watch what happens to it.
​Pay attention to your body, especially to your breath. Breathe in for three seconds, hold for four, and breathe out for seven seconds. Repeat five times, more if necessary. Also, understand that anxiety is normal and most humans will experience anxiety more than once during their lifetime. ​
Changing What You Put In Your Body
Be aware of what you put in your body. If you are struggling to overcome your anxiety, it might time to look at your nutrition. Believe it or not, nutrition has a lot to do with our mental health. What you eat and otherwise consume is all going to affect how you feel, and how capable you feel in dealing with anxiety, or decisions in general. So make sure you avoid, or minimize your intake of foods known to worsen anxiety, such as caffeine and fried foods.

Some natural supplements found to help are Ashwagandha, 
GABA, and 5HTP, just to name a few. Additionally, some have found that using a tincture such as this one from caduceusscience.com or something similar has also helped some  with anxiety.
Picture
Image Credit - CCO Licence
Staying Grounded
If you sometimes suffer from anxiety attacks or panic attacks, you are going to need to have some methods in place for how to deal with those when they arise. The breathing exercise we mentioned earlier is one of them. Another simple and effective method is to try and stay grounded by calling out five things that you can see, five things that you can touch, and five things that you can hear. Whether or not you can really hear five things is not important - the act of looking out for those stimuli keeps you grounded and stops you going over the edge. Additional information can be found at verywellmind.com.

Sleep & Exercise
Finally, sleeping and exercising more are basic and essential to your mental health, especially when anxiety is at a high. The better you sleep and the more you move around, the more of a chance you have of keeping your anxiety under wraps. Vitamin D is essential for your mental health and spending time outdoors is an effective, simple, and free way to do it. 

Remember, when in doubt take a breath and know that anxiety is normal.

Picture


by Iconic Chica Mag Contributors

2 Comments

Hobbies That Are Great For Your Mental Health

6/5/2020

2 Comments

 
Looking after your mental health is important, as you probably already know, but for some reason, people seem to forget about this when it comes to putting it into practice. It’s easy to talk about staying healthy mentally, but the reality of it is a lot more complicated. However, there is a whole range of hobbies that are great for your mental health, and we’re going to be looking at some of them in this article. 

If you want to know more about what these hobbies are, then keep reading down below where you will find a few of them.

Picture
Pexels Image - CC0 Licence
Sports
The first hobby that we’re going to look at is sports. One of the reasons that sport is so good for your mental health is because it’s good for your physical health. When your body is healthy, your mind is more likely to be healthy because you know that you are looking after yourself. Running around is excellent for keeping fit, and when you start to feel that burn in your legs, your body is going to release adrenaline and endorphins to help you deal with this and keep you going for longer. Endorphins are a natural mood enhancer, which automatically helps you to feel better.

Another reason that sport is so great is that it keeps you mind off any problems you have in your life at that point, even if only for a little while. Sometimes all you need is that one thing that you can do, and it takes everything else away. In those moments, nothing else matters, and that is good for your mental health because it gives you a break from all the stresses that you face every day.

Arts and Crafts
Picture
CC0 Licence - Pic Link
Another hobby that is great for your mental health is arts and crafts. Now, you don’t actually have to be good at either for it to be therapeutic. This gives you a way to express how you’re feeling, or just a way to let everything out that you have been bottling up. You don’t even have to create anything specific, just whatever you are feeling at the time. You have seen art, so you know that some pieces don’t actually look like anything, but they are expressions of what the artist felt when they painted them. It’s just something to get all your thoughts out that you can’t express words for, and it’s a great feeling when you’re done.

Gardening
You could also look at gardening if you’re looking for a new hobby. For some reason, gardening has a bit of a reputation for being for older people, but that’s simply because it is so calm and relaxing. It doesn’t take anything that is taxing physically unless you are going to be doing a whole renovation in a short time frame. Things like planting flowers, tending to weeds, maybe even having a vegetable patch are also simple gardening activities, but they can be a lot of fun. It’s nice to see something beautiful that you have created once you’re finished, and then you get to tend to it.

There are a number of new things that you can add to the space to make it look as good as possible. For example, you could add garden rocks, a path, maybe a pond, flowers, and so on. So many opportunities and different ideas for you to take into consideration, so if it’s something mellow you’re looking for, this could certainly be it.

Blogging
Picture
Credit Link - CC0 Licence
The next thing that we’re going to look at is blogging. This is another way that you can talk about how you’re feeling and nobody has to know it’s you. Your blog can be anonymous for readers, or you could even set it to private if you’re worried that someone is going to recognize something about your life. It’s entirely up to, but it’s like the online version of writing in a journal. It’s personal, you don’t have to tailor what you say, and it can feel really good to get all those thoughts and feelings out of your head. 

The good thing about this hobby is that it’s just something that you can do as and when you have time. It’s not as if you have to stick to a certain schedule, and you don’t even have to write something every day if you have nothing to say. It’s yours to do with as you please, and there are no restraints or limitations on it.

Reading
If you’re looking for an escape into a new world, then reading is an excellent way to do this. Pick up a book and get lost in the pages for hours as a way to calm down, or simply relax from the day that you have had. There are so many books available that you are never going to run out of things to read, which is one of the best parts of it. The different types of books that you can read, some funny, some romantic but there is always going to be something for you to discover in those pages.

Reading is excellent for your mental health because it keeps your brain active, and it helps you slip somewhere else for a little while. 

Music​
Picture
Image Location - CC0 Licence
Finally, music might be just what you’re looking for. Whether you are listening or creating, it can be a great way to hear your feelings without having to say them out loud. Music is soothing, calming, but it’s also like a therapy to you. When you hear the words and know that you’re not alone in how you’re feeling, or you simply feel the music, and it boosts your mood, it’s like nothing else in the world. That’s why so many people turn to music when they feel like they can’t turn anywhere else.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now know some of the hobbies that are great for your mental health. Try some out and see what’s good for you.

Picture


by Iconic Chica Mag Contributors

2 Comments

Simple Ways To Improve Your Mental Health

5/6/2020

1 Comment

 
Everybody needs to think about their mental health to some degree. Even if you are mostly happy, you will still find there are challenges that arise that might indicate some ways in which you need to look at how you think about your own mind. Most of us will run into some crisis at some point or another, and it’s good if at that time you actually have the necessary tools to deal with it. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the simple ways to help improve your mental health, so that you can live a much happier and healthier life.
Picture
Image - CCO Licence
Take Care Of The Body
The mind and body are really two sides of the same coin, and as long as you are looking after one you are probably also looking after the other. So if you want to take care of your mental health, one way to do so would be to take care of your physical health first. If you aren’t already, consider starting up a physical exercise regime which you can follow and get fit by, and make sure that you are eating a healthy diet. You will find that these things are really going to make a huge difference to your mental health in no time.

Consider Alternative Treatments
There are a range of treatments which you might want to try if you are going to make sure that you are keeping your mental health as strong as possible. Some of these are pretty straightforward and unlikely to cause you any harm, and those are the ones to go for. Taking CBD oil under the tongue thrice daily is one that a lot of people are doing at the moment, and it looks as though a lot of people are reporting lower anxiety and eased depression as a result of it. You might want to look into something like that - but be sure to look up the differences between hemp oil vs CBD oil, as they are not the same thing!
Picture
Image - CCO Licence
Be More Mindful
No matter what it is that goes through your mind all day, you are going to be in a better position to deal with it if you are first completely clear and honest about what it is. Only by being aware of what your mind does all day can you really get to the bottom of your own mental health, so this is something to be aware of too. This essentially just means that you need to be more mindful as you go about your daily life, a practice which many people follow and which can make a huge difference to your life in no time, especially your mental health.

Manage Stress
If you allow stress to linger, it has an unwanted effect on your body and mind, so make sure that you are managing stress as best as you can if you want to look after your mind properly. It is always better to process stress rather than leave it to fester.

Picture


by Iconic Chica Mag Contributors

1 Comment

Ending Stigma on Mental Health Amid Growing Suicide Rate in Teens

4/27/2020

5 Comments

 
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It's also the second leading cause of death in the world among people ages 15 to 24. Depression, anxiety, and​​ other mental
Picture
health disorders are becoming more common, and unfortunately so is suicide.
​
​According to the American Psychological Association (APA), suicide rates increased 
by 50% among girls and women between 2000 and 2016 and 21% among boys and men. 

​A recent article from Time Magazine points out, 'depression among teens in the U.S., particularly with girls has jumped 37% in the last decade'. In the article, mental health professionals mention the overuse of technology and social media as a possible culprit. ​​

Knowing this, where do we go from there?

This information creates awareness for mental/brain health disorders. But we also need solutions that aid our teens and young adults, especially in the unfiltered modern world we live in.

​Suicide rates have been growing way before COVID-19 and yet the stigma is still very much alive. A lot of us are creating mental health awareness content and developing material we hope most find helpful and comfort in. Unfortunately, many also don't have the platform a well-known artist does. However, few celebrities like Glen Close with BC2M (Bring Change to Mind) and Jameela Jamil with I Weigh are ones that are not only shining a light on the issue, they're acting on it. But truth is, they can't do it alone. We need more people with a platform to help end the stigma and offer a way out of the darkness many humans are experiencing, including but not limited to teens and young adults.
This is where Mary Albertoli comes in. She's here to contribute and work against the stigma by facilitating the conversations we need to have in an open platform. A clinical social worker who has worked with children and adolescents for 11 years, in both individual and group settings with depression, PTSD, and suicidal and homicidal ideation. Albertoli, who has a Master's degree in social work from Columbia University, understands that it is only through effective conversations about ourselves and with each other that real growth and change takes place. 
"There's so much stigma around mental health, but the truth is not one of us is alone in struggling with something"
Picture

Enough
​         is Enough

After being deeply affected by a headline about a 9-year-old girl's suicide, she thought "enough is enough. When did suicide become an option for young people?" That's when Albertoli started developing the idea for a docu-series called The Shift. She knew this was primarily due to a lack of dialogue about mental health. Young people were failing to bring language to their emotions and traumatic experiences and were often left to deal with haunting mental health issues alone.  

​Albertoli has partnered with Co-Creators and Producers, Nadia Sarmova and Maureen Isern. 
​"Our goal is to provide a relatable and even fun format for young people to engage in discussions they might otherwise avoid, often because of not knowing how to begin," says Isern. Maureen Isern is a social impact strategist, brand manager, and seasoned digital content producer with a 20-year track record working across new categories and start-up environments. 

​She started MOPED Productions in 2007 to leverage online storytelling that drove action for leading digital platforms, foundations, institutions, and brands. 
 
As Co-Creator of The Shift, Mo is committed to authenticity and making a difference through story-rich experiences that delight, inform, and move people. Mo has helped clients earn People's #TellyAward, Emmy, Webby, and past White House recognition, nominations, and awards. She's currently developing content around anxiety, childhood trauma, and end-of-life care to create conversations that empower others in their healing journey. 
Picture
Maureen Isern

Nadia Sarmova has worked in the entertainment industry for over thirteen years. She has worked on various productions as a Writer and Assistant Director. Nadia is best known as a filmmaker with heart, highlighting controversial stories and marginalized people who are often forgotten. 
 
Nadia's past feature film credits include Foreign Letters, The Investigator, 23 Blast, Russian American, and Netflix's Like Father, just to name a few. Nadia is the Founder & Chief Impact Producer at Beam-In Studios with an upcoming scripted mini-series inspired by the grimy sewers and glittering palaces of international human trafficking.  
Picture
Nadia Sarmova

​The first to join the creators of The Shift was the USC Media Institute for Social Change at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. USCMISC will produce facets of the pilot episode, which will provide insight into recent student experiences with anxiety and depression, the first of many subjects to be addressed by the docu-series. 
Social workers are advocates, community developers, and human rights activists. Albertoli is one of them. Her 'mission is not to diagnose, but to open the door to candid conversations'. What many social workers do is fight for oppressed communities and marginalized individuals, often forgotten about by society.

We hope The Shift does exactly that, create conversations and make it easier for adolescents, young adults, and adults over 30 to fully articulate their emotions and ask for help. But let's ask her some questions and get her perspective on the topic. 

Q & A with Mary ​Albertoli

IC: Have you had your own experiences with Mental Health?
MA: Yes, of course, I believe we all do. As a teen and young adult, I suffered from severe anxiety and depression and I was attempting to self-medicate my suffering with alcohol. Of course, my methods were ineffective, so I sought out other treatments from talk therapy to hypnosis.

IC: Working as a social worker for 11 years, how has that influenced you and affected you personally, for good or bad? 
MA. The biggest gift that my 12 years as a clinical social worker gave to me was the ability to be in pursuit of my own mental alignment. Whether it was talk therapy, group therapy, AA, hypnosis, chakra healing, personal development programs. I have been on a life-long pursuit to see what would help me be with and better understand the emotional pain I sometimes experience. 

  
IC: What are some practices you've adopted that have helped you and/or others work through mental health experiences/issues?  
MA: The creation of a safe space where stigma and judgment are not present has often led to open and authentic dialogue. Once the dialogue begins, I am sure many others can identify with some aspect of what is being shared which causes others not to feel so alone.

Let's talk about your project, The Shift.

IC: What was your inspiration behind this idea? What are you hoping to achieve with this docu-series?
MA: I remember reading the headline that a 9-year-old had hung herself in her bedroom with a rope because she had endured years of horrific racial bullying. I felt physically ill. Through research, I discovered that many very young kids were losing their lives to suicide. In fact, suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals between the ages 15-24. I believe that something needs to be done on a large scale to help these young people. 

What I observed in my practice was that being able to talk about what was going on emotionally without fear of being judged or shamed was critical to beginning the journey to better emotional health. My vision for The Shift was to create a platform where effective peer to peer conversations about mental health struggles can take place. Participants in these conversations will learn they’re not alone and that there’s nothing shameful about emotional and mental health struggles. 
​

I believe everyone working on The Shift is hoping to achieve a combination of things and the main one would be to impart this message-Everything starts in conversation-You are not alone and you are not broken!

IC: You’ve partnered up with Nadia Sarmova and Maureen Isern. How did that collaboration begin?
MA: I have been so blessed to have both Maureen and Nadia as Co-Creator and Producers on The Shift. Their commitment has been unwavering. I presented the idea of the show to Maureen first who saw the need and potential to reach and help this struggling population. Shortly after, Nadia joined the team and quickly saw the vision of The Shift. It's been an honor to work with them for the last two years.


IC: In addition to social workers, will other mental health experts like psychologists, psychiatrists, CBT practitioners be involved? If so, how? 
MA: Our goal is to have experts on the show to guide and support the conversations on the show. However, we do not want to provide answers. We want to stop the stigma and start the difficult conversations that this population has been struggling with on a daily basis.
IC: Will you talk about or discuss brain scans?
MA: No, our topics will primarily focus on specific mental health issues that this population has faced from depression and anxiety to school shootings, peer bullying, social media, cutting, coronavirus. Different methodologies for diagnosing and treating will be discussed and possibly explored as well, but our focus is on how conversations can make a difference and lead to getting the help most needed. 

  
IC: Understanding that a lot of homeless are struggling with their mental health because of their situation and trauma, and many are also homeless as the result of mental health issues, will topics about this matter also be addressed? 
MA: Certainly, homelessness can be the direct result of a mental health issue. It may be one topic that we address on the show.
 
IC: We know COVID-19 has affected everything, but I’ll ask anyway...When will The Shift go into production?
MA: We’re going through some shifts for sure in our own production plan. We’re exploring the best new ways to develop content differently - including some video calls and online events which we’ll be announcing as they get solidified -- And we aim to be going into on-the-ground production this Fall.

IC: Any other details you can give us about the docu-series? 
MA: We will be launching our updated website,  www.shifttheshow.com on May 1st, 2020.  And you can follow us on Instagram @shifttheshowofficial and on Facebook at  @theShiftshowofficial.
 
IC: When talking about mental health in videos and content creation, do you think there's a "right way" in using the form of self-expression through art? 
MA: I believe the best way to express yourself is authentically.


IC: The stigma is real and there are still adults over 30 who don’t work through their trauma and mental health disorders. Will there be content specific to older generations? 
MA: Our hope and goal is to reach the parents and other members of the community through the conversations that take place on the show.
 
IC: Is there a difference in helping or facilitating the conversation for an adult over 30 vs a teenager?               
MA: From my experience, facilitating a conversation comes from creating a safe space where others can show up any way they truly are and without the fear of  judgment or shame. I believe this works for anyone at any age.

IC: As listeners and witnesses of mental health, how can we as a society help? 
MA: Becoming more aware of your own stigmas regarding mental health and exploring them to see what's in the way of letting them go. We can also let others know that they are not alone in what they are dealing with and by acknowledging their bravery for opening up.
 
IC: Any thoughts about our current situation, COVID-19 and how we can cope and work together to survive mentally, and as a result, physically during this time? 
MA: We can be generous to ourselves and each other by providing a space and time to share what we are experiencing.  If you’re feeling down, reach out to friends or family members or support groups. We also encourage the use of the Crisis Text Line, text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.


IC: What are some ways parents can facilitate the conversation with their children about mental health? Is there a right question? 
MA: 
There are no right questions. However, having mental wellness checks, where a parent can simply have their children share what’s there for them emotionally would be great.

Final Question...

IC: What are you grateful for today?
MA: I am grateful for the amazing people in my life that I can authentically communicate with, my health and, the amazing team on The Shift.

If you are in emotional distress or experiencing thoughts of harm to yourself or others, help is available 24/7. 
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) Spanish & English; Deaf & Hard of Hearing TTY 800-799-4889
Text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor
If you need mental health treatment but cannot afford it, contact Rise Above The Disorder, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to making mental health care accessible to everyone: YouAreRAD.org ​

Picture


by Jessica G Ferrer
​connect on social media: @jessicagferrer
Connect with Iconic Chica on social media
5 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    August 2019
    July 2017
    June 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    August 2016
    July 2016
    February 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    March 2014

    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
    Submit a Story
ICONIC CHICA mag © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved. 
Photos used under Creative Commons from michaeljoakes, Brett Jordan, adarrell37
  • Cover
  • Life & Style
  • Mental Health
  • TV & Movies
  • Giveaways
  • Contact