UnspoKEN

Today we discussed the misconceptions surrounding youth homelessness and how people can get more involved in making a change. In speaking with someone who works directly with the youth, we break down a lot of stereotypes and effective ways to help and make a difference both big and small. 

The main cause of teen homelessness is physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse from parents or guardians. Here’s a closer look at the numbers:

• 46% reported being physically abused
• 38% reported being emotionally abused
• 17% reported being forced into unwanted sexual activity

Adolescents aging out of foster care are also at extreme risk of homelessness with around 50% becoming homeless within 6 months of leaving. This is largely due to a lack of education, social and financial support. They are often ill-prepared to live independently.

The numbers paint a sad story. Homelessness is taking a heavy toll of America’s youth who are at a much higher risk of physical abuse, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, mental health issues, and death. In America today, over 20,000 kids are forced into prostitution every year, and 5,000 unaccompanied youth die as a result of assault, illness, or suicide.

https://mendculture.org - Click the link here to get more involved!

Todays episode we dive into past experiences & how we use those experiences to shape who we are today. From past trauma, too bad decision making, we use that as fuel to drive us toward an  authentic goal. 

We strive to create genuine content that makes us happy and we discuss why everyone should have that same mindset speaking from personal experience.

Today Peter and I had a long talk about how we as men can elevate mentally and physically. 

Self care is an important piece that a lot of men deem "feminine" but in reality it creates a peaceful mindset in life. Its foundational to take care of yourself in all aspects of life despite what a societal construct has told you. 

Be yourself but work on yourself at the same time. Don't try to be someone else while the real you is under construction. 

Discussing the difference between masculine and feminine energy and why men and women possess BOTH.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline:  800-273-8255    

Find a African American Therapist:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/th...  

Follow the socials: IG: @Unspoken.pod

Sometimes sudden and traumatic changes in life can drastically change a person for good or bad. In my case, it turned me into a depressed and sad person and the only way out of that state was for me to be vulnerable to the people around me. Wasn't an easy road but I've manage to become a lot more driven and determined through this process.

I appreciate all the love and support through this process and hope this story of how I managed to cope and what I dealt with inspires the next to challenge life head on.

I'm okay with being imperfect and have accepted that not everyone will like or love you but you have to like and love yourself. Sometimes we create our individual forms of anxiety out of fear or humiliation and often times it can be hard to overcome but it can be conquered! 

Experiencing life and your purpose will come to you!

Breakups happen everyday, whether that's losing a friend, a family member or breaking up with a ex. Dealing with those issues instead of letting them harbor in the back of your mind is very important. Remember, your past does not define your future.

Values - We have been taught that double standards exist for a reason to protect one over the other when in reality we should be seeking to protect everyone equally. Teaching the youth and those around us that we should respect ourselves and those who have earned our respect. We should create a environment of valuing our fellow neighbor, as well as valuing ourselves. 

Check On Your Friends - Unfortunately I came across a very sad situation that involved a young lady taking her own life and leaving a message behind on social media. Condolences to her family and friends for such a tragic loss and this can serve as a lesson for many, just because we appear okay, doesn't mean we are. And I say "we" because I face mental struggles all the time and go through many things on the daily. Check on everyone around you, no matter how strong they appear to be and do not accept simple answers. Not everything on earth is preventable but we can try and we can be proactive in taking the time to create a space that the people around us can feel comfortable in speaking up and asking for help. 

National Suicide Prevention Hotline:

800-273-8255

Find a African American Therapist:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/african-american

Sometimes we can get confused on what being weak versus what being vulnerable looks like. Often times we think of being vulnerable as being less than the next person and we as men think women won't love or respect that. It's ok to be sad in front of your family or friends or partner... In every style of relationship, emotional communication should always be 50/50, if your mother or brother or friend or spouse can come cry to you, you should be able to do the same. #ProtectYourMental

There were a ton of topics discussed in this episode but I'm very happy to have my friend Taylor to offer a women's perspective on the family struggles and how they impact women as well as relationships and how us as men can help find a balance to healthy communication with our partner. We also want to teach the next generation to challenge us! Correct us and in turn we'll help build a bridge between parent and child for a more healthier relationship and get away from that "don't talk back" mentality. 

There was a ton of substance provided in this conversation and I hope you guys enjoy! Incase you don't make it to the end, here is Taylor's Instagram: @adoretaylorr . Give her a follow, she's a model, motivational speaker and influencer!

The best way to help a person who may be going a mental downside, is how we respond to them. Sometimes people want to feel important rather than being told they are & we all should value the mental health of our friends, family or even strangers. It's very important that we see everyone through the same lens when it comes to mental health, anyone on earth can go through any form of depression or mental illness. Love the people around you and show compassion to the strangers you encounter.

Too often we get caught in wanting so many things from people but never want to do the work on teaching them how to provide those things. We can never teach them if we ourselves, don't know. Always remember to carry forgiveness in your heart, we're all human and the same way you can make mistakes that affect other people, those same people can make those same mistakes that end up affecting you. Empathy is a hard thing to achieve but can be done by allowing yourself to move past something hurtful.

I'm going to try to push out episodes more consistently and with more variety. Currently we have a episode planned around HBCU and black history month. Black men working in the tech industry and black men in the music industry. All those come with a specific guest so stay tuned Kenfolk!

All to often we can get caught in what see on social media and wanted to achieve the very same dream as someone else while skipping over our own struggles and journey. We are all individuals and our path should be unique and never an imitation of someone else's. Live your truth in reality.

Sorry for the short episode, I'm sick right now! But today we talk about taking on new paths and how putting yourself first is very important!

A small intro in the mental perspective of myself.