Over the next few weeks Above Water will be taking a deeper dive into how the COVID 19 pandemic has effected various aspects of society, particularly those that African-Americans rely on heavily. This first segment features Shivonne Odom, LCPC, LPC. She is one of the nation’s leading Maternal Mental Health experts. Shivonne joins the show to discuss the current state of the mental health world, and how its been effected by COVID—19. We also get into a discussion about the mental health stigma in the African American community, and how we should not be ashamed to put our mental health first. Shivonne also provides a roadmap for when to engage with a mental expert (mental health warning signs), and how to engage with a mental health expert during this time of social distancing. Lastly, for those essential workers consistently putting their health on the line stressing out, as well as those that are at home cooped up feeling stressed out and dealing with anxiety (applies to most of us) everyday, Shivonne provides some tips on what people can do to reduce their stress levels at home. Rate 5 stars, Review, and Subscribe. Twitter: @h_harris30, @AkomaCounseling