Michelle and Kendra continue the conversation: coping with anxiety in the heat of the moment; how consistency is one of the most transformational tools for good mental health; and Kendra talks about her spirituality and what it means to live free with the mental health challenges she so bravely overcomes.

Kendra Ferris shares her self-made formula, SERAS from her experiences of managing anxiety and depression; we share some hard learned tips about what it takes to prevent burnout in the workplace; and discuss a challenging strategy, one that can provide some freedom from the perils of mental illness—releasing control!

Holistic nutritionist and owner of Good Health Naturally Oakridge¬, Jessica Procter and I, discuss how eating habits and nutrition relate to our mental and spiritual health; supplements that help manage anxiety and depression; how being kind to yourself is the single most important thing you can do while learning to incorporate nutrition into your mental health practice; the “annoyingly positive” attitude necessary to run your own business; and finding freedom in it all.

In part two, Michelle and her sisters discuss how they find meaning and purpose today, becoming less legalistic and trusting your spirit, taking root in the challenges of life, how breath sees you through the most overwhelming and painful parts of life, and we explore the big question, “Is freedom attainable?”

From fear to knowledge and freedom! Sisters talk about experiencing mental illness in the family, reclaiming mental health, mental illness from generation to generation, and how breath will always see you through the painful parts of life.

Nikki Tempelman served as a worship leader in her church for several years. She graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts. She sings, plays the piano, acoustic guitar, and the trumpet. One day, Nikki was asked to choose between her faith and her sexuality.

Michelle goes back over twenty years to share her fight with anxiety, depression, and later, a diagnosis that changed the trajectory of her life, igniting a passion for a career in mental health care. But, all of this was not possible without the fierce advocacy of this week’s special guest, Michelle’s mother, Shelley-Ann John. Amid uncertainty and using her education as a behavioural therapist at the time, Shelley-Ann enlisted the help of co-workers, high school personnel, family, and her faith in God to give her child the best chance of braving this storm.

Welcome to “This is Freedom!” A podcast where we talk about mental health, spirituality, and finding freedom in our lives. In this episode, I talk about what we are seeking freedom from, how this channel will explore the mental health experiences of the African, Black, Caribbean diaspora, and discuss the broader challenges we face as humanity, how we overcome, and find freedom in our lives. I share my faith, what’s coming up on the podcast, and even sing a cover of “Shall not want” by Chandler Moore, Elevation Worship, and Maverick City. Join in!