I was speaking with someone and the person said the following, "I don't want anyone to know what I'm going through because I'm embarrassed that I allowed it to happen and I don't want anyone to see my scars." Although we may not utter these exact words, I do believe some of us relate to this experience. We are ashamed of the formation of scars resulting from living in a fallen world filled with imperfect and wounded people. Instead of feeling whole, we feel broken and fragmented wondering how we will be put back together again. Many of us experience what one writer coined as "uninvited brokenness." www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

July has been designated as BIPOC Mental Health Awareness month. The pervasiveness of racism and many other "isms" adversely affect the mental health of this group. Research shows that intergenerational and historical trauma, racial oppression leads to specific mental health needs. However, due to barriers such as health inequities, socio-economic disparities, stigma, and lack of cultural competency by some providers, they often do not receive the assistance needed to address and effectively manage such mental health issues.

The causes of stagnation are pervasive and the consequences may last for a long period of time. Stagnation has such consequences as cognitive and physical decline, discontent, and a lack of quality interpersonal relationships. The cost of stagnation may far outweigh the discomfort induced by change and trying something new. There are also some strategies to may assist in decreasing stagnation. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com