As the back-to-school season rolls in, some of us may feel a familiar tug of nostalgia. In this episode, Dr. NaKaisha explores how revisiting back to school memories can actually boost mental health. From the emotional warmth of childhood routines to the bittersweet reflection on growth, nostalgia is not just sentimental, but, it can also be therapeutic. Learn how remembering can spark resilience, foster optimism, and even inspire positive change, even through the challenges going back to school may bring for some. Whether you are a parent prepping lunchboxes, a student stepping into new beginnings, or someone who simply loves the rhythm of back to school season, this episode invites you to embrace the past as a tool for healing and forward motion.

Life after a significant loss or transition, whether it is through grief, divorce, job loss, relocation, new parenthood, or shifting relationships, can mark the beginning of a “year of firsts.” The first holiday alone, the first new job interview, the first sleepless night with a newborn, or the first silence where laughter once lived, can be quietly shattering, often steeped in loneliness, emotional baggage, and a lingering sense of isolation. Research reveals that over 60% of individuals experiencing major life transitions report moderate to severe emotional distress in the first year (American Psychological Association, 2023).

Join Dr. NaKaisha, this Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, to explore the emotional terrain of that first year, illuminating pathways toward healing through support systems, therapeutic practices, community connection, and intentional coping strategies. This episode will offer insight into how individuals can honor their vulnerability while rebuilding purpose, identity, and connection.

As poet David Whyte writes, “Grief can be the form of hope that has lost its way.”

The journey through a year of firsts is not simply survival, it is a defined recalibration of what it means to belong, to evolve, and to heal forward.

To Our Listeners

The content shared on My Feelings Over Tea Podcast is intended for informational and reflective purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your licensed therapist, counselor, physician, or other qualified mental health professional with any questions regarding your emotional wellness or health concerns.

If you are experiencing a crisis or require urgent care, please contact your local emergency services or mental health helpline. Your healing matters!

Society often tells men to be strong, to hold it together, to push through pain in silence. But true strength lies in vulnerability. In honor of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re breaking down the barriers that keep men from seeking help, building support systems, and embracing the healing they deserve.

Join Dr. NaKaisha for a powerful conversation with Tony Lynch, Founder of the Global Grief Network, as we unpack the stigma surrounding male grief and explore how stress, addictions, and expectations shape the way men show up in their pain. Grief does not equate to weakness. It is a true testament to love, loss, and the courage to heal.

Let’s shift the narrative. Let’s talk. Let's support one another. Let's reduce loneliness and isolation. Let’s heal—together.

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and discussion purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional therapy, counseling, or medical advice. If you are in need of support, please seek guidance from a qualified mental health professional in your area.