This episode, we’re diving deep into Doechi’s “Denial Is a River”—because let’s be real, we all know we have denied some stuff. We’ll unpack the layers of denial, avoidance, grief, and self-reflection woven into the song while connecting it to mental health and black culture. Expect honest conversation, cultural context, and maybe even a few laughs as we explore what happens when the river of denial runs through our relationships, our self-worth, and our healing journeys. As usual, two licensed therapists gab, educate, and tell the truth about everything at the intersection of Black culture and mental health.

Time stamps:

00:00 intro

03:42 when you try to get rid of a part of you

06:10 why numbing, avoiding, and distracting from your feelings is only a temporary fix

10:05 self-reflection is a skill you can build (Trauma can make self-reflection hard)

19:15 different skills for different parts of life (surviving is not thriving)

22:30 Why you can never run from yourself

Videos mentioned:

Doechii’s breakdown of her lyrics: https://share.google/o0jaVYymHe0CYwY2W

Waiting to Exhale: Waiting to Exhale Pt.1: Savannah and Parent Expectations

How To Die Alone: https://youtube.com/live/oY4_YOMbkrE

Podcasts versions are at:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-dope/id1673538196

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DiRPvXY1ua6ftLg5FR98Q?si=aa3601b4b9ca490f

Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2a85c229-4bd8-4526-a65d-66b453998bce/mentally-dope

Mental health x Black culture

#Blackculture #Traumasurvivor #ptsd #mentalhealth #therapy #blacktherapist #blackyoutube #blackpodcast #blackmovies #blackwoman #blackwomenoftiktok #blackwomenshealth #blackwomenpodcasts #doechii #denialisariver #music #ifstherapist #addictionsurvivor #sobriety

Podcasts for women

mental health podcast

podcast for black women

Doechi

Is Denial is a River a true story in Doechii

Who is the other voice in Denial is a River

What is emotional avoidance

What does it mean to avoid your feelings

Is emotional numbness a trauma response

Why do I distract myself from my feelings

Is self-reflection good or bad

Why is mindfulness hard for trauma survivors