Summary

In this special episode for Foster Care Awareness Month, Brandon and Dustin speak with the author of The Black Foster Youth Handbook, speaker and holistic health coach, Angela Quijada-Banks. Angela shares her insights on preventing and recovering from burnout, emphasizing the need for self-care, setting boundaries, and nurturing personal relationships. She also discusses her books, including the Black Foster Youth Handbook and the I Am Success Workbook, which focus on empowering and supporting foster youth. The conversation highlights the importance of mental health and self-reflection in finding fulfillment and purpose. The conversation covers topics such as the need for additional mental health awareness month for minorities, the impact of social media on mental health, the barriers to seeking mental health support in minority communities, the importance of safe and trusted adults for foster youth, and the challenges of self-sabotage and burnout.

Takeaways

• Avoid burnout by prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and nurturing personal relationships.
• Slowing down and finding balance is essential for overall well-being and fulfillment.
• Family and relationships play a significant role in providing support and a sense of belonging.
• Societal pressures to constantly achieve and progress can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout.
• Empowering and supporting foster youth is crucial for their success and well-being.
• Taking care of mental health and engaging in self-reflection are key to finding purpose and fulfillment.
• The uptick of social media has caused increased anxiety, especially among African Americans who may not believe in mental health.
• Barriers to seeking mental health support in minority communities include cultural beliefs and lack of access to resources.
• Safe and trusted adults play a crucial role in the lives of foster youth, providing support and guidance.
• Self-sabotage and burnout are common challenges, and it is important to prioritize self-care and set boundaries to avoid these pitfalls.

Sound Bites

"There's no rush. We are in a race against ourselves."

"What really matters? What really matters to us? And our family really matters to us."

"Rest, sleep, and take care of your health. These are the foundations to prevent burnout."

"I'm going to be more so a shell of myself because that's safer."

"We don't believe that mental health exists either."

"You're being selfish. Just get to work like everybody else."

BUY The Black Foster Youth Handbook

BUY I Am Success Workbook

Angela's Linktree