Ep 19. Decolonize Your Health
Are all the doctor’s telling you that the labs don’t show anything so the pain is in your head? Guest and Head Witch of Crystal Case Apothecary, Lynsi Stevens (she/her) joins Renae to discuss Lynsi’s five year journey of decolonizing her health, chronic health stigmas, and her drive to help others balance their medical needs with their spiritual and creative life.
Decolonizing Health Care for Everyone
Let's chat about this cool thing called decolonizing healthcare. It's not just a fancy term – it's about making mental health spaces more relatable, inclusive, and spicy for all of us, especially those in the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
So, what's the deal? Decolonizing healthcare recognizes that our mental health is intertwined with historical and cultural stuff. For LGBTQ+ individuals, add the layer of being BIPOC, and you've got a rich tapestry of experiences. It's about acknowledging that history has left its mark and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and heard.
First up, let's tweak the language. No more confusing jargon. We're switching to terms that speak to the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. It's about creating a vibe where we can talk about mental health without feeling like we're playing a guessing game with words.
Now, trauma – it's a big one. Many of us, especially in the BIPOC LGBTQ+ community, carry intergenerational baggage linked to colonization and oppression. Decolonizing healthcare is about saying, "Hey, I get it. Your experiences are unique, and we're here to unpack that baggage together."
Talking power dynamics, therapy can sometimes feel like the therapist holds all the cards.
Time to shake things up. We're becoming collaborators in this journey. Therapist and client, working together like superheroes, making decisions together, and giving you the reins in your own healing process.
But hey, us therapists need to keep learning. It's like staying updated on the ever-evolving rainbow of LGBTQ+ identities and understanding the unique challenges faced by the BIPOC community. It's keeping our mental health toolkit sharp for whatever comes our way.
In a nutshell, decolonizing healthcare in LGBTQ+ and BIPOC mental health is about shaking things up, making it accessible, relatable, and spicy.
It's not just a trend – it's a commitment to creating mental health spaces where every LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individual feels seen, heard, and supported. Because mental health isn't one-size-fits-all; it's a flavorful, unique experience for everyone. Let's make it happen!
Guest Bio: Lynsi Stevens is the Head Witch of Crystal Case Apothecary, a wellness company that promotes a culture of magic, acceptance, and inclusivity for medication takers. I’m dedicated to advocating for those struggling with chronic, mental, and invisible illnesses, and expanding the lens of wellness to incorporate spirituality. As a survivor of racism-based trauma, I understand the importance of creating safe spaces for marginalized individuals to explore their interests and discover spiritual wellbeing. Through my work at Crystal Case Apothecary, I’m committed to providing creatives with the tools they need to seamlessly integrate their prescription into their daily lives, and advocate for themselves in the medical system, while also infusing joy and gentle guidance into the process.
To find more from Lynsi and Crystal Case Apothecary you can find her online at
https://www.instagram.com/crystalcaseapothecary/?hl=en
Content warning: discussion of police violence, physical pain, and medical neglect
Book recommendations for this episode:
For Indigenous Eyes Only: A Decolonization Handbook (School of American Research Native America) by Michael Yellow Bird and Waziyatawin Angela Wilson
Grieving While Black: An Antiracist Take on Oppression and Sorrow by Breeshia Wade
Decolonizing Trauma Work: Indigenous Stories and Strategies by Renee Linklater