Women In Wellness: Dr Jasmine Reed On The Five Lifestyle Tweaks That Will Help Support People’s Journey Towards Better Wellbeing

Establishing Ubuntu was an ambitious endeavor, and at times, the journey felt isolating. I wish I knew the importance of building a strong support system from the start. Connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and like-minded individuals provided invaluable guidance and encouragement. Sharing experiences and lessons learned made the entrepreneurial path less solitary and more enriching.

Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Jasmine Reed.

Dr. Jasmine Reed has been a longtime proponent of advocacy work for communities of color for over 10 years. She is a licensed psychologist and professor with a wide breadth of experience in mental health services. On a mission to provide underrepresented communities of color quality mental health services, Dr. Reed launched Ubuntu Psychological Services in 2020 to service these communities with clinicians that look like them.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?

Early in life, there was a lot of pressure for me to succeed. I came from a single-family home and was primarily raised by my maternal grandparents who were great role models for achievement and success. Growing up in Los Angeles offered many benefits and beautiful experiences, but I also got a glimpse into what my life could be. I witnessed the impact of addiction, mental illness, incarceration, and so much more within my community. Through it all, my grandparents often encouraged me to attend church as a way to cope with the hard times. It was within this lens I was able to see what it meant to function and grow within an underrepresented community that had inadequate mental health services available to them. This inspired me to explore the collaboration between faith and mental health.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?

I think the most interesting antidote that has happened since beginning my company has been the amount of people who I have worked with that are unaware that mental health is something that needs to be worked on. Similar to how one needs to keep up with their physical health using the traditional medical model of services, mental health is something that needs to be maintained through regular intervals of intervention. After working with myself/other clinicians within my network and seeing progress, those who initially had a negative perception about the mental health field have made tremendous strides in not only wanting to see others receive services but have expanded their openness to receiving services themselves.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

The most interesting and valuable thing that has occurred in the course of my career is recognizing that giving people free products is not always beneficial. One thing I’ve come to learn is that people have an invested interest in brands, products, or services, even if they have to pay for services. Having some sort of buy-in creates an incentive and motivation to see it through.

Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?

In my work at Ubuntu Psychological Services, our focus on providing mental health services to underrepresented communities of color is making a significant impact on health and wellness. By offering culturally competent therapy and support, we are addressing the mental health disparities that exist within marginalized populations.

Our approach is not only about providing individual therapy but also about creating a supportive community where individuals feel understood and empowered to prioritize their mental health. We strive to destigmatize seeking help for mental health concerns and provide resources and education to promote emotional well-being.

Additionally, by advocating for systemic change and addressing the social determinants of mental health, we are working towards creating a more equitable healthcare system where everyone has access to the support they need.

Overall, our work is contributing to a broader movement towards health equity and social justice, where mental health is recognized as a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. Through our efforts, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities, helping to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?

1 . Foster Emotional Awareness: Developing emotional awareness involves acknowledging and understanding your feelings without judgment. For example, when experiencing a difficult emotion like anger or sadness, take a moment to pause and identify what you’re feeling and why. By cultivating this awareness, you can respond to emotions more skillfully, making choices that support your well-being rather than reacting impulsively.

2 . Practice Mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help individuals become more present and aware of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. For instance, taking a few moments each day to practice mindful breathing can help calm the mind and promote relaxation, even amidst a busy schedule.

3 . Nourish Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, and aim to nourish it with balanced meals and snacks that provide essential nutrients. For example, rather than viewing food as a source of guilt or restriction, approach eating with an attitude of self-care and enjoyment, savoring each bite and choosing foods that make you feel energized and satisfied.

4 . Cultivate Meaningful Connections: Foster supportive relationships with friends, family, and community members, as social connections play a crucial role in mental and emotional well-being. For instance, make time to regularly connect with loved ones, whether it’s through phone calls, video chats, or in-person gatherings, and prioritize activities that strengthen your bonds and create lasting memories.

5 . Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Find enjoyable forms of exercise that you can incorporate into your daily routine, whether it’s going for a walk, practicing yoga, or dancing to your favorite music. For example, instead of viewing exercise as a chore, think of it as an opportunity to move your body in ways that make you feel good and boost your mood, regardless of your fitness level or abilities.

If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?

If I were to start a movement aimed at bringing wellness to the most people, it would be centered around promoting mental health literacy and destigmatizing seeking help for mental health concerns. This movement would prioritize education and awareness about mental health issues, providing resources for individuals to recognize symptoms, understand the importance of seeking support, and access culturally competent care.

By breaking down the barriers to mental health care, we can reach a wider audience and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the knowledge and resources to prioritize their emotional well-being. This movement would also emphasize the importance of self-care practices, resilience-building, and community support in maintaining mental wellness.

What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?

Embrace Your Uniqueness:

When I first started Ubuntu Psychological Services, I wish someone emphasized the power of embracing my unique background and perspective. Initially, I felt the need to conform to traditional models of mental health practice. It wasn’t until I fully embraced my cultural identity and experiences that I realized it was a strength, not a limitation. Our approach at Ubuntu, rooted in cultural understanding, became our unique selling point and resonated deeply with our community.

Prioritize Self-Care:

In the demanding field of mental health, self-care is often neglected. Early in my career, I underestimated the toll it could take. It’s crucial to practice what I preach. There was a time when I overcommitted and neglected my own well-being, leading to burnout. I learned that by prioritizing self-care, I not only nurture my own mental health but also set an example for my team and clients.

Build a Support System:

Establishing Ubuntu was an ambitious endeavor, and at times, the journey felt isolating. I wish I knew the importance of building a strong support system from the start. Connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and like-minded individuals provided invaluable guidance and encouragement. Sharing experiences and lessons learned made the entrepreneurial path less solitary and more enriching.

Adaptability Is Key:

The mental health landscape is dynamic, and societal attitudes are ever-evolving. Initially, I had a rigid vision of how Ubuntu would operate. However, I learned that adaptability is crucial for sustained success. For example, during the pandemic, we swiftly transitioned to virtual services, reaching even more individuals in need. Embracing change has been pivotal to our continued growth.

Advocate for Your Worth:

In the early stages, I struggled with imposter syndrome and undervalued the impact of our services. I wish someone emphasized the importance of confidently advocating for the worth of our work. By recognizing and communicating the value we bring to our community, we’ve been able to secure partnerships, funding, and opportunities that align with our mission.

Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?

As a clinical psychologist deeply committed to serving underrepresented communities of color through Ubuntu Psychological Services, I hold a strong passion for mental health advocacy. Mental health advocacy is dearest because it is foundational to overall well-being and quality of life. Mental health disparities disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including people of color, due to systemic inequities and historical traumas. Addressing these disparities is not only a matter of social justice but also essential for building resilient and thriving communities. Furthermore, mental health advocacy aligns with Ubuntu’s mission of fostering inclusivity and empowerment. By promoting mental health awareness, providing culturally competent care, and advocating for systemic change, we can create spaces where individuals from all backgrounds feel supported and valued.

What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?

Dr. Reed: Instagram

Ubuntu Psychological Services: Instagram

Dr. J Reed Wellness Collection: Instagram

Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.

About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .

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