DaBaby’s Older Brother’s Death Pushes Him To Further Advocate For Mental Health
On Tuesday, November 3rd it was reported that popular young artist DaBaby's older brother Glenn Johnson died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in their hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. Though DaBaby has yet to confirm that the actual cause of death was explicitly suicide, he has been very open about his brother's mental health issues in the form of lyrics. DaBaby pens:
"My brother be thinkin' that we don't love him and let him struggle/like we ain't family/Like I won't give up all I got to see you happy, n**ga/We shocked the world, everybody knows what's happenin', n**ga.
Though there is no public record of his brother's official diagnosis, it is very possible that he might have had a history of cognitive distortions which, in short, is a phenomenon that causes your own brain to lie to you. When afflicted, it is ridiculously hard for a person to see that their life is worth living, their potential is infinite, and that their loved ones would give up an arm and leg before they would want to see them self-harm. However, without the proper tools, it is very difficult to work one's way out of this vicious cycle of thinking because what seems like irrational thoughts to someone looking from the outside in, are actually reinforced by the trauma suffered by the afflicted.
Read that again. The negative memories and the way that person processes and/or internalizes those experiences is working overtime to override every logical thought that an otherwise level-headed, resilient, and even brilliant person would have. It gets to a dangerous point where the negative feelings become fact in the mind of the afflicted. Phrases such as "I feel stuck, powerless, hopeless" with repetition and further reinforcements such as high levels of stress and emotional isolation are transformed into "I am stuck, powerless, and hopeless."
The worst part is that it can be as undetectable and deadly as a carbon monoxide leak to both the afflicted and their loved ones. You may be asking how I know all of this... it is because I have experienced these kinds of thoughts myself. It is terrifying! To have people in your life telling you how much they love you, how hurt they would be to lose you, and to look at them dead in the eye and really think that they are lying and/or better off without you in their lives.
DaBaby is taking the necessary steps to ensure that he does not succumb to the collateral damage that survivors of self-harm often endure. Survivors of self-harm are not only those who attempted and lived to see another day, they are also the loved ones of those who died of mental health issues.
DaBaby advocates:
#MentalHealthAwareness ❗️
— DaBaby (@DaBabyDaBaby) November 6, 2020
If you can’t get over depression GET HELP, you see a loved one struggling get them help, they refuse the help, MAKE em get treated anyway.
You suffer from PTSD take that shit serious & get help!
I’m bouta get a therapist my damn self! #LongLiveG🖤🕊
Though I do not necessarily think that mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, or cognitive distortions are ones that you fully get over, I do know they can be worked through especially if they are privileged enough to receive ongoing services from a mental health professional. However, treatment for mental health issues in the Black community, especially amongst our men is very disproportionate. The Root reports:
"Some of the factors that drive mental health issues, as well as prevent Black men from getting care, are systemic racism and discrimination, mistrust of healthcare providers, misdiagnoses and clinician bias, one study found. Because of this, informal interventions are key in aiding Black men to get the care they need: Some studies have found that Black men are more likely to seek help from other men they can relate to. Involvement from family members also tends to have a greater effect on improving mental health for Black people than for whites."
What is the solution to this issue? More resources for Black people to receive safe care such as Therapy For Black Men, and Therapy For Black Girls. More investigation of the most helpful ways to support loved ones during a tough time. More people using their platforms to destigmatize mental health issues. Vulnerability amongst those in our community without the 'toughen up and mental health issues are only for white people nonsense'. It is killing us in the form of addiction, violence, and self-harm.
Baby, please hold on.
Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Glenn Johnson along with his friends and family.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Are you a member of our insiders squad? Join us in the xoTribe Members Community today!
Featured image by YES Market Media / Shutterstock.com
- DaBaby Is Getting a Therapist After His Older Brother's Tragic Death ›
- DaBaby Opens Up About Mental Health After Brother's Death | BET ›
- DaBaby mourns brother Glenn Johnson, who is dead at 34 ›
- DaBaby pays touching tribute to older brother following suicide ... ›
- DaBaby Seeks Treatment For Mental Health, Deactivates Instagram ... ›
- DaBaby Advocates For Mental Health Awareness ... - The Source ›
- DaBaby's Mental Health Message After Brother Dies by Likely Suicide ›
- DaBaby pays tribute to older brother after suicide: "Long live my ... ›
- DaBaby Shares Message On Mental Health Following Brother's ... ›
- Days After Brother's Death, DaBaby Urges People to Seek Therapy ... ›
New Jersey native creating a life that she loves while living in gratitude. She loves using beauty, and fashion to create a balanced lifestyle while prioritizing wellness. A devoted fur mom, and a full-time lover of laughter. She is out for revenge against the darkness by being light, taking her own advice, traveling the world, and letting you know that you are so lit! Connect with her via IG @iamzaniah and please visit Zaniahsworld.com
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Just When This Couple Was Ready To Delete Dating Apps, They Matched & The Rest Is History
How We Met is a series where xoNecole talks love and relationships with real-life couples. We learn how they met, how like turned into love, and how they make their love work.
There was a time when the question, "Does he give you butterflies?” was always associated with happy feelings and positivity. But between love bombing, situationships, stories like Reesa Teesa, and the overwhelming number of bad dating stories, many millennials have become hesitant – even cautious – of feeling chemistry too early. Nevertheless, the truth remains: if intentions are genuine, there’s nothing wrong with acknowledging the spark sooner rather than later.
Frederick and Josephanie Buffington are a beautiful testament of this notion. During our discussion, they humorously walked me through how they connected, their immediate attraction, and how they’ve been able to passionately follow these feelings all the way to the altar. The couple attributes their exciting new marriage to discovering who they were individually and knowing what they desire from partnership prior to meeting. Check out their story below.
How and where did you two meet?
Frederick: Well, I’m a Southern gentleman from Arkansas. It’s not really my thing to get into dating apps and stuff like that. But after being in Atlanta for a while and talking to a friend from the area, she explained why she deals with them, and it made sense to me. So I gave it a try, and it failed about eighteen times (laughs). But when I was on the verge of hanging it up, a pretty little thing popped up on my screen.
Josephanie: I actually got on the app that day to delete it. I was like, I’m done with this, and I don’t want to do this anymore. But I saw him and was like, let’s wait a second. And he sent me a message, we matched, and the same day he called me. We ended up talking on the phone for like seven hours, and that was like it for us.
"I actually got on the app that day to delete it. I was like, I’m done with this, and I don’t want to do this anymore. But I saw him and was like, let’s wait a second. And he sent me a message, we matched, and the same day he called me. We ended up talking on the phone for like seven hours, and that was like it for us."
Were you attracted instantly, or did it develop over time?
Josephanie: No. Nah, I’m just kidding – I was always attracted to him.
Frederick: Yeah, she has always been this fine.
xovelshee/ Instagram
Walk me through the courtship. Did y'all ever have that awkward “what are we convo, and who initiated it?
Josephanie: No, we didn’t have that conversation. Because it went so fast, after date three, we decided we were doing this.
Frederick: By then we had talked about life goals and everything enough that we realized if we went different ways, we would be stupid.
And what made you want to commit to a relationship with one another? How did you know it was special?
Josephanie: Because it went so fast. It was like a whirlwind, and usually, I steer clear of those. But this was fun, intense, and energy-filled. So I was like, let’s just ride this wave and see where it takes us.
Frederick: Yeah, and we ended up here. I’m really picky about everything. For me, it was like 2-3 weeks in when I realized she wasn’t getting on my nerves, so I knew it was something there. It sounds funny, but I’m serious. Like, I used to get to a point in dating where I’d start thinking a woman breathed funny or just something random would turn me off. This was different. I was just enjoying it. And still, no matter who I’m in the presence of or who approaches me, I just don’t see anything trumping this.
"It was like a whirlwind, and usually, I steer clear of those. But this was fun, intense, and energy-filled. So I was like, let’s just ride this wave and see where it takes us."
xovelshee/ Instagram
Speaking of time, what do you do to keep the relationship spicy?
Josephanie: That’s all me. (laughs)
Frederick: That’s where her career as a sex therapist comes in. (laughs).
I love that approach. I’m curious what did you two learn in your single season?
Josephanie: I got to know myself and put emphasis on my intrinsic value. It’s not about 'what I’m bringing to the table.' It’s about who I am as an individual, and what my value is, and where my value lies. That’s not about what I’m doing but who I am.
Frederick: Yeah, I figured out who I was before I got with her, too. Outside of social media and what your friends/family think, it’s important to figure out what you like because, ultimately, you’re going to have to live with that decision. So know who you are and let them know who you are. During my single season, I took the time to really know myself and I focused on what I like. Again, I’m picky. So, I had to figure out what I really liked before I drove someone else crazy. And then she was patient with me, so I ended up making a good choice (laughs).
xovelshee/ Instagram
What was the biggest challenge that you had to overcome together?
Josephanie: I recently had surgery. So, I had 64 fibroids, a major abdominal myomectomy. I couldn’t do anything for myself, and he was there 24/7. I was in the hospital for 5 to 6 days, and he slept on the floor the whole time.
Fredrick: And those floor mats were not there for everybody. Her mother was there too – shoutout to her mother. That was definitely something very challenging that we got through together.
Finally, what’s your favorite thing about each other?
Frederick: Her booty. No, I’m just playing. I’ll give it to you in order: her confidence, intelligence, humor, and then the booty and smile.
Josephanie: My favorite thing about him is that he is the epitome of Black boy joy. He’s always laughing, he’s always smiling. There’s always jokes. His personality radiates. You can’t help but want to be in his presence.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by T Fash Images