Shalena Speaks | Shalena Speaks

HEY YA'LL

Here, you'll find everything you need to live your best life, from fashion and beauty tips to relationship advice and career guidance. We also offer a variety of entertainment content, including movie and TV reviews, music recommendations, and book suggestions. And of course, we're here to support you through thick and thin, with articles on everything from mental health to self-care.

Whether you're looking for a little inspiration, some helpful advice, or just a good laugh, Shalena Speaks has something for everyone. So come on in and explore!

One More Thing!

On this blog, I share my thoughts and experiences on everything from fashion and beauty to travel and relationships. I also offer support and advice to my readers on a variety of topics, including mental health, self-care, and personal development.

I'm passionate about helping people live their best lives, and I believe that everyone has the potential to be happy and fulfilled. That's why I created this blog: to share my stories and insights in the hope that they will inspire and empower others.

If you're looking for a blog that is both informative and entertaining, I invite you to stick around. I'm always posting new content, and I love interacting with my readers. So please feel free to leave comments and share your own thoughts and experiences.

Shalena Speaks.

World Mental Health Month: The Silent Struggle and the Journey Back to Ourselves

Every October, we see the same green ribbons and slogans: “It’s okay not to be okay.” But what happens when even saying you’re not okay feels dangerous, weak, or out of reach? What happens when you’re carrying generations of pain that nobody ever gave you permission to name?

The Real Reason Mental Health Is Getting Worse

Something is shifting in the air. You can feel it in the workplace when half the team looks like they’re running on fumes. You can feel it in the group chats when everyone goes quiet at once. You can see it in the mirror — that heavy, tired look that no amount of sleep seems to fix. Mental health in late 2025 has reached a boiling point. Not because we suddenly “care less” about ourselves — but because the world around us keeps getting heavier, louder, and faster. We’ve

World Mental Health Day 2025: The Truth About Healing When the World Is Still Hurting

Every October 10th, the world pauses for World Mental Health Day. You’ll see the green ribbons, the hashtags, and those perfectly filtered “take care of yourself” posts. Everyone suddenly becomes an advocate for a day — and then the next morning, the internet moves on. But what happens to the people who can’t move on? The ones still sitting in silence, scrolling through motivational quotes while fighting tears they can’t explain? Let’s be real: we’ve reached a point whe

Remembering the Young Lives Cut Short

Too Young, Too Soon – A Roll Call of Lost Black Lives Society often reminds us how “young” 31 is. But for far too many Black lives in America, even reaching 31 — or even adulthood — was a dream denied. Their deaths weren’t accidents of fate; many were the result of racism, injustice, or systemic failures. Below is a collective roll call. It is not complete, because tragically, the list continues to grow. But each name represents a life stolen, a future erased, and a communi

Y’all… It’s Pumpkin-Flavored Season and I’m Living for It!

Confession! Every September, I feel my whole soul shift. The air gets crisper, the leaves start whispering their golden secrets, and suddenly—I’m that girl clutching a pumpkin spice latte like it’s liquid gold. And I’m not ashamed to admit it: I love pumpkin-flavored season

Exploring the Darker Side of Social Media Influence

We live in a time where an “influencer” can change your mind faster than your mama or your pastor ever could. One post, one TikTok, one viral video—and suddenly you’re buying a $70 face cream, voting differently, or feeling like your life is trash compared to someone else’s highlight reel.

Mental Health Monday: Can We Really Trust AI With Our Mental Health?

Sooo, let’s talk. We live in a world where your therapist might be… a chatbot. Yep, in 2025, more and more people are turning to artificial intelligence to vent, journal, or even ask for “therapy-like” advice. It’s cheap, it’s 24/7, and it never judges or so people think. But here’s the tea: experts are warning us that AI isn’t built to handle the heavy stuff. And if you’ve seen the latest headlines, you know this isn’t just a tech story it’s a mental health crisis waiting

A Rollercoaster of Emotions-The Latest Episode of Tyler Perry’s Sistas

Listen… if you watched Sistas this week (Aug. 27, 2025), you already know we went through it. I swear Tyler Perry must sit in the writers’ room like, “how can I ruin their peace tonight?” 😩 Because babyyy, this episode had me yelling at the TV, laughing, and lowkey side-eyeing half these characters.

From Saturday Morning to Streaming Marathons: Every Show That Raised Me (And Still Does)

If you catch me on a random Tuesday night with snacks in hand and a blanket over my head like a cape… mind your business—I’m probably deep in an old-school rerun or seven. My TV love language is simple: comfort, chaos, crime, and a little supernatural sauce. I grew up on appointment television—no DVR, no “skip intro,” just you, the couch, and a prayer you made it home before the theme song. Now, streaming lets me time-travel: one minute it’s Living Single, the next it’s Star

Mental Health Monday-Give Yourself Grace❤

Let’s be honest… some Mondays hit harder than others. And if you're anything like me, you probably woke up today feeling like the world expects you to be “on,” productive, grateful, energized, and positive—all before your first sip of coffee. Mental Health Monday-When You’re Tired, Forgetful, and Just Trying to Keep It Together

Top Black Mental Health Podcasts You Need in Your Rotation

Let’s have a real moment, sis. Mental health has finally entered the mainstream, but for too long, our voices were left out of the conversation. The therapy rooms weren’t always built for us. The resources weren’t written in our language. And the so-called “self-help” movement rarely saw us — Black, bold, brilliant — as the audience it needed to serve. But that’s changing. We’re taking up space. We’re rewriting the narrative. We’re healing out loud.

Fake Friends, Real Shade? Why Some People Would Rather Pay a Stranger Than Support You

Let’s get straight to it, sis. Why is it that the people who claim to “love you” the most are the same ones watching you build something from the ground up... in complete silence? They see your grind. They see your posts. They see your growth. But somehow, they “forgot” to like it, share it, or even publicly support it. And yet — when a stranger launches the same thing? They repost. They buy. They cheer like it's Beyoncé dropping a new line. Let’s talk about it.

The Truth About Fibromyalgia – Part 3: Trauma, Triggers, and a 7-Day Reset to Help You Regain Control

We’ve talked about the symptoms. We’ve talked about the pain, the gaslighting, and the cost. Now, it’s time to talk about something they almost never bring up in doctor’s offices or pamphlets: The connection between trauma and fibromyalgia. Because for a lot of us, fibromyalgia didn’t just show up out of nowhere. It came after something. After a major loss. After years of unprocessed stress. After abuse. After pushing past your limit for so long, your body finally said, E

The Truth About Fibromyalgia – Part 2: The Cost, the Gaslighting, and the Healing Path Forward

In Part 1, we covered the basics: what fibromyalgia is, how many people it affects, new treatments in 2025, and natural remedies that actually help. But if you’ve been living with this condition—or watching someone you love suffer through it , you know there’s a lot more to the story. Because fibromyalgia isn’t just a diagnosis. It’s a life disruption. It messes with your money, your mental health, your sense of self, and sometimes your belief in the entire healthcare sys

The Truth About Fibromyalgia: What They Don’t Tell You—but We’re Talking About It Now

Let’s be real—fibromyalgia is one of those silent battles a lot of people fight, but barely anybody talks about. The pain, the fatigue, the brain fog, the judgment from others who say, “But you don’t look sick.” Sis, let’s talk about it—loudly, clearly, and with facts. Whether you’ve been diagnosed, you’re still trying to figure out what’s going on with your body, or you're watching someone you love go through it—this post is for you. We're unpacking what fibromyalgia really

The Mindful Reset: Why Everyone’s Talking About Meditation (and Why You Should Be, Too)

Let’s be real—life moves fast. Between endless scrolling, non-stop notifications, and the mental gymnastics of juggling work, family, and dr

Living with Lupus in 2025-Medical Breakthroughs + Natural Remedies

When you’re diagnosed with lupus, it feels like your body betrays you. One day you’re pushing through a little fatigue. The next, you’re staring down inflammation, brain fog, hair loss, aching joints, and a flurry of doctors unsure which symptom to chase first. That’s the reality for millions—and in 2025, while lupus is still deeply misunderstood by the public, something incredible is happening in both the medical world and holistic wellness. There’s new hope. This isn’t ju

Texas Flood 2025-A Tragedy That Touched Us All

There are moments when time seems to stand still. When the world watches in shared horror, heartbreak, and helplessness. The devastating floods that struck Central Texas over the July 4th holiday weekend in 2025 was one of those moments. But through the tears, one truth emerged: love—fierce, selfless, and enduring—carried us. This isn’t just about disaster. It’s about humanity. It’s about the faces behind the headlines. It’s about how we hold each other when the storm come

Sade Perkins: Heartless, Hypocritical—And in My Personal Opinion, Straight-Up Evil

Let me get this off my chest right now... Sade Perkins is not misunderstood. She is not brave. She is not a truth-teller, in my personal opinion. She is—based on her own words, behavior, and refusal to take accountability—cruel, calculated, and in my opinion… evil. And trust me, I don’t use that word lightly. Now ya'll know we don’t just react—we reflect. We dissect. And when someone goes on the internet and uses a tragic event involving children as a soapbox for persona

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MENTAL HEALTH

At Shalena Speaks, we believe in the transformative power of words, empathy, and the resilience of the human spirit. Our mission is to be a guiding light for those navigating the complex labyrinth of mental health challenges. We understand that mental well-being is a vital aspect of a fulfilling life, and we are dedicated to making a difference.

PTSD & Trauma-Related Disorders in Urban Communities: Breaking the Silence

Shalena

Personality Disorders in the City: Misunderstood &Overlooked

Shalena

OCD Is& Isn't Always What You Think: Urban Realities & Hope

Shalena

ENTERTAINMENT

CROSS - Official Trailer | Prime Video

NEW MUSIC.

Victoria Monét - Alright

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TUBI SPECIAL TREAT! #DANKSGIVING

ALL. ACCESS. NEWS.

Todd Bridges and Bettijo B. Hirschi Called It Quits , and Did It with Rare Maturity

Struggling to Keep Up with Pop Culture News? Here Are 50+ Ways to Stay Informed and Chill

Boost Your Wellness Instantly with These 5 Tips for Busy Urban Professionals

Why Everyone Is Talking About Celebrity Mental Health Disclosures (And You Should Too)

Top 10 Street Fashion Trends Taking Over Urban Culture in 2026

Mental Health in Urban Communities Matters: 7 Simple Practices That Actually Work

Will Smith Hit With a Lawsuit From a Former Tour Member : Here's What's Alleged, and What's Denied

The Golden Globes Didn't Telecast Best Original Score , And Composers Are Calling It Disrespectful

Gwyneth Paltrow Says Empty Nesting Felt Like a Divorce , And Honestly, That's Real

HEY YA'LL

THE LATEST

Shalena Speaks.

World Mental Health Month: The Silent Struggle and the Journey Back to Ourselves

The Real Reason Mental Health Is Getting Worse

World Mental Health Day 2025: The Truth About Healing When the World Is Still Hurting

Remembering the Young Lives Cut Short

Y’all… It’s Pumpkin-Flavored Season and I’m Living for It!

Exploring the Darker Side of Social Media Influence

Mental Health Monday: Can We Really Trust AI With Our Mental Health?

A Rollercoaster of Emotions-The Latest Episode of Tyler Perry’s Sistas

From Saturday Morning to Streaming Marathons: Every Show That Raised Me (And Still Does)

Mental Health Monday-Give Yourself Grace❤

Top Black Mental Health Podcasts You Need in Your Rotation

Fake Friends, Real Shade? Why Some People Would Rather Pay a Stranger Than Support You

The Truth About Fibromyalgia – Part 3: Trauma, Triggers, and a 7-Day Reset to Help You Regain Control

The Truth About Fibromyalgia – Part 2: The Cost, the Gaslighting, and the Healing Path Forward

The Truth About Fibromyalgia: What They Don’t Tell You—but We’re Talking About It Now

The Mindful Reset: Why Everyone’s Talking About Meditation (and Why You Should Be, Too)

Living with Lupus in 2025-Medical Breakthroughs + Natural Remedies

Texas Flood 2025-A Tragedy That Touched Us All

Sade Perkins: Heartless, Hypocritical—And in My Personal Opinion, Straight-Up Evil

#SOUNDOFF

MENTAL HEALTH

PTSD & Trauma-Related Disorders in Urban Communities: Breaking the Silence

Personality Disorders in the City: Misunderstood &Overlooked

OCD Is& Isn't Always What You Think: Urban Realities & Hope

ENTERTAINMENT

CROSS - Official Trailer | Prime Video

NEW MUSIC.

Victoria Monét - Alright

ENTERTAINMENT

TUBI SPECIAL TREAT! #DANKSGIVING

ALL. ACCESS. NEWS.

Todd Bridges and Bettijo B. Hirschi Called It Quits , and Did It with Rare Maturity

Struggling to Keep Up with Pop Culture News? Here Are 50+ Ways to Stay Informed and Chill

Boost Your Wellness Instantly with These 5 Tips for Busy Urban Professionals

Why Everyone Is Talking About Celebrity Mental Health Disclosures (And You Should Too)

Top 10 Street Fashion Trends Taking Over Urban Culture in 2026

Mental Health in Urban Communities Matters: 7 Simple Practices That Actually Work

Will Smith Hit With a Lawsuit From a Former Tour Member : Here&#39;s What&#39;s Alleged, and What&#39;s Denied

The Golden Globes Didn't Telecast Best Original Score , And Composers Are Calling It Disrespectful

Gwyneth Paltrow Says Empty Nesting Felt Like a Divorce , And Honestly, That&#39;s Real

Live Nation and Ticketmaster Want the FTC Lawsuit Tossed , Here&#39;s What They&#39;re Arguing

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines Just Dropped , &quot;Real Food&quot; Is the New Federal Message

The White House Says the U.S. Is Withdrawing From Dozens of International Organizations , What the Memo Actually Says

Iran&#39;s Internet Went Dark, Protests Got Bloodier , And the World Is Watching a Crackdown in Real Time

USPS &quot;Essential Service&quot; Letters Are Going Viral Again , Here&#39;s the Truth (And What&#39;s Being Twisted)

World Peace: Why Unity Matters Across All Communities and Races

TSMC&#39;s Big AI-Fueled Earnings Moment : And Why Wall Street Is Acting Like It Just Drank Espresso

California Opens an Investigation Into xAI&#39;s Grok Over Deepfake Sexual Images , Here&#39;s What&#39;s Being Alleged

The U.S. Is Pausing Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries , What That Actually Means (Effective Jan. 21, 2026)

Marissa Carmichael Is Still Missing and the Case Remains Unsolved

Massive Verizon Outage Reported Across the U.S.: What’s Confirmed, What’s Not, and What To Do Right Now

UAW Statement After Ford Plant Visit: “We Stand With Our Member” — and Nobody Gets a Pass on Workplace Respect

Viral Mass Pike Video Shows a Man Clinging to a Moving Pickup — and Raises Bigger Questions About Mental Health Crisis Response

Issa Rae Just Leveled Up Again: The Paramount Deal That Could Shape What We’re Watching Next

Texas Is About to “Regulate” Hemp Into the Ground — and North Texas Shops Are Sounding the Alarm

Say His Name!!! Keith Porter Jr. Killed on New Year’s Eve By Off Duty Ice Agent

Get DAILY Updates

Will Smith Hit With a Lawsuit From a Former Tour Member : Here's What's Alleged, and What's Denied

Gwyneth Paltrow Says Empty Nesting Felt Like a Divorce , And Honestly, That's Real

Live Nation and Ticketmaster Want the FTC Lawsuit Tossed , Here's What They're Arguing

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines Just Dropped , "Real Food" Is the New Federal Message

Iran's Internet Went Dark, Protests Got Bloodier , And the World Is Watching a Crackdown in Real Time

USPS "Essential Service" Letters Are Going Viral Again , Here's the Truth (And What's Being Twisted)

TSMC's Big AI-Fueled Earnings Moment : And Why Wall Street Is Acting Like It Just Drank Espresso

California Opens an Investigation Into xAI's Grok Over Deepfake Sexual Images , Here's What's Being Alleged