News to Know: She educating the public about autoimmune diseases and navigating chronic illness.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tamara R. Jackson.

Founder of Hopeful Therapy and Consulting, she provides holistic mental health care with an emphasis on trauma-informed support for individuals living with autoimmune diseases.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Common examples include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and Crohn’s disease. Over 80 types of autoimmune diseases exist, yet public awareness remains low.

Tamara’s Personal Journey

She has worked in mental health for over two decades. During the Covid lockdown, she experienced worsening symptoms, eventually leading to her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. With limited resources available during the pandemic, she relied on her professional expertise and personal resilience to navigate her new reality.

Symptoms & Daily Impact

Inflammation & Mobility Issues – Tamara experienced extreme stiffness, particularly in her hands, making basic tasks difficult. Chronic Fatigue – Unlike normal tiredness, this type of exhaustion can cause sudden body shutdowns, resembling narcolepsy.

Mental Health & Autoimmune Disease

Growing Awareness in Black Communities – The last five years have seen significant improvements in mental health advocacy, especially post-Covid. Cultural Stigma – While progress has been made, stigma around seeking help still exists in communities of color. Safe Spaces Matter – Tamara emphasizes the importance of therapy and open dialogue for individuals managing chronic illnesses.

Diet & Lifestyle Adjustments

The anti-inflammatory diet plays a critical role in managing symptoms. Avoiding processed foods, excessive sugar, and farm-raised meats can reduce inflammation. Each person’s dietary needs differ based on their autoimmune condition.

The Invitation Documentary

Tamara directed an award-winning documentary, The Invitation, which educates the public about autoimmune diseases. Available for rent on Vimeo, the film includes testimonials, expert insights, and screenings with interactive discussions.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Tamara’s work is accessible through:
🔗 Instagram: @TheInvitationDocumentary
🔗 Website: https://www.hopefulltherapyandconsulting.com/

 

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