8: The Power of Hope: How Zaneta Ellison is Transforming Lives Through Mental Health Awareness

In this episode, we are joined by distinguished licensed mental health counselor, certified life coach, author, and public speaker, Zaneta Ellison. As the founder and CEO of New Vision Behavioral Health Incorporated (NVBH), Zaneta has built a reputable group practice with locations in Tampa Bay, FL, and Houston, TX, known for delivering exceptional mental health and addiction counseling services, especially for youth. And today, she sits down to share her journey and the challenges she faced in starting her mental health business, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness among youth.  She offers valuable strategies for empowering young individuals and discusses the ongoing mental health challenges they encounter. With her expertise in facilitating post-traumatic growth, Zaneta provides deep insights into understanding and addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Throughout the episode, Zaneta highlights the signs of mental health struggles in adults and reflects on the lessons she has learned from supporting youth mental health. Join us for this enlightening conversation with Zaneta Ellison, and learn how you too can stand in the gap for others by promoting mental health and well-being in your community. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide and addiction, which may be distressing to some listeners. KEY POINTS [1:21] - What inspired Zaneta Ellison’s mental health journey  [4:32] - Challenges faced in starting a mental health business (and what kept Zaneta going) [7:43] - Encouraging everyday adults & youth to seek help  [11:06] - How to find mental health support for youths and ways to identify if your child is in crisis [12:46] - Tools & strategies for youth mental health management and empowerment  [16:40] - Why Zaneta choose to stand in the gap for youth access to mental health  [19:38] - Mental health areas that require more growth and attention [21:55] - Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [24:42] - The importance of integrating mental health and physical health [26:48] - How to identify signs of mental health struggles  [29:01] - Biggest lessons learned from supporting youth mental health QUOTABLES  “Life is stressful, it ebbs and it flows, and some people aren't equipped to handle the ebbs and flows of life, especially our young people. We are seeing less and less resilient young people.” - Zaneta Ellison “When you find yourself looking for peace outside of yourself, that may be a sign that there's some need for some mental health support.” - Zaneta Ellison “We can't change your family dynamics. We can't change some of the stresses you have in your life, but we can give you hope.” - Zaneta Ellison RESOURCES: Zaneta N. Ellison LMHC, CEO New Vision Behavioral Health Inc 727-687-0997 | www.newvisionbehavioralhealth.org St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege  IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college  X | @spcnews  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/