Meet Jelisa Payton

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jelisa Payton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jelisa, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

I struggled with my mental health at a early age. Then I didn’t understand what was going on inside me. I just felt sad and alone a lot.

Back then you didn’t hear much talk about Mental Health and honestly even if it had been I’m not sure if my family would of been receptive to the information.

I still remember the first therapist I ever had. Her name was Olivia and she helped me begin the process of my grief and guilt that I carried after my best friend past away in high school. I was deeply depressed for years. I think I was in my freshman or sophomore year of college when I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I probably was at my heaviest weight wise because all I did was sleep and eat. While going through this I also found myself in a unhealthy relationship searching to feel that void of feeling abandoned.

While I’m undergraduate I majored in Psychology and well that is really when a lot of things began to click for me in terms of family dynamics and history etc. I learned that genetically I’m preconditioned to depression as my mother and I’m sure my grandmother went through it. I became committed to
learning more about mental and health so that I could educate my family and community. I received my Masters Degree in 2020 and started my career as a School Counselor. My advocacy is one of the ways in which I persist through despite struggling with challenges related to my mental health.

I’m not a religious person, but I am a God believer! After going through so many challenges in my life I found my way back home in the arms of my Heavenly Father where I’ve never left since. It’s been quite the journey. Healing is linear and it most definitely isn’t easy, but necessary in growing. This past year God gave me instruction to write a book about some of those challenges I faced in my life, include his whispers of love that have always guided and protected me even when I felt alone.

Despite every challenge I’ve faced and will continue to face I overcome and persevere by remaining firm in my faith through the wisdom and knowledge that God has allowed me to gain over the years not only about myself, but about him.

The strength I have today isn’t my own. My ability to show up is grounded in my obedience to Gods will for my life.

My mental health challenges don’t define me. My vulnerability in sharing my story has given others the courage to share their own. One of the biggest things I stand by is you don’t have to suffer in silence.

Choose to heal forward. Break the glass ceiling that includes those generational cycles. You don’t need permission to heal. Just do it!

Your future self and your children will thank you!

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Professionally I am a School Counselor. The most exciting thing about my career is planting seeds in the lives of the children I work with and watching them grow I’ve the years as they are watered.

Outside of my career I am a community advocate and have a business centered around my journey of healing and finding myself after leaving a toxic relationship.

One of the newest projects I am working on is writing my book. I am hoping to have it published sometime this year.

I also have a organized Mental Health Scholarship for a graduating senior that aims to bring awareness to mental health challenges in our community and breaking the stigma.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Certainly empathy. My sensitivity to others has always been there. I use to think it was a weakness due to being called “sensitive” a lot. However, my ability to empathize with others has allowed me the opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level which helps individuals feel seen and heard. You don’t always have to have the answers sometimes people just want to be heard and seen.

Next, I would definitely say my ability to be personable. I can almost always connect with anyone no matter the setting. I have a very bubbly personality that I hid for years because I felt it was “too much”. However, now I have fully embraced my authentic self and it feels amazing.

Lastly, being emotionally intelligent is a skill that many lack. Over the years based on a few factors I think it’s because people are scared to face themselves. Being emotionally intelligent doesn’t just mean expressing yourself emotionally, but communicating effectively etc.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I am always looking to partner and or collaborate with individuals and or brands that align with my values.

I’m currently seeking guests to be on my talk series called Sis, What’s the TEA? TEA is a acronym that stands for thoughts, emotions and actions.

We discuss everything womanhood that includes but no limited to mental health, relationships, ministry etc.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Withlove_jpayton
• Facebook: With Love, Jelisa Payton

Image Credits

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