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Understanding race-based traumatic stress

If you’re experiencing more anxiety, lack of sleep and appetite, you may be experiencing race-based traumatic stress.

SAINT PETERSBURG, Fla. — If you’re experiencing more anxiety, lack of sleep and appetite, you may be experiencing race-based traumatic stress. That’s according to Dr. Thema Davis-Bryant. Dr. Thema is a licensed psychologist, ordained minister and author of the book, “Thriving in the wake of Trauma.” She is also a tenured professor of psychology at Pepperdine University, where she teaches on trauma in diverse populations and clinical skills. Dr. Thema discussed the warning signs of traumatic stress, and added it presents itself differently person to person. She also offered practical advice for moving past that place of trauma and discussed de-stigmatizing therapy in the African American community. To learn more about Dr. Thema, her book and her podcast, visit her website. drthema.com.

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Kendall Kirkham joined “Great Day Live” in November 2017 from Memphis, Tennessee, where she served as morning co-anchor for WMC Action News 5. Prior to her stint in Memphis, Kendall served as co-host of "Tulsa Live" at KOKI in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kendall also worked at KETK in Tyler, Texas, The Dallas Morning News and started her career as an intern for “The Ellen Show” and E! Entertainment.

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Java started her on-air broadcast career in the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo, Mississippi. In Tupelo, she served as morning news anchor, producer and reporter.

Javanté is an award-winning journalist, having been recognized by the Associated Press for Best Anchor, Best Reporter and Best Franchise Reporting, just to name a few.

When she's not working, Java is very passionate about giving back to the community, having served on the corporate boards for The Boys and Girls Club of North Mississippi, The Civic Ballet Company, The Doniphan Dance Project and the Leadership Council for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama. She has volunteered also with a number of civic organizations.

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