Getting Help and Settling Boundaries

There is an old song by Bill Withers, Lean On Me. The song starts out with several universal truths: Sometime in our lives, we all have pain, we all have sorrow. The older we get, the more we know this is true: We will have pain and sorrow. But it’s what we do with those strong emotions and feelings that is most important.

Often in our communities, there is shame attached to sadness, crying and depression. There is a shadow cast when someone says they need help. But it is essential that we remember that there will be times in our lives when we need help, when we need someone to lean on. Just like the chorus of the song, we all need someone to lead on when we are not strong.

On March 11th, 27th Letter Books will present a special gathering with author Nedra Glover Tawwab in conversation with Racheal Allen on the campus of Wayne State University. Ms. Tawwab is a New York Times bestselling author. Her book, Set Boundaries, Find Peace, is a guide on the importance of setting boundaries in our lives. Ms. Tawwab explores the need for boundaries and how the lack of them leads to anger and resentment, and can possibly lead to anxiety and depression. Set Boundaries, Find Peace explains how to set firm boundaries and be assertive for oneself.

Ms. Tawwab is from Detroit, and is a graduate of Wayne State University. In addition to her bestselling book, Ms. Tawwab has been featured on numerous podcasts. She is a therapist and has a private practice for counseling, with a focus on relationships.

Ms. Tawwab’s second book, Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationships was just released on February 28th. In Drama Free, Ms. Tawwab explores how families operate in unhealthy ways, and how family members can learn to manage those relationships. Families can be difficult and challenging, while also being loving and supportive. They are complex. It’s important to learn to navigate those relationships while also acknowledging our needs and taking care of ourselves.

Ms. Tawwab writes in a style that is open and honest. Her stories are relatable and her advice is easy to follow. Ms. Tawwab shares from her extensive experience as a therapist, and gives numerous examples of the struggles we all face. She also offers solutions. But Ms. Tawwab does something else that is crucial: She normalizes getting help and going to therapy.

It is essential that we overcome our fear of getting help, and of going to therapy; we must come to a realization that there is no shame in talking to a professional counselor or social worker. There is a hope that comes from owning and sharing our truth.

On Saturday, March 11th starting at 6pm, Nedra Glover Tawwab will discuss her new book, Drama Free, at Wayne State University – St. Andrew’s Hall / Memorial Episcopal Church, 5105 Anthony Wayne Drive, Detroit, MI 48202. Please see their web page or Eventbrite for additional details.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis or is suicidal, please call 988 immediately for help.

Elena Dolores Solano was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Ms. Solano is a certified school counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her writing focuses on education, mental health, community events, and her experiences growing up in a large Mexican-American family in southwest Detroit. Ms. Solano enjoys thrifting, reading, and spending time with her children, family and friends.