Helping You Become Happy, Healed, and Fulfiilled

The Wake Up Happy, Sis! network is an empowering community dedicated to uplifting high-achieving Black Women. It provides a safe, nurturing space where Black Women can share experiences, foster connections, and draw inspiration for their best lives. WUHS emphasizes self-care and healing from past traumas, which is often overlooked or ignored in high-achievement settings. The network aids Black Women in cultivating their inner strength, encouraging them to prioritize themselves amidst unique personal, professional and societal challenges.

Through personal narratives, expert advice, online training, and curated wellness events, the WUHS network delivers resources to help Black Women surmount obstacles, heal from past traumas, and start every day with positivity, thus propelling them towards their goals and dream lives.

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Breaking Free from the Chains of Depression: A Journey to Authentic Joy

Breaking Free from the Chains of Depression: A Journey to Authentic Joy

August 30, 20234 min read

Recognizing the Struggle Within

Hey Sis, let's talk about that heavy cloud that sometimes follows us around—depression. This emotional weight can range from a minor inconvenience to an overwhelming storm that cripples us for weeks or even months. It's more than just feeling "down"; it's a constant battle that affects how we eat, sleep, and engage with the world. Depression messes with our whole vibe—creating a mental fog that makes even the simplest decisions feel like climbing a mountain.

You may find yourself questioning your worth, entertaining thoughts of giving up, or even feeling like an empty shell devoid of emotion. And for our younger sisters, that sadness often shows up as a hot-tempered attitude. So, if you're out here saying, "I don't feel sad, just numb," listen up, because this is for you, too.

Taking Your Power Back

  • Assess Your Functionality: If depression has you struggling to even get out of bed or manage your daily responsibilities, it's time to reach out for professional guidance. Your first move? Check in with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical issues.

  • Evaluate Life Changes: Sometimes shifts in our relationships, work, or personal life can trigger depressive episodes. Take a moment to ask yourself what's really affecting your emotional health.

  • Immediate Action for Crisis: If someone you care about shares thoughts of self-harm or a plan to take their own life, don't waste a second. Reach out to a trusted mental health professional or emergency services right away.

No Shame in Seeking Help

Here's the real talk, Sis. The stigma surrounding mental health has held us back for far too long, especially within our community. Cultural barriers like the "strong black woman" syndrome and the belief that "what happens here stays here" have often silenced us, making it difficult to reach out for the help we so desperately need. 

Our minds, like our bodies, can get sick too. There's no shame in catching a cold, so why let cultural norms and shame keep you from healing your mind? The longer you delay, the longer you miss out on the life you're meant to live, a life filled with genuine happiness and fulfillment. It's time to dismantle these cultural barriers and normalize seeking help because, Sis, your mental peace is not just a goal, it's a necessity.

The Transformative Power of Counseling

Therapists are emotional architects; they help us rebuild our mental frameworks. But let's not forget about wellness coaches, who bring a holistic approach, focusing on your entire well-being—mind, body, and spirit. Together with therapists, they offer us the tools to navigate the maze that is depression, helping us identify triggers, construct coping mechanisms, and even guide us toward lifestyle changes that can uplift our mood.

And don't shy away from discussing medication as an option, especially if your depression is severe. Your counselor, alongside a wellness coach, can create a multidimensional healing plan, and even guide you to a psychiatrist for a comprehensive treatment plan if needed.

Remember, Sis, seeking help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. Whether it's through therapy, wellness coaching, or medication, let's embrace the resources available to us and step into our genuine happiness and fulfillment. Because you're not just surviving—you're setting the stage to thrive in every aspect of your life.

Join us on September 18th for this special episode of the Wake Up Happy, Sis! Show

Flier promoting the Wake Up Happy Sis Show episode about Take control: tools and strategies for suicide prevention and mental health

Your Path to Renewal Awaits

You don’t have to go through this alone, Sis. Whether it’s therapists, wellness coaches, or a supportive sisterhood, there are multiple avenues for you to seek the help you deserve. Even divine guidance is there to fortify your spirit as you work to break free from the chains of depression.

Reach out, take that first step, and watch how your life transforms. Because this journey you’re on? It’s not just about fighting for survival; it’s about claiming your God-given right to live a life of authentic joy and fulfillment.

So let’s do this—together. And to give you a head start, I’ve created something special for you—a free Depression Solutions Worksheet. This tool is designed to help you identify what lifts you up, empowering affirmations, and actionable steps to redirect your focus when you’re feeling low.

Click here to download it now.

Consider it your roadmap to renewal, one that you can refer to whenever you need that extra push towards emotional freedom.

depressionhappinesssadnesssuicidepreventionmental health
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LeAnne Dolce

LeAnne Dolce, a certified Wellness Professional, is on a mission to empower Black women to prioritize their self-care and live fulfilling lives. Born and raised in Washington State, she juggled the responsibilities of motherhood while pursuing both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Technical Communication from the University of Washington. Today, LeAnne is not only a mother of two but also a proud grandmother. From corporate communications to IT Project and Program management, LeAnne's professional journey has been diverse and dynamic. However, her passion for wellness and empowerment led her to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. As a certified wellness professional, certified product formulator, published author, and motivational speaker, LeAnne has made it her life's work to champion the power of self-care. Her powerful and authentic message resonates deeply: by prioritizing self-care, it is possible to heal past traumas and awaken each day with happiness, free from guilt or shame. LeAnne's pursuit of promoting wellness led to the inception of the "Wake Up Happy, Sis!" network. A unique platform for Black women, it curates self-care and wellness experiences to help women become happy, healed, and whole. This network has created a supportive and nurturing community where women connect, share their stories, and learn from experts in the field of wellness. The "Wake Up Happy, Sis!" Show, hosted by LeAnne, is an emerging radio show and podcast. Through engaging discussions with experts in the field of self-care and wellness, LeAnne disseminates wisdom drawn from personal experiences, shares inspiring stories of high-performing Black women, and offers tips and advice for listeners. The show empowers women to put their self-care at the forefront of their lives. LeAnne's infectious passion for empowering women is evident in her work. Her vibrant energy and unwavering commitment to the cause serve as a beacon of inspiration for others. Regardless of their achievements or circumstances, LeAnne is a powerful ally for any woman needing a boost of motivation to prioritize their self-care. The "Wake Up Happy, Sis!" network is a dedicated platform for high-achieving Black Women. Its goal is to strike a harmonious balance in their lives by empowering them to overcome past traumas, build resilience, and cultivate genuine happiness and fulfillment. The network offers a wide range of resources, from personal stories and expert advice to online training and inspiring interviews. By focusing on self-love, self-care, and inner strength, WUHS addresses unique challenges like imposter syndrome, stress management, and boundary setting. Through the network's diverse initiatives like workshops, meetups, VIP days, and wellness retreats, WUHS fosters community engagement and provides opportunities for personal growth and networking. WUHS also features a range of exclusive products and experiences, including The Sister Circle paid membership, The Wake Up Happy Sis Show radio show and podcast, and The Soul Renewal Experience Retreats for immersive personal growth experiences. "Wake Up Happy, Sis!" is more than a network; it's a vibrant community and a comprehensive platform for Black Women. It provides essential resources and tools for women to prioritize their wellbeing, heal, and build resilience. By shining a light on the path to self-love and inner strength, it encourages women to thrive without guilt or shame. In the words of LeAnne Dolce, "Wake up happy, sis!" because you are worth it.

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Meet LeAnne Dolce

Hey Boo Hey! I'm the CEO and Founder of Dolce & Lay. I have been a self-care enthusiast and a student of the wellness arts for over 15 years. Having been in the space of being overwhelmed with motherhood, family, work, school, community service, and all the other hats that I wore, I constantly put myself LAST. My health and my relationships suffered until I decided to take charge of my self-care and wellness FIRST, so I could be more present for all who needed me. Now my passion is helping African American women - professionals, entrepreneurs, and mom+ (the women who wear all the hats) reconnect with themselves through
Radical Self-Care!

Just what is Radical Self-Care? It's being authentic, intentional, and unapologetic about putting your self-care first. It's removing the guilt and promising yourself to #ReclaimYourMeTime so you are the best version of yourself for those who need you. It's thinking differently about self-care, Wellness, and your own self-discovery. It's building with a community of women who support one another along their journeys.