Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tamara R. Jackson.

Founder of Hopeful Therapy and Consulting, she provides holistic mental health care with an emphasis on trauma-informed support for individuals living with autoimmune diseases.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases
- Autoimmune diseases occur when the body mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Common examples include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and Crohn’s disease.
- Over 80 types of autoimmune diseases exist, yet public awareness remains low.
Tamara’s Personal Journey
- She has worked in mental health for over two decades.
- During the Covid lockdown, she experienced worsening symptoms, eventually leading to her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.
- With limited resources available during the pandemic, she relied on her professional expertise and personal resilience to navigate her new reality.
Symptoms & Daily Impact
- Inflammation & Mobility Issues – Tamara experienced extreme stiffness, particularly in her hands, making basic tasks difficult.
- Chronic Fatigue – Unlike normal tiredness, this type of exhaustion can cause sudden body shutdowns, resembling narcolepsy.
Mental Health & Autoimmune Disease
- Growing Awareness in Black Communities – The last five years have seen significant improvements in mental health advocacy, especially post-Covid.
- Cultural Stigma – While progress has been made, stigma around seeking help still exists in communities of color.
- Safe Spaces Matter – Tamara emphasizes the importance of therapy and open dialogue for individuals managing chronic illnesses.
Diet & Lifestyle Adjustments
- The anti-inflammatory diet plays a critical role in managing symptoms.
- Avoiding processed foods, excessive sugar, and farm-raised meats can reduce inflammation.
- Each person’s dietary needs differ based on their autoimmune condition.
The Invitation Documentary
- Tamara directed an award-winning documentary, The Invitation, which educates the public about autoimmune diseases.
- Available for rent on Vimeo, the film includes testimonials, expert insights, and screenings with interactive discussions.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Tamara’s work is accessible through:
🔗 Instagram: @TheInvitationDocumentary
🔗 Website: https://www.hopefulltherapyandconsulting.com/

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