Meet Anthony Rivers | Author and Peer to Peer Mental Health Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony Rivers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony, why did you pursue a creative career?
Throughout my life I have endured different forms of abuse, most notably sexual abuse throughout my childhood. In addition, I have also struggled with my mental health, but not until 2021 was I officially diagnosed with severe anxiety, depression, and bi-polar disorder. I was never emotionally intelligent enough to cope understand how to navigate these things and the adults in my life were not equipped to provide a space to discuss these things openly. I was never given permission to dream, I was only given permission to live and meet my day to day needs in the form of jobs, not careers, a place to live and not buying a home, just the basics. I started my artistic career as an author to help children who may be living with the same experiences. I wrote a series of children’s books to give children skills that counter those used by predators to take advantage of them. These books cover: secrets, touch and setting healthy boundaries with our bodies, being aware that predators use opportunity as a weakness, and the need and ability to talk to parents about any topic. In addition, I authored a mental health journal for youth, to help with self-esteem, positive self-talk, with daily affirmations, and opportunity for reflection. I also have created numerous coloring books in a series called “Shades of Joy” to empower Black youth to pursue careers typically dominated by men, more specifically white men. That series also includes coloring books that celebrate Black hair, boys and girls, with little known facts about Black history and influential Black inventors and those who have achieved success in various fields.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What excites me most abut my art and creativity is the ability to change the lives of youth who may be struggling with their mental health and/or who are being abused. I am hopeful that my healing through creativity can also inspire and or assist youth who may be living in those same circumstances. In addition to my experience working with community as an advocate, my work in diversity, equity, social justice, and inclusion, my history as a peer support specialist, and my lived experience, I have learned to turn my trauma into triumph and use my experiences as tools to uplift the voiceless and support the needs of our most vulnerable populations. It was never easy, my growth took a lot of therapy, self-awareness and overcoming imposter syndrome that has plagued me throughout my life due to the trauma I endured in my youth. I still struggle today, but my dedication to change the lives of others is a constant motivator that encourages me to continue my path to impact lives and give those around me tools to succeed. What I want the world to know about me is I am not perfect, I am not an expert, but I have the lived experience that allows me and my brand to change lives through compassion, relatability, and a love of people.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend was coming to town, I would certainly be able to give them a good time. I am born in Portland, OR but now live in the outer perimeter of Atlanta. First, anyone that comes to town needs to visit the MLK memorial. No matter ones background, a visit to the MLK memorial is a memorable experience that everyone young and old should take part in. During their visit, we would also go to the Atlanta Aquarium, Coca-Cola Museum, visit Ponce City Market and hopefully take in a show, dinner, and wine at City Winery. Other places to visit or things to do would be roller skating, a Falcons, Braves, Stripes, Gladiators, Atlanta United game. Since we are in the peach state, it’s only appropriate we take a trip to The Peach Cobbler Café for peach cobbler and indulge in plenty of soul food, Some of my favorites are Fat Matt’s, Louisiana Bistro, Who’s Got Soul, and other mom and pop BBQ rib and chicken establishments. There are always concerts so we would absolutely go to a concert or comedy show.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my Shoutout to Black women. Throughout my life Black women have continued to show up, support, and uplift me to help me be the best possible person I can be. At a young age, my mother and my aunts nurtured and loved me unconditionally. Throughout school my bestfriend, provided a support and friendship that helped me make it through the darkest days. Early in my career, a co-worker and friend motivated me to push beyond the day to day survival mode I had grown accustomed to living within. Throughout my career, Black women have continuously provided guidance and opportunity, leadership and accountability. For that i am a better person and eternally grateful.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artificialcreativitystudio

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyrivers503/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cloudnhyneconsulting

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/cloudnhyne

Other: Amazon:
https://shorturl.at/kGLPU