Mental Health in Conversation!
Mental Health in Conversation!
Below you will find links to recent events demonstrating moments of advocacy and educating the public about mental health in non-traditional settings.
Mental Health Interview with NNPA/Black Press USA
Mental Health Interview with NNPA/Black Press USA
Dr. Smedley was interviewed by the DMV's own Taylor Thomas on NNPA's Thursday evening #FIYAH! segment February 4, 2021.
How to talk to Kids about Capitol Insurrection
How to talk to Kids about Capitol Insurrection
The way kids are processing the riots at the U.S. Capitol is so important! Pay attention to how you are doing and make room for conversation, questions, and keep your eyes on what they are watching on social media.
Mental Health and Holiday Travel
Mental Health and Holiday Travel
Dr. Smedley offers her perspective with DCist on people's decisions to travel during a pandemic for the holidays.
Healthy Minds, Healthy Community!
Healthy Minds, Healthy Community!
Dr. Smedley was a guest panelist on October 10, 2020 discussing racial trauma with host, Harold Branch III, creator, Dr. Evelyn Burrell, and fellow guests APA CEO Dr. Arthur Evans and Urban Trauma expert Dr. Maysa Akbar.
Juneteenth - Celebrating black mental health
Juneteenth - Celebrating black mental health
To honor Juneteenth 2020, Dr. Smedley organized a panel of colleagues to have a conversation about black mental health as a part of DCPA's ongoing Task Force efforts. When asked, why Juneteenth, Dr. Smedley commented, "We have joy but are fatigued from controlling our fear. We love but are weary from persistent rage. We laugh but maintain a readily available lament. This is why we honor black mental health on Juneteenth."
Dr. Smedley on NBC4 Washington
Dr. Smedley on NBC4 Washington
Dr. Smedley is co-leading the DC Psychological COVID-19 Task Force. She was interviewed by NBC Washington's Darcy Spencer and shared details about the task force and discussed the current mental health needs of the community!
(Published 5/2/2020)
DCPA COVID-10 Town Hall
DCPA COVID-10 Town Hall
Dr. Smedley hosted a COVID-19 Town Hall on behalf of the DC Psychological Association! Dr. Samira Paul, Dr. Delishia Pittman, and Dr. Kosha Shah provided insights about managing anxiety, stress, relationships, and parenting as it relates to the pandemic. (Published 4/25/2020)
Relationships During COVID-19
Relationships During COVID-19
Check out this discussion with Dr. Smedley and Dr. Maysa Akbar discussing relationships during COVID-19. (Published 4/23/2020)
Check out this discussion with Dr. Smedley and Dr. Maysa Akbar discussing relationships during COVID-19. (Published 4/23/2020)
Mental Health in the Black Church During a Pandemic
Mental Health in the Black Church During a Pandemic
Dr. Smedley recently held a two-part virtual discussion about mental health with Pastor Dante Quick at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Vallejo, CA. (Published 4/22 & 29/2020)
Journaling to Cope
Journaling to Cope
Journaling to Cope: An Alternative to Violence, is a resource that was published with black males at the forefront of the author's purpose for sharing his own journey of life's trials. Dr. Smedley was invited to participate on this project to further emphasize the importance of mental health in the black community. The foreword, written by Dr. Smedley, serves to educate the lay person about common mental health diagnoses, symptoms, and how they may appear in the context of black individuals and families.