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.
APA Advocacy Coordinating Committee Appointment
APA Advocacy Coordinating Committee Appointment
The Advocacy Coordinating Committee (ACC) is charged with recommending a slate of advocacy priorities for APA’s companion advocacy organization, APA Services. Laura Knudtson, Jonathan Metzler, Jessica Smedley, and Erica Wise have been appointed to serve on the ACC from 2022-2024.
Juneteenth - "Can You See Me?" Celebrating black mental health
Juneteenth - "Can You See Me?" 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."
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)
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.