Trapped by Trauma: Racism as a Public Health Emergency, Crain’s Chicago Business, April 20, 2021
How the Breonna Taylor Decision Traumatizes Black Women, Chicago Tribune, October 2, 2020
“As a clinical psychologist who studies trauma among Black women, I know the data is clear. Black women experience the highest number of cumulative traumatic events in their lifetime. Black women are more likely than white women to experience childhood abuse or neglect, sexual violence and exposure to gun violence.”
Young Black People Are Killing Themselves, The New York Times, December 16, 2019
“Black youths too often receive the messages that their lives are not valued and that they are less deserving of support, nurturing and protection than their peers of other backgrounds. Compared with white kids, they receive more detentions, suspensions and expulsions in school, have higher rates of arrests and incarceration, and fewer options for high-quality education and stable employment.
Many black youths are often fighting for their lives in a system actively working against them, which can be exhausting and feel like a pointless, uphill battle.”
The Strong and Stressed Black Woman, The New York Times, April 25, 2018
“We must let go of the singular narrative of what it means to be a Strong Black Woman. Black women have harnessed their strength out of the necessity to support themselves and their families when no one else would — and that should be applauded. But there is also strength in vulnerability, comfort in seeing that you are not alone and power in knowing when to ask for help.”
Let’s Follow These Celebrities to Create Safe Spaces for People to Discuss Their Mental Health, The Hill, April 15, 2018
Amid Chicago violence epidemic, PTSD for survivors, The Hill, June 26, 2017
“It is imperative that we urgently address the root causes of violence, the behavior and the impact of exposure to violence for we are in the midst of a dangerous and deadly equation. Even when the violence has ceased, the consequences of this period of time will be pervasive and enduring.”
Sick and tired: Are White House policies perpetuating mental illness? The Hill, March 6, 2017
Eliminating mental health coverage will create a crisis for millions, Think Progress, February 9, 2017
Commentary. Hopelessness: A byproduct of violence in Chicago, Chicago Tribune, January 30, 2017
“It is a universal human need to want to know that you are valued, that you have a purpose and that your life matters. When these needs aren't met, it can negatively impact self-esteem, which in turn impacts behavior. Existing in an environment where you are experiencing constant social and environmental stress has far-reaching negative implications for the individual, family and community at large.”
“Feeling a sense of worth when surrounded by messages that black lives don't matter is difficult. Feeling purposeful when resources are cut and the available opportunities are scarce and bleak is almost impossible. Hope is elusive when you question if you'll live to see tomorrow.”
A princess champion: Carrie Fisher and her battle against mental health stigma, The Hill, December 28, 2016
Everyone Can Benefit from Mindfulness Practice, Los Angles Review of Books, December 27, 2016
How Donald Trump Affects Therapy Patients, TIME, November 28, 2016
Built-in racial barriers for mental health treatment, The Hill, November 16, 2016
“In general, many do not identify themselves as having a problem in need of mental health treatment. They may acknowledge stress, but believe that the problem “isn’t that bad” and will get better on its own.”
“In the black community, the threshold that is used to define treatment as necessary is exceedingly high. For instance, some believe that you must be on the brink of a “nervous breakdown,” hearing voices or contemplating suicide before seeking outside treatment.”
Mental Health in the Black Community: A Matter of Life or Death, Chicago Tribune, October 14, 2016