S4 E7: Whitney Howzell on Transitioning to Adulthood

Beyond Theory

In this episode of Beyond Theory, Dr. Whitney Howzell, the Executive Director of The Claudia Black Young Adult Center at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, shares valuable insights on navigating mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Howzell emphasizes the importance of self-care, maintaining perspective, and seeking support during these trying times.

The conversation begins with Dr. Howzell discussing the impact of the pandemic on mental health professionals and the increased demand for their services. She highlights the significance of practicing what she preaches, such as prioritizing rest, self-care, and quality time with loved ones.

For young adults transitioning to adulthood, Dr. Howzell validates the confusion and challenges they may face, reminding them that there's no handbook for this journey. She encourages them to keep moving forward, learn from setbacks, and understand that their current situation doesn't define their future.

The discussion also touches on the CDC report indicating a rise in emergency room visits for suicide attempts and self-harm among young people in 2020. Dr. Howzell attributes this to factors such as the abrupt lockdown, lack of usual support systems, and the negative echo chamber of social media. However, she also commends the creativity and resilience displayed by young individuals in finding new ways to connect and support each other.

Dr. Howzell celebrates the positive shift in communities of color, particularly among Black women, who are increasingly open about their mental health struggles and seeking therapy. She links this progress to exposure from public figures and a pushback against the "strong Black woman" trope.

Regarding her own mental well-being, Dr. Howzell emphasizes the importance of seeing a therapist, practicing emotional check-ins, engaging in self-care activities, and gradually building healthy habits. She advises those struggling with the stigma surrounding mental health to develop self-awareness, reach out for support, and offer non-judgmental listening to others.

Key Takeaways:

1. Prioritizing Self-Care During COVID-19: Dr. Whitney Howzell emphasizes the importance of self-care practices, such as rest, emotional check-ins, and engaging in activities that promote mental well-being, especially for mental health professionals during the pandemic.

2. Validating Young Adults' Challenges: For young adults transitioning to adulthood, Dr. Howzell validates the confusion and difficulties they may encounter, reminding them that growth is a process, and setbacks are opportunities for learning and resilience.

3. Addressing Mental Health Concerns: The CDC report highlights the increased risk of suicide attempts and self-harm among youth during the pandemic. Dr. Howzell attributes this to factors such as isolation, lack of support, and negative social media influences.

4. Innovative Ways to Connect and Cope: Despite the challenges, young people have demonstrated creativity and resilience in finding new ways to connect, support each other, and cope with the pandemic's impact on their mental health.

5. Shifting Mental Health Stigma in Communities of Color: Dr. Howzell celebrates the increasing openness about mental health struggles and the pursuit of therapy among communities of color, particularly Black women, attributing this shift to exposure from public figures and a rejection of limiting stereotypes.

6. Developing Healthy Habits for Mental Well-being: To maintain mental well-being, Dr. Howzell advises developing healthy habits such as seeing a therapist, practicing emotional check-ins, engaging in self-care activities, and building these habits gradually.

7. Supporting Loved Ones' Mental Health: When reaching out to support loved ones who may be struggling with their mental health, Dr. Howzell recommends starting with simple questions, offering a non-judgmental listening ear, and avoiding forcing solutions before they are ready.

8. Seeking Help and Overcoming Stigma: For those struggling with mental health stigma, Dr. Howzell encourages developing self-awareness, reaching out for support, and offering empathy and understanding to others facing similar challenges.

The episode concludes with Dr. Howzell's advice for those seeking help or trying to support loved ones. She encourages individuals to start with simple questions like "Are you okay?" and offer a listening ear without forcing solutions. By validating difficult emotions and providing support, we can help each other navigate the challenges of these unprecedented times.

Dr. Whitney Howzell is the Executive Director of The Claudia Black Young Adult Center at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare. Much of her work has centered on treating adolescents and families with behavioral and emotional issues, sexual compulsive behavior, sexual trauma, and couples with relational issues. Find out more about her work at claudiablackcenter.com. Dr. Whitney Howzell is the Executive Director of The Claudia Black Young Adult Center at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare. Much of her work has centered on treating adolescents and families with behavioral and emotional issues, sexual compulsive behavior, sexual trauma, and couples with relational issues. Find out more about her work at claudiablackcenter.com.