Talking With Dr Toy

Women not only deserve to be celebrated but we also deserve to be supported. Sometimes women have to choose between wearing a cape versus exhibiting the need for a supportive shoulder. The article, "Black women are often pigeonholed as strong caregivers and providers who shoulder others' burdens and do not share their own" sheds light on the Strong Black Woman image/schema. Oftentimes, too many toxic sacrifices are made to sustain the image rather than the wellbeing of the individual. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com for more information.

Black mental health matters is a rallying cry for identifying and dismantling the healthcare disparities that persists within the community. The lack of cultural competency, humility, relativity, gatekeeping within the profession, mistrust due to historic as well as present unethical and racists practices informed by implicit and explicit bias, and discriminatory systems are a few reasons why the health care system needs an overhaul. The mental health system must be willing to look into the proverbial mirror, accept the reality of the reflection, make amends, and make changes in order to provide trauma informed and therapeutic spaces of safety for African Americans. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Fannie Lou Hamer asked: "Ain't I A Woman?" and that question resounds today as many African Americans are still asking, "Ain't I human?" The objectification and dehumanization of African Americans is one aspect that lies beneath the systemic mental health disparities that persist in communities of color. Not being viewed as human but as objects/commodities did not end with slavery, but persists and informs some of the mental health practices and policies that displace African Americans at society's margins. As a result, our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health represents the collateral damage of a system driven by this insidious ideology. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

The co-morbidity of mental health and substance use issues has increased within the African American community. According to the African American Behavioral Health Center for Excellence, "The rate of increase in drug overdose deaths in 2018 for African Americans exceeded other racial groups and compared to all other races, had the highest death rates attributed to synthetic opioids, represented by an increase of 818%." Sometimes unhealthy and even deadly coping strategies are utilized when managing mental health issues. Let's continue to talk about Black Mental Health matters, tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Not only is Black History 365 days of the year; so is African Americans' mental health. The systemic health disparities regarding the state of mental health within the African American community is cause for pause, concern, and tangible action. No longer must we solely anchor in our resilience as a shield of protection from the targeted assaults on our lives. We must also acknowledge that arrows leave wounds and if unattended, those wounds not only infect and affect us, but our families, communities, and future generations. Let's talk about it for real! Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

I'm personally pausing from my regularly scheduled programmed life to acknowledge and experience the collective grief and outrage regarding the traumatic beating and murder of Tyre Nichols. I appreciate the powerful words of Dr. Thelma Bryant's, APA president, response to this horrific and brutal tragedy. I encourage you to view her response which is posted on Youtube: "How to Process the Killing of Tyre Nichols." We honor the life and legacy of Tyre Nichols and hold space for his entire family. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

When was the last time you made time to sit with yourself? I know for some that question may seem targeted to those who appear to have the luxury of doing so. However, in getting to know you, it requires really taking a look at yourself and asking some crucial and insightful questions. I would encourage you to carve out just a little time to engage in a self interview that requires asking yourself some poignant questions that get to the heart of rediscovering aspects of your identity. Sharon Martin poses some powerful questions. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.  

Getting to know you takes energy and time, however, so many neglect themselves. I hope this may be a season for you to invest in yourself because you are worth it. When I say invest, it includes nourishing your soul and cultivating aspects of curiosity regarding "being" instead of "doing". We're more than our actions and our achievements. My hope is that you take a moment to breath and explore aspects of yourself so that discovery becomes a goal for you this season. Tune into the podcast www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Aspects of our humanity and identity evolve over time due to experiences, time, etc. However, sometimes as a result of disconnection, trauma, etc. we may feel lost and have no clue of who we really are. It happens because life happens. So what do we enact in order to reconnect with ourselves and cultivate a sense of curiosity and exploration of self?  Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

Well, Happy New Year!! The first day of the year may garner various emotions, some may experience excitement, anxiousness, or even be relieved that another year has arrived. Whatever, the emotion, my hope is the realization regarding the power of choice and connection that lies within this year for you. Some say, this is the year of choosing you, however, it will be difficult to make informed and healthy choices in the midst of disconnection. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.