According to recent data from the CDC, anxiety problems, behavior disorders, and depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children ages 3-17. Since the start of the global pandemic, there has been an increased focus on child mental health, as there is a rising number of reports about adverse mental health incidents in youth.
It’s also important to note that one of the key factors outlined by the CDC that can reduce the risk of adverse mental health in children and youth is having an adult support system around them who can nurture a safe and stable environment for them to lean on. Parents being aware of their child’s mental health and wellbeing is an important place to start, but experts recognize that not all youth have a supportive family unit to rely on.
Clinic psychologist and Associate Professor at Howard University Dr. Shareefah N. Al’Uqdah, affectionately known as ‘Your Neighborhood Psychologist’ on social media, is passionate about making mental health care accessible and relevant for every community. Your Neighborhood Clinic is a nonprofit dedicated to culturally competent mental health care.
As a nationally recognized expert on emotional wellness, Dr. Al’Uqdah recognizes the stress and challenges the back-to-school season brings for families. And given her focus on supporting minority and underserved communities, she recognizes that access to mental health services can be difficult for some.
Dr. Al’Uqdah brings not only professional expertise, but also lived experience as a wife, mother of four, and stepmom. Her relatable approach and practical advice have made her a trusted voice for families and educators nationwide. She has led national and international workshops, published research on urban families and schools, and secured over $3 million in grant funding to address mental health disparities.
As many people across the country prepare for heading back to the classroom, whether as students, volunteers, faculty or support staff, we had the opportunity to speak with the doc about the importance of prioritizing mental health and wellbeing as much as literacy and numeracy, how to find resources when they are hard to access, and the advice she has for families during this season.
How did you begin your career in the mental health field, and why is this issue so important to you?
I always wanted to work with in the mental health field but it cemented during AP psychology in high school when I read the Bell Curve. The Bell Curve was a book that indicated AA were the least intelligent of all races based on psychological IQ test. I wanted to work in the field to dispel these stereotypes. Since high school, I learned that mental health was the key to all success. It is central to every aspect of our lives and I enjoy helping people improve their lives.
As a nationally recognized expert on emotional wellness, can you explain in more details what this is and why each of us should be paying attention to it in our lives?
Emotional wellness is a key component of mental health. It is the ability to understand, express, and regulate our emotional responses. It is important because contrary to popular opinion—feelings are facts. Our feelings impact the way think, behave, and our relationships. Thus, learning how to understand our emotions, regulate them, and express them is important.
Back to school season can be tough with so many emotions and transitions to navigate through. How can parents effectively guide their children through this time and adequately prepare?
Children of all ages need to have conversations regarding expectations and schedule. What are going to be the new expectations of homework? What is their new schedule, bus route, chores? They also need to be encouraged to create a goal or vision for the new year. Help the child create an academic, social, and/or extracurricular goal.
What advice would you give to teachers for their incoming class, and to prepare themselves for the new school year and all its challenges?
I encourage educators to create mindful moments within their curriculum that allows for mental breaks for them and the students. I also encourage educators to create community with their peers and administrators. It feels better to come to work when you enjoy the people you work with. I also encourage educators to remember that small changes can have lasting effects. Thus, choose one small change in your daily schedule or school structure that you would like to implement.
Lastly, it is very important for educators to schedule bathroom and meal breaks for themselves. Research suggests that educators have long term health consequences (more at risk for bladder issues, back problems, and weight gain); thus, they have to advocate for and utilize breaks to walk, stretch, eat balanced meals, and use the restroom.
There seems to be a growing focus and need on social and emotional learning. What tools or practices do you hope to see incorporated into schools across the country that can prioritize mental health?
I think schools need to incorporate educator wellness programs. Educators are getting burnt out frequently and their turnover disrupts the entire school system. I would love to see a national focus on improving educator mental and physical health. Create walking paths, provide them with plants, proper leave for eating and bathroom breaks, the opportunity to create community, and agency to improve their work environments.
When speaking about students, I think we need to push for mental health literacy in the same way states are pushing for financial literacy. All students should graduate knowing basic coping skills, mindful techniques, their triggers, and have a mental health improvement plan.
For people who think focusing on mental health in schools is a waste of time or takes away from academia, how would you respond to those critics?
Children can’t learn when they are overwhelmed. Children can’t learn when they act out because of unresolved or untreated mental health issues. Educators don’t have to be mental health professionals but everyone can help create relaxing and calm environments that aid in students and educators mental health. Creating mindful corners, providing mindful minutes that include deep breathing, teaching coping skills can help ensure a productive learning environment.
What are some of the back-to-school challenges you faced in your own family, and how did you navigate through those times?
Navigating the different ages and schools. We have a rising senior and freshman in college, a rising 7th grader and 4th grader. Thus, we have to figure out money, transportation, school supplies, and different schedules. While our younger boys love their schools and have great relationships, they are always nervous about new teachers and new expectations. Helping them manage their nerves while also adjusting to new academic standards can be a challenge.
Also, as faculty, Im going back to school too. So I try to have a lot of family dinners and conversations to understand how they are adjusting. I set up family calendars (one in the kitchen and one shared electronic one). I ask them to write down their goals for the semester/quarter and year. I also make sure they get enough rest.
With a focus on minority communities in your work, where would you encourage them to find resources and support for the intersectional challenges they will face this coming school year?
There a lot of good resources—Follow professional social media accounts. Use the library to obtain free books on topics relevant to your concerns. Download free apps for meditation and mindfulness. Use your phone’s calendar to set appointments. Use the sleep function and timer to limit social media. Also, reach out to your school and college. Some schools/universities have great groups or individual resources that are free for students.
What is one mantra that you live by every day, and that brings you joy and comfort.
One monkey don’t stop no show—this has gotten me through breakups, job rejection, disappointment, regret— every big feeling! When I remind myself that my show is bigger than this one thing—I go faithfully forward.
You can learn more about Dr. Al’Uqdah’s tips on prioritizing mental health and wellbeing for the back-to-school season by following her on Instagram, and visiting the Your Neighborhood Clinic website.
