Dr. Tiffany Latham, Washington D.C., DC (2025)

10/31/2021

Join us this week as we close out Season 2 of Black Mental Space. If you enjoy hearing the perspectives of Black psychologists/therapists, have an interest in Black mental health, or have a question for us - tap in on Wednesday November 3 at 7:30 PM EST!

This week we will be discussing the Dave Chappelle controversy and the protests at Howard University.

10/24/2021

Seeking out therapy is not always an easy step to take, especially if you are a person of color. Research indicates mixed results around whether a therapist whose race or ethnicity aligns with that of the client makes for better treatment outcomes. At any rate, some people of color feel more comfortable if their therapist's race or ethnicity matches their own.

I have always encouraged people who are seeking therapy to go into their consultation appointment or first therapy session with a list of questions to help them determine whether the therapist will be a good fit for them. If you are a person of color who is considering therapy, swipe left for a few questions you may want to keep in mind while you search for a potential therapist.

10/17/2021

The sun is rising later and setting earlier. As the season changes so will many people’s emotions and mood. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression also known as SAD. People with SAD experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depression. The symptoms usually occur during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight and usually improve with the arrival of spring.

SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter. As seasons change, people experience a shift in their biological internal clock or circadian rhythm that can cause them to be out of step with their daily schedule.

If you feel you have symptoms of SAD, seek the help of a trained professional. Just as with other forms of depression, it is important to make sure there is no other medical condition causing symptoms. SAD can be misdiagnosed, so proper evaluation is key. A mental health professional can diagnose the condition and discuss therapy options. With the right treatment, SAD can be a manageable condition.

08/29/2021

When thinking about alcohol or drug use, it is important to understand the difference between substance use, substance abuse, substance use disorders, and addiction. Substance use refers to the use of drugs or alcohol, and includes substances such as ci******es, illicit drugs, and prescription drugs. Substance abuse is the use of illicit drugs, prescription drugs, or alcohol for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used and in excessive amounts. Substance use disorder is a disease that affects a person's brain + behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of legal or illicit drugs. Addiction is a chronic problem characterized by compulsive drug seeking behavior and continued use despite harmful consequences. An addiction is considered both a complex brain disease and mental illness.

For decades, much of America’s War on Drugs was focused in the Black community. In the 1980s, Black people impacted by addiction were incarcerated at rates greater than any other race. When the face of opioid use began to change and surface in the white community, drug use shifted from being seen as a criminal act and instead an illness that needed to be treated - even while Black people were still being incarcerated at higher rates and longer sentences for drug-related offenses than white people in similar situations.

Substance abuse is a national public health crisis. Although there are an abundance of initiatives to address this crisis and we have seen some decline of substance use in the Black community, addiction continues to be one of America’s most complex issues. If you or someone you know needs help for addiction or co-occurring disorder issues, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

**in *****na

08/22/2021

Back in May 2021 one of my featured posts highlighted Safe Spaces and since that post, the thought of Safe Spaces has been on my mind a lot. I cannot quite put my finger on why. Maybe it is the social injustice I frequently see/hear in the media, the countless stories I heard throughout my clinical work in the past where clients frequently shared feeling like they could not be their true selves in the workplace/with family/in relationships/etc, or a combination of these things - plus several others. Regardless of the origin, Safe Spaces are important to me and play such a vital role in all aspects of a person’s life, especially in maintaining mental wellness.

The concept of a Safe Space is incredibly complex and irrefutably multilayered. There are so many levels of safety that capture what I believe many people desire in a Safe Space in order to feel secure. There are three that stand out to me most and I have coined them as the “Trifecta of Safe Spaces” - they include and . To learn more on these swipe left.

I’m interested in something - what needs to exist for you in order to feel safe in the spaces you occupy? Drop those things below in the comments!

08/16/2021

Tap in this week on Tuesday August 17 at 7pm EST/6pm CST for Episode 3 of Black Mental Space. Join us for a live discussion + Q&A. We will explore hot topics, current events, and all things Black Mental Health. You may access this event via the link below!

https://linktr.ee/drjshopkins

08/01/2021

The American Psychological Association reports 12% of millennials have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder - almost twice the percentage of boomers who had been similarly diagnosed. Anxiety rates among Black Millennials are likely higher than we can confirm because studies often fail to include, and fully capture, the experiences of the most vulnerable.

Given everything that has happened in our lives over the last decade, we can only imagine by how much the rate of anxiety has peaked among Black Millennials. While the Black community has traditionally avoided acknowledging their mental illness, there has been a huge shift over the last several years and now the community (especially Black Millennials) see addressing their mental health as a necessity for self-growth.

There are several triggers for Black Millennial Anxiety. Scroll down to learn about a few.

07/18/2021

Over the years a question I have often been asked from black people about therapy is - how do I find a therapist who gets me? In the field of psychology we refer to these types of therapists as “culturally competent.” A culturally competent therapist is one who recognizes and respects the many layers of a person whose cultural identity may be different than their own. These layers include race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, developmental disabilities, and socioeconomic status, to name a few.

A person who does not feel as though their therapist understands them are more likely to end therapy prematurely because they could not form a healthy therapeutic alliance. A healthy therapeutic alliance is when a person feels heard and understood by the therapist and they trust the therapist has their best interest in mind.

It is important to find a therapist who you think will be able to identify with you. That does not necessarily mean they have to share the same background as you. It is important to look for someone who makes it a priority to be culturally sensitive and exercise cultural humility.

When you find a therapist you are interested in working with, ask questions. Ask them how familiar they are with your culture or background. Ask them about their training and education in working with diverse populations. Some therapists offer free phone consultations where you can ask these questions.

Courtesy of the National Alliance on Mental Illness ( ), swipe right for some examples of questions you may ask when shopping around for a culturally competent therapist. Also included are questions for reflection to determine if your therapist is a good fit.

06/27/2021

Until recently, burnout was defined as a stress syndrome. In May 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated its definition of burnout. It is now a medical diagnosis referred to as a “syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”

Let’s talk about Black burnout. What is Black burnout?

1. It is the fatigue felt from constantly being confronted with racial injustice.

2. It is feeling annoyed by a change in hairstyle being the topic of conversation in the workplace.

3. It is feeling exhaustion from code-switching.

4. It is feeling fearful in the workplace that if you stand up for yourself, you keep it “too real” or you show up too much as your authentic self, you will have “the talk” with leadership. And subsequently worry all the time if you say the “wrong thing” - you will lose your job.

5. It is feeling tired of always being mindful of how you carry yourself in order make sure your non-Black colleagues are comfortable.

6. It is feeling confused and defeated when told you are being ‘too serious’ or there is ‘a lack of connection.’

Needless to say, no matter the era in history, being Black and burnt out has been a constant for years in the Black community. We have heard this time and time again - Black people have to work twice as hard to get half as far.

Words of Wisdom: Take that , you deserve.

06/16/2021

We are excited to announce the Season 2 Premiere of Black Mental Space - a live show about mental health hosted by a group of Black, Millennial Psychologists and Therapists - every other Tuesday at 7pm EST/6pm CST.

Join us on Tuesday June 22 for Season 2, Episode 1. In honor of Juneteenth we will be hosting a vibrant and informed discussion on Black Liberation and Mental Health, along with live Q & A.

The show will be livestreamed on and and published for later access. We hope to see you there!

06/04/2021

I’m grateful to be invited by the Women’s Ministry of United Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio to speak on the topic of mental health. I look forward to fostering a safe space for this community to discuss the intersection of the Black church and Black mental health.

Zoom ID: 857 2687 6376
Password: 524875
Phone: 1 929 205 6099

05/23/2021

Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse where a person or group makes someone question their sanity, perception of reality, or memories. People experiencing gaslighting often feel confused, anxious, and unable to trust themselves.

Racial Gaslighting is exactly the same – only it makes the victim question their judgment on issues of racism. The impact of Racial Gaslighting on Black mental health can be severe. Not only is the Black person experiencing racism, they are also also trying to fight it while those around them are saying it does not exist. This leads Black people to feel they cannot outwardly express their emotions or have their feelings recognized and validated. Racial Gaslighting can contribute to diminished self worth and confidence, feeling a loss of control, hopelessness, and helplessness.

There is also room here for discussing White responsibility in Racial Gaslighting. Room for White people to learn, listen, and accept personal experiences that Black people describe, because their feelings are important. White people must be mindful of not dismissing, or discrediting Black people’s personal experiences.

The best way to address Gaslighting is by calling it out. There is a phrase I live by that is perfect for calling out Gaslighting - “If you see something or hear something, say something.”

Dr. Tiffany Latham

10/31/2021

10/24/2021

10/17/2021

08/29/2021

08/22/2021

08/16/2021

08/01/2021

07/18/2021

06/27/2021

06/16/2021

06/04/2021

05/23/2021

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