A graduate of Wayne State University Medical School in Detroit, Dr. Iyantta Howell is a dedicated psychiatrist whose path to mental health care is marked by resilience and personal experience. From an early age, she aspired to be a doctor, initially leaning towards pediatrics due to her love for children. However, a significant turning point during medical school shifted her focus to psychiatry after she encountered her own struggles with mental health following a setback during her medical boards.
In the midst of this frustrating time, Dr. Howell often found encouragement in conversations with her pastor. Recognizing her distress, he encouraged her to seek professional therapy—a moment that proved vital to her personal and professional journey. Therapy not only provided her with healing but also ignited her passion for helping others overcome similar challenges.
Dr. Howell’s story is further enriched by her upbringing; she witnessed firsthand the impact of mental health issues through her father, who struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism. This experience played a role in shaping her understanding of mental health and the pressing need for support and understanding, especially within the Black community.
Being a psychiatrist can be very complex and emotionally demanding. What helps you keep your passion alive for what you do? What inspires you?
I think it’s just how everything played out. I know that I’m following the call in my life because this was not my idea. I always say psychiatry chose me, and I think God has really called me to do this. So that inspires me just because I get satisfaction from feeling that I’m doing what I’m supposed to do. I find fulfillment in it. Although it can be very stressful, it’s nice to know that I’m helping someone because I remember how miserable I was during my depression and how someone helped me.
What do you find most challenging and rewarding about your work, and what are the key lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?
A challenging part about my work is finding balance between effectively caring for my patients and doing all that I can to assist in their healing while also not allowing the accompanying emotional burden to carry over into my personal life. The most rewarding part of my work is after I’ve been treating a patient for a few months; I go back over and review the patient’s initial intake assessment with them, and it’s always so encouraging to see their growth, but especially for them to see their own growth! One big lesson that I am learning is the value of being able to provide support to my patients who would not otherwise have it. Because the reality is that the stress and the challenges of life often don’t let up and will keep right on coming, which makes what I do both necessary and rewarding.
Mental health can often carry a stigma within the Black community. How do you approach conversations about mental health in a way that connects with individuals who may be hesitant or skeptical, and encourages a path toward healing?
By acknowledging that the United States has a dark history when it comes to providing both medical and mental health treatment to African-Americans. We as a people have been tricked and preyed upon by American scientists and physicians for a good portion of American history. So starting with an understanding and acknowledgment that a patient’s trust in healthcare professionals needs to be rebuilt is a huge part of the battle. Hearing patients out and listening to their concerns, and providing proper education in order to dispel common myths of psychiatry and explaining realistic expectations of treatment is where I Iike to start.
Given the current social and political climate in America, what strategies can Black women adapt to protect our peace and maintain emotional well-being?
Ensuring that they place a high priority, if not THE priority, on taking care of themselves before they take care of others. Meaning, ensuring that they are exercising, consuming a proper diet, getting the proper amount of rest, seeing their PCP regularly, and seeking mental health care *before* they are actually in a crisis. This will place them in the best position to give and nurture others without the associated resentment from sacrificing their own physical and mental health for the sake of others.
Although your career as a psychiatrist can be demanding and challenging at times, how do you incorporate self-care and relaxation?
For me, traveling is one of the best ways to recharge and relax. Even if it’s just for a vacation, I enjoy checking into a nice hotel that has amenities like a hot tub, enjoying a lovely breakfast, or going out to eat. I often do periodic staycations, but I also love to explore different states or countries. Travel genuinely helps me unwind.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting places like Paris, which stands out as my favorite. I went there with a friend a few years ago, and it was a really nice experience. The friendly atmosphere and the chance to use a little French I had studied earlier made it even more enjoyable. Being in a vibrant city like that truly adds to my travel experience, allowing me to relax and recharge while experiencing new cultures.
Thank you, Dr. Howell, for sharing your story, insights, and expertise. You can follow her on Instagram to discover inspiring and informative posts about self-care, mental health, and well-being.