WHY EUSTRESSIN'?: ERLANGER TURNER
Dr. Turner has been making major moves in the mental health field for quite some time and he serves as one of my motivators to continue to serve others. As a Licensed Psychologist and Professor, Dr. Turner impacts lives in various ways. It was dope to sit down with him to discuss how he adds Eustress to his life. Check it out!
HEY ERLANGER, WHY EUSTRESSIN’?
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING/ HOW LONG?
Currently, I am a licensed psychologist and psychology professor in Houston,TX. I have been licensed since 2011 and have experience providing treatment to youth and adults. My mission in life is to promote mental health among African Americans and train the next generation of mental health providers. I have been privileged to serve in numerous leadership roles in the field and was recently elected as the first African American male to serve as the 2020 President for the Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice.
DO YOU EVER THINK ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR PROFESSION?
Mental health is important for everyone. It is particularly important for mental health professionals. I often try to engage in regular self-care to promote wellness.
WHAT UNIQUE CHALLENGES DO YOU ENCOUNTER SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR JOB THAT HAS AN IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT?
As a black psychologist, it can be difficult to balance being a black man in America and coping with systemic racism. In my role as a media psychologist, it has been great to use my voice to promote social justice issues and mental health awareness.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THOSE STRESSORS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
For me, fitness has been a great source of self-care and coping. Working out and running outdoors is my go-to self-care strategy to deal with managing stress.
HOW DOES BEING MENTALLY HEALTHY HELP IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK OR ON THE JOB?
It would be impossible to help others cope with their own mental health issues if I was overwhelmed or stressed. Being mentally healthy gives me clarity to listen empathetically and normalize stress for others.
WHAT DOES EUSTRESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AT WORK? AT HOME/AWAY FROM WORK?
Great question! For me good stress is being able to experience stress or challenging situations at home or work without crashing. Its helpful for me to use my own stress management skills to regulate my stress so I can continue to be productive.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD TELL SOMEONE JUST STARTING IN YOUR PROFESSION OR A YOUNG PERSON WHO ASPIRES TO BE THE PROFESSIONAL THAT YOU ARE?
Find something that you are passionate about and seek mentors that can help you navigate your path. It helps to keep you motivated and if you enjoy the work it feels less like a job. Because I am passionate about mental health and wellness, I love what I do and even when my days are extremely busy it is less stressful.
ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND WHAT YOU’RE UP TO?
I'm excited to share that I recently completed my first book to help mental health providers learn how to be more effective in working with African American clients. The book is titled "Mental Health Among African Americans: Innovations in Research and Practice" and is expected to be released in 2020. I also have a podcast "The Breakdown with Dr. Earl" that discusses mental health issues related to Black boys and men. You can find the podcast on Instagram at thebreakdownwithdrearl
HOW CAN PEOPLE CONTACT YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Website:
drerlangerturner.com
Instagram:
drearlturner
Twitter:
drearlturner
Facebook:
askdrearl
