Travel Log: The 14th International Conference on Early Intervention in Mental Health in Lausanne, Switzerland

This summer, Dr. Darrell and Dr. Sinclair traveled to Lausanne, Switzerland, to participate in the 14th International Conference on Early Intervention in Mental Health. This prestigious event was held at the University of Switzerland (UNIS), the oldest university in the world, attracting clinicians and academicians from across the globe. What an incredible opportunity!

As part of the Outreach and Education Expansion Project for the Maryland Early Intervention HBCU Requirement Grant, Dr. Darrell and Dr. Sinclair represented Morgan State University (MSU) alongside faculty from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMMD) and University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)—the grant aimed to enhance pre-service training on psychosis for behavioral health providers. Over the past year, they had strived to create a space for crucial conversations about race and the historical impact of racism on mental health. Their efforts resulted in an accepted poster presentation titled "Development and Pilot Testing of a Culturally Sensitive Workforce Training Program for Urban Black Youth Experiencing Early Psychosis."

Upon arriving at the conference, the team noticed a glaring lack of representation of persons of color, with only a few attendees from England and representatives from New Zealand (Maori) and Oregon (First Nations people). The conference focused on mental health and youth, addressing the pertinent needs of those experiencing psychosis due to schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, trauma, and substance-induced psychosis. They found themselves drawn to the discussions about the negative impact of colonization on oppressed people of color worldwide, resonating with the experiences shared by the Maori of New Zealand and the First Nations people in Oregon. Those conversations, though challenging, were essential.

Their presence at the conference felt timely and vital. Their poster sparked insightful conversations while also encountering avoidance at times. It reaffirmed the significance of Morgan State University's School of Social Work and the unprecedented need for their contribution as an HBCU, both nationally and internationally. They stood as the voices of their communities, dispelling assumptions made by colonizers who remained unaware of or indifferent to the impact of historical racial injuries.

The conference theme, "Early Intervention in a Changing World," brought together scholars from diverse countries such as Chile, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Sudan, and Italy. Some countries presented longitudinal studies involving families and psychosis, underscoring the necessity of universal healthcare in their nations. Dr. Darrell and Dr. Sinclair were surprised and heartened to witness the interest in the concept of an HBCU to educate "Black People."

Throughout the conference, discussions delved into a broad range of issues, including the impact of cannabis use, the overlapping effects of anxiety, mood disorders, COVID-19, climate change, and isolation on early identification of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Particularly intriguing and affirming were the frequent discussions about the impact of colonization on "minoritized people" worldwide. The consistent theme highlighted how colonization disrupted families and caused irreparable damage that still affects present-day communities. They couldn't help but think about the plight of the African diaspora, where colonizers deliberately erased indigenous cultures, contributing to high rates of life stress and intergenerational trauma—factors closely associated with psychosis.

Moreover, the interdisciplinary discussions revealed that, as oppressed people, they shared much in common. Developed nations grappled with their past crimes against humanity, exemplified by the King of Holland's recent apology for his country's role in slavery, acknowledged as a "crime against humanity." European scholars celebrated the gesture and wondered if their countries would follow suit.

This conference ignited insightful dialogues and fostered connections across borders. Dr. Darrell and Dr. Sinclair returned with renewed purpose, determined to continue their vital work in mental health and social justice. Until their next adventure!