Cultural Barriers How to talk about Mental Health with Loved Ones… Knowing when to say, “I love myself enough to..”
There comes a time when we have to have “THAT” conversation of which is very hard to have with a said individual because we are creating 100 different scenarios of how the conversation may end up going.
Hemming, and haughing until the moment comes, only for some divine intervention to prevent it from happening. Then another year goes by without having “THAT” talk.
However, there comes a time when breaking through old paradigms within the family unit about Mental Health has to happen. Be it after the loss of a loved one, seeing someone turn to substance abuse, or suddenly changing their way of being.
As Tatiana Gonzalez, Advocacy and State Programming Director for NAMI has mentioned,
“It is important to plan what you will articulate when discussing hard topics like mental health.”
Mental Health is a sensitive topic within LatinX and Hispanic families, and as Tatiana has stated, “can be the white elephant in the corner.” Sometimes we get so caught up in the narrative of what might happen, that it is often avoided and simply not addressed and passed over. Later it is expressed by venting to another family member in an overly dramatic and passionate way of what you “would have said” had you had “THAT” conversation.
What is it that is tugging at you that you want to share and haven’t the courage to do it?
Give it a think, but also remember that you are NOT that other person and have NO IDEA what that other person is feeling, going through, and also struggling with. Therefore, the same compassion you wish to receive also is willing to deliver it.
When opening up about these conversations, patience is needed and processing time. Some of the conversations you will have may also come to an end of some relationships and the beginning of new. Be flexible with yourself and each other.
I’m going to challenge you to go deeper into these questions. Go beyond surface-level, “in my head” questions such as:
What do you think will happen when you share this information?
What is the best possible response you will receive?
What is the worst that can happen?
What would they say or how do you think they would react that would make you feel a lot worse?
What do you need from that person to make you feel better?
And focus on the following questions:
Do you really know the response you will receive?
Are you putting yourself in their position the way you would want them to consider you? or is there a way YOU can change the outcome?
Do you blame consciously? What do you hold yourself responsible for?
Have some of us become our parents?
Am I willing to go our separate ways confidently knowing that the other is just not ready yet to receive my authenticity?
Are you ready to remove yourself from the old to grow into your new?
Be specific in this response. Tatiana mentions to “have concrete needs”, “I need you to hear me better”, “I need you to check in on me every day”, I need you to help me speak to mom and dad…“ However, also remember that you have your OWN power to make a difference for yourself by trusting yourself and seeking the help you know intuitively is going to level you up, rather than hold you back.
”Sometimes, the very people you want to support you, are the very people that hold you back.“
It’s time to take your power back and begin with saying to yourself, "I love myself enough to…”
Whenever you feel “stuck” or feel oppressed, take a moment to stand in your strength and claim,
Make that your mantra.
“THAT” conversation doesn’t have to be “THAT” hard unless you make it that way. You have the power to pick the appropriate time, environment, delivery method, tone, and openness to receive it without attaching to an outcome.
When you say this mantra to yourself each time you face a difficult situation, notice the incredible amount of self-confidence and strength that emerges when you say it out loud and then address the matter at hand.
NO ONE said it will be easy, but it WILL be LIBERATING.
Asking for help in consciousness, while being able to do YOUR part is the key to liberating yourself from the turmoil of mental anguish, depression, trauma, and suicidal tendencies.
Here are some resources to support you and your loved ones:
Latinx Therapy: https://latinxtherapy.com/
jbyfnola.org
@namilouisiana
The American Society of Hispanic Psychiatry: https://www.americansocietyhispanicpsychiatry.com/
NAMI’s Compartiendo Esperanza: https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-Compartiendo-Esperanza-Mental-Wellness-in-the-Latinx-Community?gclid=Cj0KCQiAsqOMBhDFARIsAFBTN3ftEVsg8CEk98sNX0EZQfoIjT3yfV2yHhZXjgmf66YlRzYBu1_6A3gaAoaPEALw_wcB
NAMI Page: nami.org
NAMI Louisiana: namilouisiana.org
225-291-6262 or info@namilouisiana.org
Mental Health America: https://www.mhanational.org/issues/latinxhispanic-communities-and-mental-health
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