Mental Health and Trauma Support
The world, and especially this country, has endured collective challenges and tragedy for a very long period of time. Experts have warned that humans aren’t built to endure chronic stress, which can lead to both mental and physical illness.
As the country recently endured yet another mass shooting amongst the stress of a possible economic recession, our community needs resources to assist with getting through some pretty difficult times.
Here are a few that we hope you find helpful.
- There's no right or wrong way to feel: Everyone deals and reacts to trauma differently; whatever you are feeling right now is personal and completely valid. Don't suppress your emotions; instead, find healthy coping mechanisms, like physical activity, meditation, yoga, etc
- If the news is starting to be too much, disconnect as much as possible: Awareness is important, but when traumatic events occur, people can quickly become overwhelmed with all the information and news coming out about the subject. If you feel like constantly hearing about the event is affecting your mental health, try to unplug for a bit, and occupy your mind with other things like reading, cooking, watching a movie, etc.
- Try to keep your usual routine going: Experts believe that one of the best ways to deal with trauma is getting back to your regular routine as much as possible. There is comfort in the familiar. This can help minimize anxiety, traumatic stress, and hopelessness. This doesn't mean acting as if nothing happened; it means trying to comfort yourself by not disrupting your life.
- Reach out to others: Community is more important than ever now. We are all here to help each other, you may be able to find help in your loved ones or people close to you, but you can also reach out to people outside your network. What matters is to share your feelings with others who may also understand what you are going through.
- Seek professional help: Don't be afraid to reach out! Networks exist that can help you connect with a culturally competent mental health professional. We also recognize that Latinos disproportionately have less access to affordable support but there are various resources for that as well. Don’t let budget stop you. Check out these mental health networks:
- Psychology Today's "Find a Therapist"
- Black Mental Health Alliance "Connect With a Therapist"
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
- Latinx Therapy
- Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective's Black Virtual Wellness Directory
For more help finding mental health resources, call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-NAMI, or in a crisis, text "NAMI" to 741741. If you're in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741
Don’t forget to check out your state health department. You may be able to find services close to you by contacting your state's help department, including emotional support helplines and self-help resources.
And if you’re asking yourself how to help the recent Uvalde mass shooting victims while also figuring out how to help yourself, which is often the Latina way, that information can be found here.
