Conversations about Mental Health: Reflections and Expert Advice for Coping with Stress and Depression
Mental health is a fundamental aspect of our well-being, but it’s often overlooked in many conversations, especially within certain communities.
In a society where stress, anxiety, and depression are increasingly common, it’s crucial to dedicate time and resources to address these issues openly and comprehensively.
Starting now, every Wednesday during La Hora del Cafe del Mundo Boston, we have an unmissable appointment.
We’re pleased to announce the launch of the new weekly segment “Sin Salud Mental no hay Salud.”
This space brings together leading professionals and experts in mental health to address the specific challenges facing society, especially the Latino community in Massachusetts.
Each guest will share their knowledge and experience to offer valuable insights and practical solutions.
We’re committed to providing a safe and welcoming space where we can learn, grow, and support each other toward mental well-being.
Mental Health from Experience: Interview with Dulce Orozco and Matthew Bracket
She’s a licensed mental health counselor and immigrant Latina therapist with over 18 years of experience. She assists women, people of color, and immigrant families in healing, embracing new perspectives, and honoring their uniqueness.
She creates safe spaces to discuss topics such as family trauma, parenting, leadership, career growth, and fear of failure.
A passionate Executive Coach for healthy leadership and well-being, with over 30 years of international experience.
He offers a holistic approach to leading, loving, and living better. As an ICF Certified Professional Coach, he’s committed to personal and professional growth.
The guests discuss the importance of self-care and stress management to promoting well-being in the Latino community of Massachusetts.
Furthermore, they address the need to destigmatize conversations about mental health and how we can work together to build healthier and more resilient communities.
We invite you to watch the full interview video at the following link: MyHealthFair.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and inspiring perspectives to strengthen your mental well-being and leadership!
The Stress of Immigration: An Important Factor
Dulce Orozco shared her unique perspective as a Latina immigrant, highlighting the challenges many people face when arriving in a new country.
Economic stress, family responsibility, and uncertainty about immigration status are just some of the pressures immigrants face.
Additionally, she noted how the immigrant community normalizes stress and anxiety as part of everyday life, making it difficult to seek help and support.
Mental Health: The Role of Immigrants as Family Pillars
An interesting observation emerged during the interview:
Immigrants see themselves as the “strong ones” in the family, those whom others turn to for support and guidance.
However, this role can lead to a lack of attention to one’s own emotional needs. Many immigrants feel uncomfortable asking for help or expressing their own struggles, perpetuating the stigma associated with mental health.
The Importance of Expression and Communication
Matthew Bracket emphasized the importance of expression as a path to healing. He urged individuals not to fear expressing their emotions and to seek support when necessary.
He also emphasized the importance of open and honest communication, both with oneself and with others, as a means to foster connection and mutual understanding.
Strategies for Mental Well-Being
Both experts offered valuable strategies to promote mental well-being in daily life. Matthew suggested the importance of exercise, maintaining social connections, and engaging in activities that provide energy and joy.
On the other hand, Dulce highlighted the need to take breaks, practice self-compassion, and disconnect from social media when necessary.
Tips for Coping with Stress and Depression
We all face emotional challenges that can affect our mental health. Stress and depression are two of the most common, but with the right approach, we can overcome them and strengthen ourselves.
- Practice self-compassion:
Be kind to yourself and acknowledge your emotions without judgment. Self-compassion helps you cope with stress more effectively.
- Set boundaries:
Learn to say “no” when necessary and set healthy boundaries in your relationships and responsibilities to avoid burnout.
- Prioritize self-care:
Dedicate time each day to care for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This includes getting enough sleep, eating healthily, exercising regularly, and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
- Find activities that bring you pleasure:
Allocate time for activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good. This can include hobbies, creative activities, or spending time outdoors.
- Limit exposure to stressors:
Identify sources of stress in your life and try to limit your exposure to them as much as possible. This may include reducing time on social media, setting boundaries with toxic people, or avoiding stressful situations whenever possible.
- Seek professional help:
If stress and depression significantly interfere with your daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapy and, in some cases, medication can be effective tools for managing these issues.
- Take care of your environment:
Keep your environment clean, organized, and welcoming. An organized space can contribute to reducing stress and improving your mood.
Don’t miss the chance to explore a world of health resources designed especially for our community in Massachusetts!
On our virtual health fair, you’ll find a wide range
