With resources already being scarce, there is a major shortage of healthcare professionals in my community.
One of the topics I want to address is the lack of establishments for students, workers or citizens in low income communities to receive psychological help.
Rockland County is a part of my community. The main issues that prevent any counseling services from being provided are funding and the unsafe conditions in Rockland County.
“The county [executive officer] recently stripped many of its mental health resources.”
The people that make up my community are children, minorities and workers in society who are trying to get by. In times like COVID and scarcity leaving long lasting effects, these groups should become a priority when it comes to mental health.
Recognizing the lack of aid in small communities
The smallest concern is often dismissed, which will continue to delay any resolutions being made towards mental health. Having limited resources and untreated stress is just brushing the surface of what needs to be worked on in this county.
Q: How would you say your mental health has been viewed and affected, being from these backgrounds?
A: “My mental health doesn’t matter because [my parents tell me] I ‘don’t have anything to be sad or depressed about.’”
Another issue is being denied to get an appointment for their mental health. Some families, specifically lower class and religious groups, cannot afford to let their children get therapy.
Some religious families belittle their child’s well being, and tell them to just pray and move on.
“..being told that your depression comes from the devil absolutely sucks.”
Finance continues to be a growing issue due to scarcity and lack of an opportunity.
As part of the community, it’s important to acknowledge all groups and to accommodate everyone that needs it. One of the groups I wanted to highlight are black men. They don’t have the safe space they need to express their emotions, even outside of my community.
Q: How does the lack of resources effect you?
A: It effects men because of the hierarchies we’re suppose to uphold to. We’re told that were not able to express our emotions and at that were suppose to hold them in. But what therapy teaches a man is the you’re able to be yourself without the shame of judgement.
A reason this would be beneficial in my community is to strengthen security in resources for a person’s health, and a space for people to have shelter from their concerns no matter how small.
In relation to minorties, the Asian community has been a victim to verbal attacks and abuse due to rising hate crimes. Recent attacks from both women and men happen in schools, subways and even streets when they were wrongfully put to blame for the virus, which had led them to severe injuries and even death.
Q: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?
A: “The pandemic itself made hate crimes rise because of the “fear” it instilled people through media stories,etc . It’s sad that my family and friends have to tell me to be careful because of my race.”
The longer these mental issues are neglected can add to the stress and decline of security, and leave a stain on mental health
Minorities alike, including Asians, deserve a space where they can speak about this violence and receive help and feel safe to express themselves.
Q: “Do you think you’ve faced extra hardships that impacted your safety and mental health as well?”
A: “Mental health wise it’s also taken a toll simply because I had a lot to take care of; being the eldest of an immigrant family I had to bear a lot of burdens during the pandemic…”
Small Steps to Implementing aid towards mental health
My community has been trying their absolute best to give teens a voice. It’s our turn to take that first step to make mental health resources available to everyone.
One of the programs I am proud to have been a part of is Girls Circle, provided by the N.I.C.E team. The Nurturing Inclusive Community Environment Team is an organization that helps children speak their mind and get involved with other people to talk about mental wellness. Their mission is to provide a safe community where children can be the best version of themselves, and they have been doing just that. They also have other programs to accommodate other groups, such as Mens Circle and MultiCultural Circle.
“How did that club affect your mental health?”
“The program was a good way to let some emotions out and it was a pretty good safe space.”
Another organization that gets children involved in my community is Opportunity Now. Opportunity Now, Inc., is dedicated to giving each and every individual a fighting chance at life by eradicating poverty from their communities, offering nutritional and educational support, health awareness, as well as financial guidance. This gives people in my community a chance to better themselves mentally and financially, and brings people together to help each other out and provide the aid and connections that they need. This club gave me the space I needed to express myself and spread awareness about black injustice and mental health.
I want to ensure that minorities and teens have a safe space to express themselves. I want to help people feel comfortable about their mental health and reassure them that it’s not too late to change, and that it’s going to be okay.
