Beyond Politics: A Heartfelt Navigation of BIPOC and Immigrant Mental Health

hello dear friends fearfully and wonderfully made by our creator welcome to another episode of the holistic counselor podcast your Sanctuary for healing and growth it's your guide Diana here from through the valley therapy and today's episode is a heartfelt exploration of bipo stress and resilience before before we dive before we dive into today's topic let me make one thing crystal clear this is not about politics it's a heartfelt conversation about something deeply meaningful to me lately

I've noticed a troubling pattern mention bipac or immigrants and some folks lose their minds or become very defensive they react emotionally instead of engaging in constructive dialogue I've pondered this often wondering why some feel blamed for a history they didn't personally shape white guilt is real and so is white gaslighting being an ethnically ambiguous therapist who has studied psychology since 7th grade has afforded me to understand all perspectives on certain topics I've had had I I

have had almost every kind of culture and religion sitting in front of me sharing their deepest wounds so let me acknowledge that many white individuals carry burdens and family stories intertwined with immigration Journeys or their socioeconomic despair I get it I've seen it I've felt it this episode isn't about pointing fingers or assigning blame it's about fostering understanding sharing my perspective and that of others who struggle to express themselves without causing offense as a daughter of

immigrants born in this country I deeply appreciate the freedoms we joy in the USA but I also have a lot of empathy for The Unique traumas experienced by people of color who may not share the same Deep Roots as many white Americans I've heard the dismissive remarks urging us to get over it or insisting that everyone has equal opportunities yet I've personally witnessed divisions within my communities fueled by lack of Education past traumas or even guilt

so if discussing this topic stir something within you perhaps it's time to lean in and learn call Young once said everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves perhaps what triggers us most about others reflects our own unresolved issues fears and insecurities in a world where divisive rhetoric dominates especially with elections looming it's easy to get swept up in fear-based narratives spun by the media but remember fear sells it keeps

us divided distracted and fighting amongst ourselves let's not fall into that trap instead let's Stand United remembering that our true strength lies in coming together for the greater good now let's now let's shift gears and dive into what it means to me to be a bipo therapist and the significance of that role for those who may be new to the te term sorry for those who may be new to the term bipo stands for black indigenous

people of color essentially it brings together a diverse range of minority communities it is a term used to collectively refer to individuals from racial and ethnic backgrounds who have historically experienced systemic oppression discrimination and margin iation in a mental health context it's important to recognize that bipo individuals may face unique stressors related to their racial or ethnic identity which can impact their mental well-being so we're going to Now understand bipox stress the best we can as

a mental health counselor understanding this concept and recognizing the unique mental health stressors faced by this population is essential for providing effective and culturally sensitive therapy as a holistic counselor I tried my best to incorporate biology psychology and theology into the therapeutic process as understanding and an integrative approach can be significant source of strength and resilience for many individuals within this community so as we recognize these bipo mental health stressors I'm going to start with historical

trauma as a therapist it is essential to recognize the historical traumas that affect our communities without triggering defensiveness or shutting down conversations historical trauma refers to deep-seated wounds passed down through generations due to past injustices like slavery colonization and systemic racism for example considering the enduring scars of the Native American genocide which still manifest in issues like poverty and mental health challenges within indigenous communities today similarly the legacy of African-American slavery casts a long Shadow over

black communities contributing to ongoing racial trauma and socioeconomic disparities by acknowledging these historical realities without politicizing them we can foster understanding and compassion Paving the way for healing and Reconciliation understanding historical trauma is crucial for providing culturally sensitive and effective care as therapists through education and empathy we can work towards addressing these injustices that continue to affect bipod communities today microaggressions and discrimination bipo individuals often encounter microaggressions and discrimination in various aspects of their lives which

can lead to chronic stress anxiety and depression recognizing and addressing these experience is essential for Effective therapy in America microaggressions and discrimination persist as subtle yet impactful challenges faced by marginalized communities these can take various forms such as instance insensitive remarks dismissive attitudes which I like to call gaslighting or unequal treatment based on rra race ethnicity or other identities for instance a bipo individual May encounter microaggressions in everyday interactions such as being stereotyped overlooked for opportunities

or subjected to bias assumptions about their capabilities these experiences though seemingly small can accumulate over time and contribute to feelings of marginalization and exclusion acknowledging and addressing these issues with empathy and understanding is an is as important as acknowledging and addressing these issues with empathy and understanding is as important as recognizing their impact on individuals well-being and sense of belonging even though I can tell you about hundreds of experienced microaggressions and discri discrimination I often reflect

on the story of Woody a former colleague from my days in the film industry we collaborated on a movie called Fight Within where I witnessed his dedication and transformation firsthand however Woody's past came back to haunt him in a shocking way his sister an army Sergeant was taken AB during her weapons training at a Florida gun range when she stumbled upon an old mug shot of Woody being used as a Target despite his troubled teenage years

and his Rehabilitation Woody found himself unfairly targeted once again upon further investigation it came to light that the city's police snipers Squad had been utilizing these mug shots this discovery was not only deeply troubling but also shed light on the systemic issues in trenched within law enforcement perpet perpetuating perpetuating Injustice and discrimination while I deeply respect and appreciate Law Enforcement Officers their presence brings me sense of Safety and Security it's important to acknowledge the complexities I

want to emphasize that this discussion isn't about politics rather it's about recognizing the ongoing journey toward Justice and understanding Woody's narrative serves as a reminder of the enduring struggles faced by individuals striving for redemption in a society often quick to pass judgment and condemnation reflecting on my personal experiences as a brown Latina I've encountered numerous instances of micro abs and discriminations that have left a lasting impact one such experience occurred in 1992 when as a 21-year-old

I was arrested in a small town in Florida alongside three white friends the differential treatment I received from the police during that ordeal was profoundly traumatic additionally post 911 while traveling with a white friend to mothers of to a mothers of preschoolers con convention in Missouri I found myself repeatedly singled out for additional Security checks and questioning at airport screenings even in my childhood growing up in New York I endured harassment from a bully who targeted

me targeted me with racial slurs and physical violence despite these challenges my journey through therapy and education has allowed me to transcend the cycle of stereotyping and Prejudice rather than falling into bitterness or resentment these experiences have fueled my commitment to empathy and understanding today a therapist I draw upon my journey to guide others in their quest for healing and self-discovery through therapy individuals can confront the root causes of their anxieties depression or addictions transforming personal

struggles into sources of strength and resilience I can share decades worth of stories like these and I'm sure you can too I just want to make sure you the beautiful listener understand that we have come a long way but we still have a long way to go the next stressor I would like to talk about is cultural and family factors within bipot communities cultural norms values and family Dynamics play a significant role in shaping mental health

beliefs and practices recognizing and understand these factors is crucial for providing culturally competent care that respects and honors individuals cultural backgrounds for example in many latinx families there may be a strong emphasis on collectivism family obligations and trai traditional gender roles which can influence how mental health issues are perceived and addressed moreover intergenerational trauma stemming from experiences such as immigration discrimination or political unrest may impact family Dynamics and coping mechanisms by acknowledging and addressing these cultural

and family factors healthc Care Professionals can create a supportive and inclusive environment that meets the needs of these individuals let me share once again about my personal Journey a narrative shaped by the dance between cultural identity family Dynamics and societal pressures raised by a resilient single immigrant mother who chased the American dream only to find herself thrust into single Parenthood after my father's departure I found myself strad straddling two distinct worlds from a tender age at

home the richness of my latinx Heritage surrounded me twisting together language traditions and spiritual beliefs passed down through gener ations yet behind I mean sorry Yet beyond the complexity of my home I encountered a different narrative one dictated by societal Norms that urge assimilation into a stereotypical American mold you hear the way I speak right but let me tell you it wasn't always like this I worked tirelessly to blend in to sound like what was expected

of me what some might call a white girl yes I've been labeled a coconut and accused of betraying my roots but through this journey I've Unearthed a profound understanding of my true self as a second generation immigrant straddling these contrasting worlds often felt like an uphill battle pulling me between the desire to honor my Heritage and the pressure to conform this internal struggle fostered a deep-seated need for validation and belonging complicating my sense of identity along

the way it's through open communication and deeper appreciation of the Immigrant experience that we can extend empathy and support individuals like me navigating the complicated Road of cultural identity and mental well-being in a in a society as diverse as ours now I want to talk about spir spirituality and faith faith and spirituality often serves as lifelines for many of us in the bipot community offering strength and guidance in the face of adversity in therapy discussing these

topics can be incredibly grounding providing a space to unpack our spiritual experiences and find comfort in our beliefs acknowledging the diverse religious backgrounds within our communities is crucial as they can both shape our identities and impact our mental well-being however it's also important to recognize that the strictness of religious practices can become a cultural norm for some leading to reluctance to discuss Faith openly for fear of judgment or persecution it's also can be an extra layer

of trauma raised in a dogmatic denomination or religion that is not accepted by a mainstream American or white evangelic saying that again it it also can be an extra layer of trauma raised in a dogmatic denomination or religion that is not accepted by mainstream American or white Evangelical Christianity my journey with Jesus reflects this complex relationship with faith raised in the Catholic Church I grew familiar with the image of a white Jesus on the cross a

symbol that was Central to my religious upbringing however within the walls of my home a different spiritual tradition thrived living at times with my paternal grandmother who practiced sanaria I was exposed to a world of beliefs and rituals that differed significantly from what I was experiencing in church school or what I saw on TV this duality in my upbringing shaped my understanding of faith in profound ways as I nav navigated between the doctrines of Catholicism and

the mystical practices of sanaria today as I reflect on my spiritual journey I'm reminded of the richness and diversity within bipac communities while my beliefs have evolved over time the experiences of my upbringing continue to influence my perspective and understanding of faith I now am a disciple of Jesus Christ he is my rock and my savior and I try my best to follow him through reading the Living Word daily praying without ceasing and putting on the

armor through this faith I stay focused and mindful of how I treat others if you are a healthcare worker who wants to understand and help our community then become culturally competent educ educate yourself on the cultural backgrounds values and experiences of the bipo community you serve understand the impact of systemic racism historical trauma and socioeconomic disparities on our Mental Health be trained in trauma informed care approach therapy from a trauma-informed lens not pathologizing and managing symptoms

but recognizing the prevailance of trauma within the bipo community create a safe empowering therapeutic environment that validates their experiences and fosters healing educate yourself truly on what cptsd complex postraumatic stress disorder and aces are adverse childhood experiences these these two subjects I will be dissecting in the future in another episode so stay tuned address the stigma acknowledge and address the stigma surrounding mental health with the bipo community acknowledge and address the stigma surrounding mental health within

the bipo community normalize conversations about Mental Health Challenge stereotypes and promote help seeking Behavior through community outreach and education incorporate culturally relevant intervention crafting personalized therapeutic strategies that resonate with the cultural and linguistic nuances of bipo individuals is Paramount by infusing culturally relevant Customs ceremonies and symbolic narratives into therapy sessions we not only bolster engagement but also enhance the E efficacy of their of the interventions ensuring that individuals from the bipod Community feel seen and represented

within our own practice or business is essential it's about creating space where they can recognize themselves their experiences and their Heritage reflected in the services provided this commitment to diversity and inclusivity extends beyond the therapy room for example through the mental Wellness Ministry at my church we prioritize we prioritize diversity in our speaker selection ensuring a range of perspectives and voices are heard additionally I strive to Foster inclusivity in the questions curated for our discussions ensuring

that the topics address resonate with the diverse experiences within our community this dedication stems from a deep rooted passion for fostering mental well-being within bip communities and advocating for their unique needs create collaboration and partnership with Community organizations leaders and Advocates to understand better the unique needs and strengths of the bipo community work together to develop culturally responsive programs and services that address mental health disparities this should not be political at all let's get over the

duopoly of thinking that the Democrats or the Republicans have the answers in my opinion they are on the same side making false promises and becoming enthralled with power and money why we the common folk are struggling okay sorry back to the already scheduled program anyway start by unity at home start by creating a safe place at churches where we can talk about these things start by volunteering in your local community or cultural centers invite a bipac

or immigrant family to your home to break bread and vice versa if you are from the bipac community watch shows made by other cultures go visit a Haitian Latin Brazilian Asian or black community or Church Without Fear if you are a Christian truly understand the cultures the Bible was written in and disentangle what isbl IAL and what has been westernized and that Jesus called us to be peacemakers not just peacekeepers empowerment and advocacy Empower bipac individuals

to become advocates for their own mental health and well-being provide resources tools and support to help them navigate systemic barriers and advocate for Equitable access to mental health services and resources in their communities in then show notes I will provide some and the following are some coping strategies if you are from this community seek culturally competent therapy or if you're a therapist seek supervision or consultation with a mental health professional like me who is knowledge knowledgeable

about and sensitive to the unique experiences and cultural backgrounds of bipo individuals this can provide a safe and supportive space for healing therapy can assist individuals in processing trauma developing coping strategies and work through challenges related to cptsd and high a scores self-care and resilience building prioritizing self-care practices such as regular exercise healthy eating adquate sleep and setting boundaries can help bipo individuals cultivate resilience and promote overall well-being practicing self-compassion mindfulness and self-acceptance are also essential

components of healing and recover recovery community support groups participating in mental health support groups or peer-led initiatives tailored to bipac individuals can offer a sense of belonging validation and solidarity connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide Mutual support encouragement and understanding holistic healing practices exploring holistic healing modalities such as traditional medicine cultural rituals and Al alternative therapies like acupuncture herbal medicine or Chiropractic Care can complement conventional treatment approaches and promote overall well-being these practices

often honor cultural cultural traditions and can offer spiritual and emotional healing engaging in cultural and spiritual practices embracing our cultural and spiritual Heritage such as participating in religious ceremonies cultural celebrations or ancestral rituals holds profound significance for individuals these Traditions provide Solace and Direction and cultivate a deep sense of belonging and connection to Our Roots through immersing ourselves in these practices we can draw strength from the resilience and wisdom of our ancestors furthermore it's important to

acknowledge the universal teachings of Jesus Christ which offer compassion and insight across diverse cultures rather than solely ah Heering to specific interpretate interpretations prevailing in mainstream American Christianity I encourage personal exploration of the Bible this allows for uncovering the rich history and Timeless truth that reveal the essence of Jesus Christ aligning with one's own cultural background and spiritual journey if this perspective raises questions or challenges I invite reflection on why is it because of teachings received

from others or personal engagement with the scriptures ultimately being a Christian entails embodying Christ's teachings rather than engaging in debates or judgment many including myself have experienced Church related trauma and spiritual abuse which merits discussion in a future episode creative expression engaging in Creative Outlets such as art music dance writing or storytelling can be powerful tools for self-expression and healing these activities can provide a therapeutic outlet for processing emotions exploring identity and reclaiming agency over one's

narrative I have also held space for numerous humans in my office who could not speak but could share their art their spoken word their rap songs their dance their music here is an example of one of my digital art and poems from my second poetry book calleda resuscitation which is hopefully coming out this year but before I read the poem I would like to read the preface so you would have a better understanding of the why

in March 2020 as the covid-19 pandemic forced us all into lockdown America erupted in protests following the murder of George Floyd by a white police officer the resulting outrage was driven by a long history of racial injustices in the country which had seen black and brown people disproportionately affected and marginalized as a brown Latina woman working as an lmhc in an alternative high school in Brower County I bore witness to how these events impacted the young

black and brown individuals with whom I worked already struggling with lockdown in toxic homes and the mental health challenges this presented my CL my clients found their anxiety and depression considerably worsened by the steady drip of distressing news from The Wider world my own experiences of racism which saw me jailed for one night in 19 1992 continue to haunt me and when I saw how the world was responding to this new crisis I knew I needed

to find an outlet for my emotions and so I turned to my digital art and poetry as a way of processing the tumultuous events of 2020 and the oxygen collection is the result This Personal Collection of work helped me to find a way of expressing my own experiences of racism and racial Injustice and offers a way for readers to explore their own feelings and engage in some of the difficult conversations that our society must confront if

we hope to achieve lasting change be the oxygen the statement that describes 2020 I can't breathe rising up the fears of many I can't breathe bringing forth our secret thoughts I can't breathe as the world is being torn apart I can't breathe suicides rocked my community I can't breathe there is no political immunity I can't breathe pestilence that took over the world I can't breathe police brutality towards black boys and girls I can't breathe black lives

do matter I can't breathe racism needs to be shattered I can't breathe wake up and look within I can't breathe please deal with your sin I can't breathe God is bringing to light the heart of each man I can't breathe waking up our souls so we can understand I can't breathe from pestilence to great injustices I can't breathe we need to deal with all the corruption for those who say that all lives matter yes of course

but we're trying to shatter inquality started long ago created an unfair status quo so please stop being being so defensive take off your privileged lenses take a deep breath because you can take a minute to understand they can't breathe we can't breathe be the oxygen for others take care of our brown and black sisters and brothers in closing in closing I like to sh one of my favorite verses from the Bible Galatians 3:28 there is neither

Jew nor Greek there is neither slave nor free there is no male and female for you are all one in Christ Jesus these words remind us of our Unity as human beings regardless of our backgrounds or circumstances we are all equal in the eyes of God and it's through this understanding that we can find true connection and healing let's not forget that we all have our struggles and Imperfections for we all fall short of the glory

of God but it's in recognizing our shared Humanity that we can extend Grace and compassion to one another o I'm going to say that over I don't want to sound like a crybaby let's not forget that we all have our struggles and Imperfections for we all fall short of the glory of God but it's in recognizing our shared Humanity that we can extend Grace and compassion to one another Jesus came not to condemn the world but

to offer salvation and hope to all as we continue to journey through life let's strive to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and build a future of healing and wholeness therapy isn't just about addressing ing mental illness it's about embracing growth and becoming the best version of ourselves so let's lend a listening ear support one another and work towards creating a more compassionate and understanding world after all we're in this together thanks for listening until the

next time trust in the Lord guard your heart and renew your mind bye