Growing up as kid in San Francisco, being raised by immigrant parents and grandparents, the concept of mental health was never discussed and also deemed to have a negative connotation. There seems to be a stigma in my culture regarding mental health, what that actually means and how it can have a different definition in someone else’s view. The dictionary defines Mental Health as the following:
- psychological well-being and satisfactory adjustment to society and to the ordinary demands of life.
- the field of medicine concerned with the maintenance or achievement of such well-being and adjustment.
These textbook definitions honestly do not work with me and my understanding on what it means. For me, personally, mental health has various factors in a persons’ life that contributes to their experiences. The environment has a huge role in my well-being, and I strive off the energy of others around me. Meaning, my mental health is in a good shape when society, my relationships, my family, are in a good state as well.
With partnering with the County of San Mateo Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE), we will be having a virtual open mic for the San Mateo County Pride Center where folks are able to share ways they deal with mental health, such as singing, spoken word, artwork, storytelling, just to a name a few.
Information about event below:
Each Mind Matters – San Mateo County Pride Center Virtual Open Mic
For all ages and open for everyone
Event will take place on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 from 6:00pm-8:00pm via Zoom (TBA)
If you are interested in participating and sharing your experience with mental health, please fill out this form here:
All my love,
Lowellyn Sunga (she/they)