Leaders working to shift the narrative on mental health

 

Today Guam are celebrated World Mental Health Day. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a global mental health crisis, and the are felt impacts locally, as well. Which is why it’s important to destigmatize mental health. 

World Mental Health Day is a day for raising awareness and advocacy of mental health issues. Talk Up Mental Health Awareness (TUMA) founder Jesrae Moylan says shifting the negative narrative surrounding mental health is important. 

Their motto is "A stigma-free me becomes a stigma-free we".  Moylan said, "So it always starts with the person. And so part of what we encourage in our talk it up is to be the person who is stigma free. Because once people see that, it starts to become a domino effect. Or we hope that. That it encourages other people to honestly just be kind."

One moment of kindness made her realize the power of talking it up, as she recalled, "One of the most impactful moments I ever had while I worked at Guam Behavioral was truly the power of conversation. And I say that all the time. There was an individual who was seeking services. At the time I worked at crisis hotline so her voice was very familiar. So when I heard that she was kind of being loud and disruptive outside the building, I went ahead, and obviously it wasn’t within protocol, but I just went and spoke with her."

She simply listened and talked with her. "And at the end of the conversation I'll never forget. She turned around and said thank you for treating me like a human being," Moylan said.

She also reminds the community to choose you. "The past few years, especially experiencing the pandemic, it’s equally important to fuel your mind and to give your mind that equal effort you give your physical body," she said.

Moylan said mental health is health and they both require equal priority.