As a person who wants to create a positive impact, it is important to consider everything that a person has gone through in their life. Working with survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation has taught me that every detail in people's lives is extremely significant. There will always be something that affects the way that people view life all around, and taking a lesson from my current position, trauma is a detail in people's lives that can create a negative impact. Lacking resources such as housing and employment can create barriers to a positive mindset. As a college student interested in mental health, I want to continue my advocacy interest and employment position through the non-profit program I am currently working at to find more resources for those who have survived human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The most important action that I need to begin thinking of taking is finding resources and people who are willing to work with this particular population.
Due to victimization, it can become very difficult for survivors to find basic needs, such as housing and employment. Victims sometimes do have a criminal record because of the life they were living during their victimization, this creates the barrier of being rejected from jobs and housing opportunities due to their criminal record. Here in Nevada, there are many housing opportunities. different populations across the valley, yet there is a lack of landlords and programs willing to work with the survivors of human trafficking. This issue also extends to employment, there are different jobs ranging from corporations to small businesses ready to hire but they will turn the other way when a survivor applies for their establishment due to a criminal record. To create a positive impact, I want to bring awareness.
Many people believe that human trafficking cannot happen in their city, much less on their street, but the issue of human trafficking and sexual exploitation is a very big problem in the city of Las Vegas. Creating advocacy not only for resources, such as obtaining vital documents but also for obtaining stable housing and employment is crucial for survivor's livelihood. This is the biggest most important step I am not only wanting but needing to do. There needs to be more advocacy for this population for they to find their way back to a normal life before their victimization. This positive impact will start with me and my education.
"In case of an emergency, please put on your mask before assisting others."
-Every airline, everywhere
It took me eight months to find a therapist with my ethnic background. I needed to find a space safe enough to discuss specific and nuanced issues that were affecting me. I didn't realize that this struggle was a microcosm of the broader mental health landscape. Fact: only 5.1% of therapists are Black, and of that, 1% are male. I eventually found my therapist, and we started the work.
I put on my mask first and realized that I could now assist others.
My initial spark of interest in mental health was rooted in the glaring inequalities that exist, particularly concerning the underrepresentation of Black mental health counselors and therapists. I couldn't ignore the alarming suicide rates among men, particularly among Black males, and these numbers represent not just faceless individuals but my cousins, friends, nephews, co-workers... The fact that 80% of all suicide-related deaths are male, even though males make up less than half of the population, is a painful reminder of the pressing need for change.
Adding another layer to my journey, I am also a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Both of these communities are among the most underserved when it comes to mental health care. More than numbers, the disparities are the lived experiences of people like me who constantly balance the implications of these intersections. It is a reminder that the mental health challenges within these communities are real and urgent.
My commitment to making a positive impact on mental health extends beyond personal experiences. Currently, I serve as a research assistant for the world's first mental health app for men, where I am actively involved in developing tools, language, and resources specifically aimed at connecting men to less intimidating and more manageable mental health encouragement and resources. Additionally, I'm pioneering a curriculum for Black youth to understand what mental health is with the overarching goal being to challenge the stigma that has long been associated with the idea that one must always be strong and push through or that there are simply no options. I believe that by providing tailored resources and support, we can empower individuals to prioritize their mental well-being.
In my journey to create a positive impact, I have also become a member of the American Psychological Association (APA). This affiliation has been instrumental in gathering resources and connecting with like-minded individuals who share my passion for transforming mental health care. As an APA campus ambassador, I have the privilege of bridging the gap between others and these valuable resources, ensuring that more individuals have access to the support they need. Additionally, I am proud to be a part of the Psi Chi Psychology National Honor Society and the Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society, both of which provide platforms for advocacy and awareness around mental health issues.
My journey into the realm of mental health advocacy has been deeply personal, fueled by my experiences and a profound desire for change. I firmly believe that by addressing the disparities in mental health care, challenging stigmas, and providing tailored resources, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their background, can have stories of struggle be transformed into stories of resilience and healing.
