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Spirituality Versus Psychiatry: Why Many South Asians Turn to Religion Before Therapy or Psychiatric Medication
Mental health in South Asian communities is a subject influenced by a combination of cultural, social, and religious factors. Many South Asians, particularly those in Western countries, have a unique relationship with mental health care that often leads them to prioritize spiritual or religious...
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Mental Health and Matchmaking: How Stigma Affects South Asian Marriage Prospects
Marriage is a monumental decision in South Asian culture, with families playing an active role in selecting partners. The matchmaking process, through family networks, matrimonial websites, or professional matchmakers, tends to prioritize factors such as education, career, caste, and family...
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The Burden of Being the “Good Child”: How South Asian Kids Suppress Mental Health Struggles
In many South Asian immigrant families, the eldest child is often expected to set an example for younger siblings, excel academically, and fulfill responsibilities that extend beyond their years. These expectations are heightened by the struggles their parents face as immigrants, navigating a new...
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Therapy is for “Other People”: Why Many South Asian Parents Dismiss Mental Health Support
In many South Asian communities, mental health remains a stigmatized topic, leading individuals to suppress their struggles rather than seek help. This cultural undertone often results in both parents and children enduring mental health issues in silence, perpetuating a cycle of unaddressed...
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Beyond Moral Panic: The Untold Stories of Harm Reduction and Care on Social Media
When the topic of social media inevitably arises in my conversations about youth suicide with clinicians, policymakers, researchers, parents, and other concerned adults, it is often framed as exacerbating. There is a widespread understanding among older generations that social media is worsening...
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Carmen Collado: Championing Community Care and Strategic Growth in Mental Health Services
Carmen Collado, LCSW-R, is a seasoned leader in the behavioral health field, recently appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Community Counseling & Mediation (CCM). With over 30 years of experience in human services, Collado brings a wealth of expertise in delivering compassionate,...
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Dutchess County’s Stabilization Center Among New York’s First Licensed Supportive Crisis Stabilization Centers
Dutchess County’s first-of-its-kind Stabilization Center, a partnership between the Dutchess County Department of Mental Health (DCDMH) and People USA, recently became one of the first Supportive Crisis Stabilization Centers licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH) and the...
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Saving Lives: New York State’s Comprehensive Approach to Suicide Prevention
It is critical that across our state, we ensure that our local communities have the resources they need to identify and help individuals who are most at risk for suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 25 and 34 and the third leading cause of...
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Suicide is NOT a Symptom
Too many have lost a loved one to suicide. Every 11 minutes, someone dies by suicide in the US, often without warning. Suicidality has historically been regarded as a symptom of major depression and mental illness in general. During my training, when someone was at risk of suicide, we were...
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Saving Lives At Work: How Employers Can Lead in Suicide Postvention As Prevention
It’s OK to talk about suicide. The more we do so, the more we break down barriers that stop people from feeling safe enough to seek help. Vital strides have been made to open the dialogue on suicide. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) Suicide Prevention Day theme for 2024-2026 is...
