Support

The Power of Having A Good Support System

written by: Caroline Branch, F2F Intern Spring 2023

Healing from a hardship tends to be a personal journey that is walked alone. Whether that is a personal choice or reality, having a strong, positive support system contributes to healing. Social isolation and loneliness is not a healthy and effective form of  recovery. Not only is having a strong support system essential during hardships, but it is also important to have throughout prosperity because there is power in having a positive network.

Most people do not tend to understand the depth of the benefits and importance of having a positive network during life’s hardships until they personally experience it. This is because it is difficult to ask for help and advice from others. A support system doesn’t have to be this large expansive network, it can be just one or two close people. Whatever the size, they can be powerful forces for healing & wellness if they provide you with practical support for your mental & physical health. 

Many people, including myself, frequently think that it is easier to do things alone. We may choose to not worry about our own health because it feels “simpler” or “easier”. However, this is far from the truth. A true support system reminds you to take care of yourself and encourages you to be yourself throughout the difficult times we all face. In the process of healing from hardships, your support system is a group for you to rely and lean on. However, there are steps and precautions to take when building the most beneficial support system for you personally. Here are some helpful tips to build your support system. 

1. Be open to seeking & receiving help

Remind yourself that it’s okay to ask for help when you are in need of it and do your best to accept it even when it may be difficult. 

2. Review your current relationships

Whether those are familial, friendships, or other social circles, try to ask yourself if they have your best interest in mind. Evaluate who offers the most positive influence and gives the best, and most truthful advice. Honest guidance is something everyone needs to receive in order to grow, mature, and develop. 

3. Care for your physical health to help your mental health

Engage in new activities like clubs, sport teams, or a workout group that can help boost your mood and improve your physical health in ways that work for your body and lifestyle. Physical health is just as important as emotional or mental health because they are all linked.

Expanding and building a solid support system is way easier said than done. Remind yourself that it takes time and even though it may be difficult to ask for help from others, building the right support network is absolutely worth it. From my own personal experience, it has helped me grow as a person and inspired me to be there for others as much as they are there for me. Healing from hardships is a journey, but the power of a good support system can help us rise above any hardship more effectively than when we try to go at it alone. Who is your support system?

Mental Health Support for AAPI Survivors

By Lauren Carrasco-Kyllönen, Director of Programs

It has been over a year since the pandemic began and although we’re starting to see the horizon, many are still facing the same persistent challenges. For Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities these challenges are especially troubling. Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, rates of hate crimes against AAPI communities have exploded (sources: here, here). As individuals in these communities are all too aware, there is a legacy of AAPI violence and discrimination in our country. So even with the end of the pandemic coming into focus, these issues won’t go away with it. For AAPI survivors of sexual violence, grapling with the devastating recent events as well as the historical trauma of their communities, on top of their SV trauma can be extremely complex, exhausting, and overwhelming. 

To be fully heard and understood, in all the ways trauma affects your experiences, is essential. To AAPI survivors going through it right now, you deserve that level of support and so much more. Hopefully these culturally relevant resources can provide some much needed support and healing through these incredibly challenging times. 

Finding A Therapist

Inclusive Therapists

“Inclusive Therapists offers a safer, simpler way to find a culturally responsive, social justice-oriented therapist.”

National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

“NQTTCN is a healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC).”

Asian Mental Health Collective

“AMHC aspires to make mental health easily available, approachable, and accessible to Asian communities worldwide.” Their website also includes an Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian American therapist directory.

 

Mental Health Support

Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum

“APIAHF is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of more than 20 million AAs and NHPIs living in the United States and its jurisdictions.” They also offer a community care package.

Asian American Psychological Association

“Advance the mental health and well-being of Asian American communities through research, professional practice, education, and policy.”

Asians Do therapy

“My hope is that in highlighting Asian people’s experience in therapy and as therapists and sharing culturally relevant information, more Asians and Asian Americans will seek therapy as a resource, available and meant for us.⁣⁣⁣”

Womankind

Womankind works with survivors of gender-based violence to rise above trauma and build a path to healing. We bring critical resources and deep cultural competency to help Asian communities find refuge, recovery, and renewal.

The Cosmos

“creating spaces for Asian women to care for themselves, their community and their world.”

 

Social Justice

Stop AAPI Hate

“The center tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning, and child bullying against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.”

AAPI Women Lead

“Our goal is to challenge and help end the intersections of violence against and within our communities.”

Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund

“protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans.”

 

Mental Health Support for Black Survivors

Lauren Carrasco-Kyllönen, Director of Programs

Current events have many of us grappling with complicated emotions. Studies show these impacts may be felt on even deeper levels by Black survivors, who are disproportionately affected by sexual violence. Identity, culture, and trauma intertwine in complex ways that not all providers are equipped to address. Mental health services that truly support Black survivors bringing the entirety of their experiences and identity to the table are essential. If you’re a Black survivor struggling right now, we hope these resources help bring you hope and support. You deserve to be fully understood and accepted in your grieving and healing, however that manifests for you.

 

Finding a Therapist 

Inclusive Therapists

“Inclusive Therapists offers a safer, simpler way to find a culturally responsive, social justice-oriented therapist.”

Therapy for Black Girls

“Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.”

Therapy for Black Men

“In partnership with licensed mental health professionals and coaches in private practice throughout the fifty states, TherapyForBlackMen.org provides proactive, multiculturally competent care to men of color.”

Black Men Heal

“To provide access to mental health treatment, psycho-education, and community resources to men of color.”

National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

“NQTTCN is a healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC).”

Loveland Therapy Fund

“Loveland Therapy Fund provides financial assistance to Black women and girls nationally seeking therapy.”

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation

“BLHF provides access to localized and black-culturally competent therapy resources sourced through a network of clinicians, service providers, counselors, and thought leaders.” BLHF also has a directory of mental health providers and programs serving the African-American community.

 

Mental Health Support

Liberate

“The daily meditation app for us, by us. A safe space for the Black community to develop a daily meditation habit.”

Black Emotional and Mental Health

“Our mission is to remove the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing. We do this through education, training, advocacy and the creative arts.”

Black Mental Health Alliance

“To develop, promote and sponsor trusted culturally-relevant educational forums, trainings and referral services that support the health and well-being of Black people and their communities.”

Black Mental Wellness

“to provide access to evidence-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective, to highlight and increase the diversity of mental health professionals, and to decrease the mental health stigma in the Black community.”

 

edited to include additional resources, 2/1/2022