[ Part 1 ]
Story told by Nancy Thor.
(A Hmong American womxn in the Twin Cities)
Growing up, not knowing what Mental Health was nor knowing how the way I feel means something. I tend to always listen to my parents and think that I’m just “overthinking” or that I am just “crazy.”
At one point in my life, during my depression around the age of 14, I was told that “a ghost has got into me” so I should seek, “shaman help.” When really, I was depressed because my parents got divorced during that time and I wasn’t able to accept that, yet.
But then, did I mention that to my parents? No. I wasn’t able to. The 14 years old me, was so afraid of being misjudged or let my situation be spread around my families and relatives. So, as simple as it sounds, I end up shutting myself away and ignoring my feelings after that.
–
(2019)
“Project Tshav Ntuj is focused now on preventing suicide among youth, Xyooj said he wants to see them grow “deep and wide” in promoting mental health as a whole.” – Sanhan Journal
You can check out “Project Tshav Ntuj” on Facebook below on this link: https://m.facebook.com/ProjectTshavNtuj/
You can check out a story about Mental Health within Hmong youth on this link: https://www.mprnews.org/amp/story/2020/01/22/new-generation-pushes-hmong-mental-health-concerns-into-the-light