Raising Mental Health Awareness

Written by Christopher Maae

I was born blind with a condition called congenital amaurosis. From the very beginning, my family—especially my mother—never treated my blindness as a weakness. My father’s role was to ensure I was safe and provided for, and my mother’s vision for me was clear: blindness was part of me, but it would never define or limit me.

This supportive foundation gave me strength, but it also made me realize that many in my Samoan community face struggles that remain hidden. In Samoan culture, the ‘āiga (family) is sacred, and challenges are expected to be handled within it. While this value is powerful, it often means that conversations about mental health—depression, anxiety, trauma—stay unspoken.

The truth is these struggles are far more common than we think. Studies have found that people with vision loss experience depression and anxiety at significantly higher rates than those without. For example, about one in four older adults with vision impairment experience depression, compared to around one in ten in the general population. Among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, nearly four in ten report symptoms of depression or anxiety. Yet, far too few ever seek professional help.

Combating Mental Health Stigma

In Samoan culture, the word “ma” means shame or embarrassment. For generations, “ma” has kept families from openly acknowledging mental health challenges. Seeking therapy or counseling outside the family circle can sometimes be seen as weakness or as dishonoring the ‘āiga.

But I believe the opposite is true. Seeking help is an act of strength. It is not abandoning Fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way)—it is deepening it. Because when our minds are cared for, our families are stronger.

I was fortunate that my parents did not see my blindness as something to be ashamed of. That perspective taught me that stigma does not have to define us. And it shouldn’t define how we talk about mental health, either.

Community Resources in Whittier

Breaking silence requires support, and here in Whittier, we have resources available. The Whittier Counseling Center offers:

  • Individual and group counseling for children, teens, and adults.
  • Affordable, nonprofit services for families who might otherwise feel that therapy is out of reach.
  • Culturally sensitive support, with clinicians who understand how faith, family, and cultural identity influence the healing process.

For individuals who are blind or visually impaired, accessibility is critical. This can include screen-reader–friendly websites, large-print or Braille resources, and phone or virtual sessions to overcome transportation barriers. These small adjustments ensure that mental health services are truly available to everyone.

A Call to Break the Silence

Blindness has shaped my perspective, but it has never silenced me. I believe the same is true for mental health—it does not need to silence us.

  • To my Samoan community: mental health is not ma. It is human.
  • To my fellow blind and disabled brothers and sisters: you are not invisible.
  • To families everywhere: embracing mental health care does not weaken fa’a Samoa—it strengthens it.

Together, we can raise awareness, break down stigma, and connect with the resources that help us heal. Silence has held us back for too long. It’s time to choose courage, conversation, and care.

Resources for Further Reading