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

• National Eye Institute: Vision Loss and Mental Health
• Mental Health America: Pacific Islander Mental Health
• Whittier Counseling Center

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Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

This important conference will address the urgent need for emergency mental health services to Latino Communities in response to recent and ongoing challenges such as:

• Wildfires

• Immigration policy enforcement

• Housing and financial instability

Participants will gain insight into the services provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and explore ways that community providers can collaborate to support individuals, families, and communities in crisis.

Location

Hilton Los Angeles/San Gabriel
225 W. Valley Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776
626-270-2700

Registration

• In-person training

• Fee: $100 (includes continental breakfast & parking)

• CEUs: Not available (certificate of attendance upon request)
  [Register via Eventbrite]

For more detailed information, please see the full flyer here: October MET Conference 2025

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This 8-hour Psychological First Aid (PFA) training equips staff with practical tools to respond to stress, trauma, and crisis, while fostering resilience and preventing burnout. Perfect for schools, clinics, community organizations, and workplaces that value mental health and well-being.

About Psychological First Aid (PFA)

Developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and the National Center for PTSD, PFA is an evidence-informed approach proven effective in supporting children, adults, and families in the aftermath of:

• Disasters

• Accidents

• Violence

• Terrorism

• Other traumatic events

PFA helps survivors, witnesses, and responders alike with skills that bring stability, hope, and healing.

Core Actions of PFA

Participants will be trained and certified in the eight evidence-based actions:

• Contact & Engagement

• Safety & Comfort

• Stabilization

• Information Gathering

• Practical Assistance

• Connection with Supports

• Coping Information

• Linkage with Services

Certification

Upon completion of training, participants will receive a Certification in Psychological First Aid a nationally recognized certification that demonstrates competence in trauma-informed crisis response.

Training Highlights

• 8-hour interactive training (onsite or virtual)

• Conducted in English or Spanish

• Designed for educators, healthcare providers, first responders, nonprofit staff, and community leaders

• Builds resilience, reduces burnout, and strengthens organizational crisis response

Contact us today to schedule your training! For more information, please call (562) 907-7466 or email Contact@whittiercounseling.org

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But here’s the truth: you’re not failing. Your child isn’t broken. Anxiety just speaks a language that’s easy to miss if you don’t know what to listen for.

Anxiety in children isn’t just “worrying too much.” It’s a full-body response, wired for survival, that gets triggered even when there’s no actual danger. For some kids, it shows up as perfectionism. Others might cry, cling, avoid, or get angry over small things. They’re not trying to be difficult — they’re trying to feel safe in a world that often feels too big, too fast, or too uncertain.

And while your instinct might be to protect them — to smooth every bump in the road — that can accidentally teach them that they can’t handle hard things. What they really need is you: steady, calm, and close.

They need someone who doesn’t rush to fix, but sits with them through the fear. Who says, “This feels scary — and I’m here,” instead of “You’re fine, don’t worry.” They need a coach more than a rescuer — someone who helps them take small steps, gently encouraging them to stretch their courage without overwhelming them.

Routines and predictability help too. A heads-up before transitions. A few quiet minutes at bedtime. A worry journal or a pebble in their pocket for tough moments. These small anchors send a big message: You are not alone in this.

And while you’re showing up for them, it’s just as important to show up for yourself. Your calm nervous system is their best regulation tool. You don’t have to be perfect — just grounded enough to remind them that fear isn’t in charge. Taking care of your own mental health is part of the plan, not a side note.

Still, some days will feel like too much. When anxiety starts to impact your child’s sleep, friendships, school, or sense of joy, it’s time to reach out. Therapy can be a game-changer — not because something is “wrong,” but because growth is easier with support. At Whittier Counseling Center, we help parents navigate anxiety with tools, compassion, and hope.

Because parenting an anxious child isn’t about eliminating fear.
It’s about teaching them — and reminding yourself — that fear doesn’t get the final word.

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The post Teen Anxiety Support Group | Begins June 25, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM first appeared on Whittier Counseling Center.

This report combines data from over 140 countries and is analyzed by researchers from a wide range of academic disciplines. According to the World Happiness Report, the top 10 happiest countries are:

1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Iceland
4. Sweden
5. Netherlands
6. Costa Rica
7. Norway
8. Israel
9. Luxembourg
10. Mexico

The report highlights several factors related to overall well-being, including income levels, social connections and employment status. The report also highlights that countries characterized by frequent acts of generosity and kindness tend to experience lower rates of despair-related death including suicide and drug overdoses. For detailed information on this report click on the following link: https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2025/

The post U.S. Hits Record Low in 2025 World Happiness Rankings first appeared on Whittier Counseling Center.

The brain, like all the other organs in our bodies, needs essential nutrients to function. These nutrients help maintain healthy levels of chemicals that regulate brain function and affect our mood. The brain is also linked to our gut health. Bacteria that live in the gut can have an impact on brain functioning and emotional regulation. A balanced diet can help support good gut bacteria, potentially reducing mental health symptoms.

So, what can you eat to support a healthier mind and better mood?

Studies have linked several nutrients to improvements in mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, as well as many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. One study reported a significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms after participants ate a Mediterranean diet for 3 months. Because a variety of nutrients are required for optimal brain functioning, improving the whole diet is likely to have a greater impact than supplementing a single nutrient alone. Food choices that support mental health include:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Olives
• Legumes
• Wholegrains
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fish and other lean proteins

Studies have linked poor dietary choices to an increased risk for symptoms of depression and anxiety. Foods to avoid include:

• Sweetened drinks
• Fried foods
• Processed meats
• Refined grains
• Baked good – particularly sweets

Like everything else in life, moderation is key. You do not have to deprive yourself of every sweet treat or fried food, but overconsumption of unhealthy foods can increase the risk of mental health challenges. Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is a powerful tool for supporting your mental well-being. Fueling your body with the right foods also fuels your mind! The next time you reach for a snack or plan a meal, think about what impact it could have on your mental health.

References

Gheonea, T. C., Oancea, C., Mititelu, M., Lupu, E. C., Ionita-Mindrican, C., & Rogoveanu, I. (2023). Nutrition and mental well-being: Exploring connections and holistic approaches. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(22), 7180. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12227180

Grajek, M., Kyupa-Kotara, K., Bialek-Dratwa, A., Sobczky, K., Grot, M., Kowalski, O., & Staskiewicz, W. (2022). Nutrition and mental health: A review of current knowledge about the impact of diet on mental health. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 943998. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.943998

O’Neil, A., Jacka, F., & Berk, M. (2022). The role of nutrition in mental and brain health across the life course. Psychiatric Annals, 52(2), 47-48.

Parletta, N., Zarnowiecki, D., Cho, J., Wilson, A., Bogomolova, S., Villani, A., Itsiopoulos, C., Niyonsenga, T., Blunden, S., Meyer, B., Segal, L., Baune, B. T., & O’Dea, K. (2019). A Mediterranean-style dietary intervention supplemented with fish oil improves diet quality and mental health in people with depression: A randomized controlled trial (HELFIMED). Nutritional Neuroscience, 22(7), 474-487. https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2017.1411320

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The workshop is scheduled for March 12, 2025, from 6 PM to 8 PM at First Baptist Church, located at 101 S. Atlantic Ave., Alhambra, CA. Free childcare will be provided, along with a light dinner and a raffle. Please note that space is limited.

Please RSVP by March 10th at www.CatalystSGV.org/RSVP/. Kindly RSVP with the number of adults and the ages of children for childcare.

The post Parent Workshop on Bullying & Harassment first appeared on Whittier Counseling Center.

The workshop is scheduled for February 12, 2025, from 6 PM to 8 PM at First Baptist Church, located at 101 S. Atlantic Ave., Alhambra, CA. Free childcare will be provided, along with a light dinner and a raffle. Please note that space is limited.

Please RSVP by February 10th at www.CatalystSGV.org/RSVP/. Kindly RSVP with the number of adults and the ages of children for childcare.

The post Parent Anger Management Workshop first appeared on Whittier Counseling Center.

The Anatomy of Avoidance

Avoidance is a coping mechanism we often use to escape uncomfortable feelings or situations. It might provide temporary relief, but in the long run, it can lead to increased anxiety, stress, and even physical health issues. Understanding the cycle of avoidance is the first step in breaking free.

The Stages of the Avoidance Cycle

1. Anxiety: It all starts with a trigger—an event, thought, or feeling that causes discomfort or anxiety. This could be anything from an upcoming deadline to an unresolved personal conflict.

2. Avoidance Behavior: To escape the discomfort, we engage in avoidance behaviors. These could be as simple as distracting ourselves with social media, or as complex as engaging in substance abuse and completely ignoring a critical task.

3. Short-term Relief: Avoidance offers an immediate sense of relief. By diverting our attention away from the trigger, we temporarily escape the anxiety it provokes.

4. Intensification: As the underlying issue remains unaddressed, it often intensifies. The anxiety associated with the initial trigger can grow stronger, making the situation seem even more daunting and leading to a heightened sense of fear or dread.

Breaking the Cycle

The good news is that with awareness and proactive strategies, we can break the cycle of avoidance. Here are some practical steps to help you regain control:

• Identify Triggers: Start by recognizing the triggers that lead to your avoidance behaviors. Keeping a journal can be helpful in tracking patterns and pinpointing specific situations or emotions.
• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Often, avoidance is fueled by irrational fears or negative thoughts. Practice cognitive restructuring by challenging the thoughts with positive affirmations can be helpful.
• Emotional Regulation Techniques: Learn and practice techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization to better manage your emotional responses.
• Accountability Partners: Partner with someone you trust to hold each other accountable for completing tasks and facing challenges. Sharing goals and progress can motivate you to take action.
• Time Blocking: Allocate dedicated time slots for focused work without distractions.This technique can help tackle avoided tasks systematically.
• Optimize Your Space: Arrange your environment to minimize distractions and make it more conducive of productivity. A clutter free space, organized space can reduce the urge to avoid.
• Leverage Technology: Utilize productivity apps, reminders and  tools like a Promodoro Timer to help you focus and take regular breaks.
• Set Rewards: Establish a system of rewards for your self after completing tasks.
• Self-Compassion Exercises: Practice exercises that encourage self-kindness and understanding. Recognize that everyone struggles with avoidance at times, and it’s okay to seek help.
• Forgive Yourself: Acknowledge past avoidance without judgement. Letting go of self-criticism can reduce the emotional burden and encourage positive action.

Breaking the cycle of avoidance in not merely about confronting fears or completing tasks; it’s about nurturing a mindset that embraces action and growth. By understanding the triggers, recognizing the patterns of avoidance, and implementing a variety of techniques – from identifying triggers and accountability to emotional regulation and structured routines – you can gradually reclaim control over your life.

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