In American Samoa there are limited mental health providers here on our island. Mental health providers help us to focus on our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. One’s mental health aids handling difficult situations, how we communicate or work with one another as well as how we make healthy decisions. Because it impacts every stage of our lives, from childhood to adulthood, our mental health is extremely important. For individuals who face domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking having good mental health practices is extremely important to build resiliency and wellness.
A person who suffers from domestic violence has an increased risk of dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and suicide. Sexual assault victims experience these same stresses, and include anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, and eating disorders. In American Samoa we have limited mental health services and capacity. The Alliance has established the importance of self-care routines for coping with stress and dealing with complicated emotional and physical responses due to trauma of abuse. For the next two years, 2023-2025, the Alliance has engaged three Wellness Coaches to promote art, music and writing for healing. There is evidence that art as an observer or initiator can improve a person’s moods, and emotions. Follow us as we share with the community Art, Music and Writing Classes every quarter. Join us as we visit different communities, (i.e. TAOA, DYWA, Online Virtual Sessions) to share knowledge about these tools to improve wellness. For more information contact: Training@asadsv.com or judy.matautia@asadsv.com.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
