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Need a peer response for both students. One or 2 paragraphs each. I uploaded my response for reference. Initial discussion question: Kasym is a 19-year-old whose parents came from Guatemala when he was 6 years old. He is struggling in college, and now, he is sleeping 20 hours a day and not attending class. His roommate brought him to the school mental health center and reports that he was trying to hurt himself.1. What is the primary concern with Kasym’s cultural background and his clinical symptoms?2. Design a plan for Kasym to ensure that he has social and financial resources and a primary care provider and provide the rationale and evidence for effectiveness.
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Mental health is a topic that many deem as taboo. It seems like no one wants to speak about how they
are coping with life events. This is a result of many things such as culture, fear of judgment, or society’s
expectations. In this case, there is a 19-year-old who is struggling in college. He is sleeping a large
amount of time, and he is not present in his classes. His roommate tried to help him by bringing him to
the school’s mental health center after he tried to hurt himself.
A primary concern with Kasym regarding his clinical symptoms is that they are all indicative of
depression. He tried to hurt himself, which means that the depression is severe, and he may feel
hopeless. Pertaining to his cultural background, his parents from Guatemala might not be very helpful
with his mental health. He might have tried to speak to them about it, but Hispanic cultures do not
believe in things such as therapy. An article by the very well mind states that Latino families often have a
sense of cultural pride that can stigmatize mental health conditions, leading them to encourage
struggling family members to toughen up and just “get over” the difficult emotions they may be feeling
(Benton, 2023). The worry then is that he does not have a good support system through his family.
It is important that Kasym see a primary care provider. If he is sleeping 20 hours a day, it is safe to
assume that he might not be eating well. A primary care physician will assure that he is keeping
adequate nutrition, and address anything else that might be of concern. In addition, they will refer
Kasym to seek the help of a psychologist. Venting out his feelings, whether good or bad, will aid in the
healing journey that he needs to go through. Finding a psychologist that understands the impact that
Kasym’s culture might have had on him is essential to ensuring that he feels understood and
comfortable enough to accept the help. He can even try a psychologist at his very own school. Usually,
school’s provide therapy at no extra cost to the student. This is something that Kasym can take
advantage of.
Finally, a way in which Kasym can strengthen his mental health is by joining clubs at school. He can join
clubs of things that interest him, this way he can meet people and expand his social circle. The bigger his
social circle becomes, the more support he will have to get through his day-to-day life. It would be
preferable if he befriends his peers that are within the same culture as him. Being able to relate to
someone on this kind of level will assist Kasym in not feeling isolated.
An article by the lifespan health system stated that the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
estimates that 7.7 million Hispanic people over the age of 12 in the United States experienced
symptoms of mental illness. Of those 7.7 million people, only 35.1 percent received any treatment.
(Duarte-Velez, 2023). This fact demonstrates the unwillingness of Hispanic people to seek help for their
mental health. If kasym is strong enough to overcome his cultural barriers, he will be able to break a
generational belief that has held back Hispanic people for a long time, while nourishing his own mental
health at the same time.
References:
Benton, E. (2023). 8 mental health resources aimed at the Latino Community. Verywell Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/9-mental-health-resources-for-the-latinx-community-5114193#tocunited-states-department-of-health-and-human-services-office-of-minority-health
Duarte-Velez, Y. (2023). Mental health and the Latinx/Hispanic Community. Lifespan.
https://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/mental-health-and-latinxhispanic-community
Moyce, S., Thompson, S., Metcalf, M., Velazquez, M., Aghbashian, E., Sisson, N., & Claudio, D. (2022).
Rural Hispanic perceptions of Mental Health: A qualitative study. Journal of transcultural nursing: official
journal of the Transcultural Nursing Society. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9081153/
Cultural Influences and Supportive Resources for Kasym: A Plan for Holistic Wellbeing
Kasym’s scenario underscores the vital intersections between cultural context, mental health, and
college life. This young individual from Guatemala is showing troubling signs of potential severe
depression, emphasizing the necessity for a culturally informed intervention.
1. Primary Concern with Kasym’s Cultural Background and Clinical Symptoms
Cultural sensitivity in mental health is paramount, especially when treating patients from diverse
backgrounds. As described by Guerrero et al. (2016), Latino individuals, including those from Guatemala,
often express depressive symptoms distinctly, sometimes centering around somatic complaints.
Additionally, cultural and immigration-related stresses, potential discrimination, and feelings of isolation
can accentuate these mental health issues (Caplan, 2017). When evaluating Kasym’s condition, including
his excessive sleep patterns, non-attendance in class, and self-harming behavior, there’s an evident
correlation between his cultural background and his presenting symptoms. Recognizing this relationship
is essential for effective intervention.
2. A Holistic Plan for Kasym
To address Kasym’s unique challenges:
Culturally Sensitive Counseling: Begin with therapy that resonates with Kasym’s cultural identity,
ensuring that he feels understood and validated. This step is critical given that culturally tailored
interventions have demonstrated better outcomes for diverse populations (American Psychological
Association, 2017).
Peer Support: Establish connections with peer organizations or groups that align with Kasym’s
experiences, minimizing feelings of isolation. Such peer networks have been shown to significantly
reduce symptoms of depression (Alvarez et al., 2019).
Engage with a Primary Care Provider: Facilitating connections with a primary care provider who is adept
at handling the mental health requirements of young adults, particularly from minority groups, ensures
a comprehensive monitoring system for Kasym’s well-being. Prochaska et al. (2012) highlight the value
of consistent monitoring in addressing potential health challenges promptly.
Financial and Academic Assistance: Identifying resources tailored for minority students, such as
scholarships or academic support services, can alleviate some stressors. Financial and academic
challenges are notable contributors to the deteriorating mental health of college students (Stebleton,
Soria, & Huesman, 2014).
Emergency Mental Health Plan: Formulating a crisis plan alongside Kasym and those close to him can
provide immediate intervention during acute distress phases (Wharff, Ginnis, & Ross, 2012).
In conclusion, Kasym’s situation necessitates an approach that’s sensitive to his cultural roots, current
environment, and the challenges he faces as a college student. By implementing a multifaceted plan that
caters to his unique needs, we optimize the chances for his recovery and ongoing well-being.
References
American Psychological Association. (2017). Guidelines for psychological practice with girls and women.
Alvarez, K., Fillbrunn, M., Green, J. G., Jackson, J. S., Kessler, R. C., McLaughlin, K. A., … & Alegría, M.
(2019). Race/ethnicity, nativity, and lifetime risk of mental disorders in US adults. Social Psychiatry and
Psychiatric Epidemiology, 54(5), 553-565.
Caplan, S. (2017). Latinos, acculturation, and acculturative stress: A dimensional concept analysis. Policy,
Politics, & Nursing Practice, 18(2), 76-89.
1.Primary Concern with Kasym’s Cultural Background and Clinical Symptoms:
Kasym’s cultural background as an immigrant from Guatemala and his clinical symptoms of excessive
sleep (20 hours a day), non-attendance in college, and self-harming tendencies raise significant
concerns. The primary concern here is the potential intersection of his mental health issues with the
challenges associated with his cultural background, which might include acculturation stress, the cultural
stigma surrounding mental health, and barriers to accessing appropriate care (Blukacz et al., 2020).
Immigrants like Kasym often face acculturation stress, which arises from adapting to a new culture. This
stress can manifest as psychological distress, especially among individuals who come to the host country
at a young age, as they might grapple with questions about their identity, belongingness, and cultural
conflicts. Kasym’s inability to cope with this stress may contribute to his clinical symptoms.
Many immigrant communities, including those from Guatemala, may stigmatize mental health issues,
viewing them as a sign of weakness or shame. This stigma could deter Kasym from seeking help,
exacerbating his mental health concerns. It is essential to address these cultural beliefs when designing
a plan for him.
Immigrants often face barriers to accessing mental health services due to language barriers, lack of
insurance, fear of deportation, or limited knowledge about the healthcare system. Kasym’s struggle to
attend classes and his self-harming tendencies may be related to his inability to access appropriate care.
2. Plan for Kasym’s Well-being:
The first step is to connect Kasym with a mental health provider who is culturally competent and speaks
his native language, Spanish. This provider should be trained to understand immigrants’ unique
challenges during acculturation. The rationale for this is that cultural competence improves the quality
of care and increases the likelihood of Kasym opening up about his struggles.
Encourage Kasym to join support groups or organizations on campus or in the community that cater to
immigrants or individuals from Guatemala. These groups can provide emotional support and a sense of
belonging, which may alleviate some of his acculturation stress. Evidence suggests that social support
can positively impact mental health outcomes.
Help Kasym explore financial aid options, scholarships, or part-time employment opportunities that can
reduce financial stress and enable him to continue his education. Financial stability can alleviate stress
and contribute to improved mental health.
Ensure Kasym has a primary care provider to monitor his overall health and well-being. Frequent checkins can help detect any physical health issues contributing to his symptoms. Additionally, this provider
can serve as a gateway to mental health services if needed (Deshields et al., 2021).
Develop culturally sensitive psychoeducational materials and outreach programs to raise awareness
about mental health within the Guatemalan immigrant community. Reducing mental health stigma is a
long-term goal that can benefit Kasym and others facing similar challenges.
The primary concern with Kasym’s cultural background and clinical symptoms is the potential for his
mental health struggles exacerbated by acculturation stress, cultural stigma, and barriers to care. The
plan outlined above aims to address these concerns by providing culturally competent care, social
support, financial stability, and regular health monitoring while also working toward reducing cultural
stigma in the community. This comprehensive approach is evidence-based and considers the unique
challenges individuals like Kasym face.
References
Blukacz, A., Cabieses, B., & Markkula, N. (2020). Inequities in mental health and mental healthcare
between international immigrants and locals in Chile: A narrative review. International Journal for Equity
in Health, 19(1), 1-15.
Deshields, T. L., Wells‐Di Gregorio, S., Flowers, S. R., Irwin, K. E., Nipp, R., Padgett, L., & Zebrack, B.
(2021). Addressing distress management challenges: Recommendations from the consensus panel of the
American Psychosocial Oncology Society and the Association of Oncology Social Work. CA: A Cancer
Journal for Clinicians, 71(5), 407-436.
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