Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Mohammad is a Youth Advocate for Reverb 2.0, a prevention and early intervention mental health initiative co-designed and co-delivered by multicultural young people.
In this unique partnership, young people bring their expertise in working in multicultural communities, youth mental health and lived experience together to break down barriers in young multicultural people accessing mental health services. We sat down with Mohammad to chat about his experience so far as a Youth Advocate.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Mohammad, and I come from an Afghan background. My passion lies in connecting with people from diverse cultures and advocating for young people. I believe that the greatest regret is knowing about an issue and choosing not to speak about it. As a migrant, I hope to use my voice to amplify the voices of others, mainly in mental health and other challenges that young people may face. My goal is to raise awareness, foster understanding, and drive positive change in our communities.
Why did you get involved with Reverb 2.0 and CMY?
I got involved with Reverb 2.0 because I noticed a significant gap in our community regarding mental health, especially since COVID-19. Many of my fellow community members have been struggling with their well-being and are often afraid to seek help. My goal with this program is to provide our young community members with a voice, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and encourage them to seek help when they need it the most.
What do you think are the challenges around mental health and the mental health system for young multicultural people?
The biggest challenge around mental health for young multicultural people is the difference in cultural expectations. In many cultures, mental health isn’t openly discussed or taken seriously. Growing up, I often heard people in my circle being told to just deal with their mental health issues, especially men, who were expected to simply “get over it.” I believe that as humans, we are meant to provide support and seek help when needed. Another challenge is not having the support or not knowing where to seek help. This cultural stigma can prevent young people from addressing their mental health issues and accessing the necessary resources.
What changes do you hope to bring about with your work and Reverb 2.0?
Through my work with Reverb 2.0, I hope to bring changes by creating a safe and supportive environment where people feel comfortable expressing their struggles, encouraging them to recognize that it’s okay to say no when they are stressed or overwhelmed, and motivating them to seek help when needed, ultimately breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and fostering a community where mental well-being is openly discussed and prioritized.
What’s something that you’ve learnt so far as a youth advocate in mental health that you wish you knew earlier?
As a youth advocate in mental health, I’ve learned the importance of early intervention and open communication in addressing mental health issues. I wish I had known earlier that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that breaking the silence and stigma around mental health can make a significant difference in someone’s life and might encourage them to seek help sooner than later. Recognizing and addressing mental health concerns early can lead to better outcomes and a healthier, more supportive community.
What’s a hope you have for the future of mental health for young multicultural people?
A hope I have for the future of mental health for young multicultural people is that being able to have access to the right places and resources to seek help. I envision a future where mental health support is tailored to the unique needs of young people from diverse backgrounds, reducing stigma and providing effective care. My hope is for a society where open conversations about mental health are the norm, and where every young person feels empowered to seek help and prioritize their well-being without fear of judgment.
Learn more about Reverb 2.0 here.