321 Nghi Dang Mental Health Awareness Through Storytelling: Mental Health is a Normal Part of Health

Mental health is often an afterthought for most people when, in reality, it is vital to your physical health. With so much online information, it is hard to figure out what is fake and what is a fact. Navigating through the world wide web is exponentially more difficult for children, so my goal with the book series is to help clear up misconceptions about mental health and give guidance. Children turn to social media for advice, which is why our world is in its current state. 

I was born in Vietnam but grew up in Southern California. Our family moved to the states when I was 7 years old. As an immigrant, I shared the same struggles as many other immigrants with adjusting to a new norm and dealing with bullying, discrimination, and constantly having to self-validate while fighting off depression.  Having been in practice for over 10 years as a Family Physician, I have realized that my struggles are shared by many of my patients. As the pandemic progressed, I saw more and more visits related to mental health in the clinic for both adults and children. I was motivated to do something to help educate children and help start a dialogue between parents and children about mental health. I figured the best way to help educate is through storytelling.     
    
3 top tips for my audience:
1. Think of mental health as a regular part of your health, not something separate.
2. Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings to your family and friends; you would be surprised at the commonality that everyone experiences.  
3. Listen with your heart, not your ears.