You are not alone: Cabrera calls for awareness
of mental health during COVID-19
BY JASON COHEN
One in fi ve U.S. adults struggle with
mental illness each year, according
to the National Alliance on Mental
Illness. Despite this fact, individuals
with depression are often stigmatized
in the United States.
In addition, more than 41,000 people
commit suicide each year, according
to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. More Americans now die
from suicide than from car accidents.
As May 1 marks the beginning
of mental health awareness month,
Councilman Fernando Cabrera, a licensed
mental health professional,
stressed now more than ever people
need to be cognizant of their emotional
well being.
“As an elected offi cial, pastor and
mental health professional, I get to see
‘up close and personal’ the complexities
of addressing COVID-19 through
policy, programming, and fi scal management
as well as the fear, anxiety,
sadness and despair of real people-
those for whom government offi cials
work,” Cabrera said. “The suicides of
the emergency room medical director
at New York Presbyterian’s Allen
Hospital and a young EMT last week
were shocking reminders that mental
health awareness can also be a ‘life
and death’ matter.”
Cabrera told the Bronx Times when
most people think of COVID-19 they immediately
think of sickness and death.
However, the virus is also affecting
people’s mental health. Whether they
are working on the front line, have experienced
the loss of a loved one, recovered
from the virus or feel stressed
and isolated at home, depression can
sink in.
The councilman noted while it has
always been taboo for people to discuss
their feelings or seek professional
help, it’s even more frowned upon in
communities of color. According to the
councilman, if people don’t take care
of their mental well being they can end
up in a “dark hole.”
“A lot of people don’t realize the
level of stress that essential workers
are going through,” he said. “It’s an
urban legend that if you go see a counselor
you’re crazy.”
Cabrera stressed that during times
of social distancing, he is glad that
most mental health agencies and social
workers are available via Zoom or
Facetime.
Having worked in the fi eld for more
than 30 years, the councilman understands
BRONX TIMES R 50 EPORTER, MAY 8-14, 2020 BTR
Councilman Fernando Cabrera calls for awareness of mental health during COVID-19
Photo courtesy of John McCarten
how important taking care of
one’s mental health is.
He explained that many people in
the Bronx, especially his district, were
already experiencing poverty and
struggling before the pandemic and
now the virus has exacerbated their
problems.
“I’m asking everyone to check on
seniors, call, email or text those who
are quarantined, show concern and
support in whatever way you can do
so safely,” he said. “Talk to your children
about how they are feeling. If you
are feeling anxious, sad, depressed or
alone, get help from the online or telephone
services that are offered in New
York City, including remote counseling
for children. These services are
staffed by mental health professionals.
You are not alone. We are in this
together.”