Understanding Mental Health Through Bryan’s Story
Genesis Perez
Writing for the Social Sciences
March 31, 2025
Understanding Mental Health Through Bryan’s Story
Introduction
Mental health is a vital part of overall well-being, yet it is often misunderstood or
overlooked, especially in cultures where emotional struggles are stigmatized.
Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.
However, individuals from cultures that place a strong emphasis on emotional
resilience and self-reliance may find it more difficult to seek help. This essay
explores the story of Bryan, an 18-year-old young man of Mexican descent, who
shared his experiences with mental health. Through a personal interview, Bryan
revealed his struggles with depression, stress, and cultural pressures.
His story highlights how cultural norms and family expectations can make it
difficult for young people to seek support or express their emotions. Bryan’s
experiences demonstrate the broader challenges faced by young adults navigating
mental health issues, particularly when cultural stigmas discourage emotional
vulnerability. By examining Bryan’s journey, this essay promotes a better
understanding of mental health challenges and the importance of creating safe,
supportive spaces for open conversations.
Background and Subject Description
Bryan is a tall young man with long brown hair and light skin. He is of Mexican
descent, and his cultural background significantly shapes his views on mental
health. Our conversation took place over the phone on a Tuesday afternoon around
3:30 PM. The phone setting was chosen intentionally to make Bryan feel more
comfortable, as discussing mental health can be sensitive. Without the pressure of
face-to-face interaction, Bryan was able to express himself more openly.
During the interview, Bryan shared that he began struggling with depression
around the ages of 15 and 16. He described feeling overwhelmed by hopelessness,
stating, “I really didn’t know what to do.” This reflects a common experience
among young people facing mental health challenges—feeling lost and unsure of
how to cope. Bryan admitted that he initially dismissed his depression, thinking, “It
was all in my head and not a big deal.” This mindset reveals the way mental health
is sometimes downplayed, particularly in cultures where emotional struggles are
seen as temporary or insignificant.
Cultural Influence on Bryan’s Mental Health
Bryan’s experiences highlight how cultural norms can shape mental health
perceptions. When asked how he copes with his emotions, Bryan explained that he
often minimizes his feelings. He stated, “I just don’t think much of it. I just see it
as a moment that will pass, so I don’t let it take much of my head.” This approach
reflects a belief in emotional resilience, which is common in many Latino cultures.
In such environments, expressing vulnerability may be viewed as a weakness,
especially for men.
In Latino culture, mental health challenges are often seen as personal issues that
individuals are expected to overcome without external help (Falicov, 2014). The
idea of “machismo,” which promotes emotional strength and toughness in men,
can discourage young males like Bryan from expressing vulnerability. As a result,
Bryan’s instinct to suppress his feelings and avoid discussing his struggles
demonstrates how cultural values influence coping mechanisms.
Bryan also described how his family views mental health. He said, “In my family,
it’s not a thing to be depressed or feel like that, so I felt that I needed to toughen
up.” This reveals the internal conflict Bryan faces—he feels the weight of his
emotional struggles but also feels pressured to appear strong. This is consistent
with research showing that family expectations often prevent Latino individuals
from seeking mental health services (Villatoro et al., 2018). The cultural belief that
emotional struggles should be handled privately may prevent individuals from
accessing professional support, prolonging their suffering.
When Bryan described a specific time when he struggled with his mental health, he
recalled a period when he had difficulty managing anger. He said, “I didn’t know
how to cope with things… I let it get to my head.” Instead of seeking help from
friends or family, Bryan turned to self-education. He read psychology books and
visited mental health websites to learn coping strategies. While his initiative to
educate himself is commendable, it also reflects a reluctance to seek help from
others, possibly due to the stigma around mental health.
The Impact of Stress and Daily Life Challenges
In addition to cultural expectations, Bryan also described the stress he experiences
from his daily responsibilities. As a student with a part-time job, he struggles to
balance academic and work demands. He shared, “I do have a job, and I’m still a
student. Balancing work and school can be quite challenging.” This difficulty is
common among young adults who face mounting responsibilities as they transition
into adulthood.
The strain of balancing work and school adds to Bryan’s stress. He mentioned,
“The lack of sleep has become a big concern,” highlighting how his hectic
schedule affects his well-being. Sleep deprivation is linked to worsened mental
health outcomes, including increased anxiety and depression (Walker, 2017).
Bryan’s experience underscores how the combination of academic stress, work
pressures, and lack of rest can negatively impact young people’s mental health.
To cope with stress, Bryan has developed his own strategies. When he feels
overwhelmed in crowded or chaotic places, he mentally detaches himself from his
surroundings. He explained, “I create a space where I can acknowledge my stress
without being overwhelmed.” This technique allows him to manage stress by
giving himself emotional distance from the situation.
Bryan’s method of coping through dissociation is not uncommon. According to
American Psychological Association (2020), creating mental distance or using
visualization techniques can help individuals regulate emotions during stressful
situations. However, while this coping mechanism helps him in the moment, it may
not address the root causes of his stress.
The Value of Support and Seeking Help
As our conversation concluded, I asked Bryan about his thoughts on seeking help
for mental health. His response showed a growing awareness of the importance of
support. Although he values personal resilience, he also recognizes the significance
of reaching out. He said, “It’s okay to reach out for help… shared experiences can
make all the difference.” This reflects Bryan’s increasing acceptance of external
support, even though cultural stigmas may have initially discouraged him from
doing so.
Bryan also stressed the importance of having open conversations about mental
health. He said, “When you can’t handle things alone, it’s great to have someone
there to help.” This statement highlights the universal human need for connection.
Despite the stigma around mental health, Bryan acknowledges that seeking help is
a sign of strength, not weakness.
Conclusion
Bryan’s story illustrates the complex relationship between mental health, culture,
and personal coping strategies. His experiences reveal the challenges of navigating
mental health in an environment where emotional struggles are often minimized.
Despite these obstacles, Bryan’s journey also demonstrates resilience and
self-awareness. His decision to learn about mental health independently and his
openness to seeking help show his strength and willingness to grow.
Ultimately, Bryan’s story highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for
mental health conversations. Schools, workplaces, and communities should
promote mental health awareness and provide accessible support services.
Reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to share their experiences can foster
a more compassionate and understanding society.
Bryan’s journey serves as a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength. His
experience emphasizes the importance of kindness and connection. By promoting
empathy and support, we can help break the silence surrounding mental health
struggles, encouraging more individuals to seek the help they deserve.
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress effects on the body. APA.
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
Falicov, C. J. (2014). Latino families in therapy: A guide to multicultural practice
(2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Perez, G. (2025, February 26). Personal interview with Bryan.
Walker, M. (2017). Why we sleep: Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams.
Scribner.