Pearls in the Rough: A Take on Pasifika Mental Health
CW: Drugs, Alcohol
Words by Martha Foalemaa
The human brain is incredibly complex, handling sensory information, regulating the body, and enabling thinking, memory, and emotions. Our brains respond dynamically to our experiences, shaping our thoughts, behaviours, and overall mental health.
Parents and communities play crucial roles in shaping a child’s mental health and wellbeing. Positive, supportive environments foster resilience and healthy development, whereas negative experiences such as neglect or criticism can contribute to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Within Pasifika families and communities, mental health remains a topic often overlooked or dismissed, leaving important issues unaddressed and untreated. Cultural attitudes play a crucial role in whether children feel safe seeking help and discussing their emotions, perpetuating a cycle of silence and stigma.
As a negative result in our Pasifika community, students or children may seek ways to cope on their own, such as heavily consuming alcohol, using drugs, and engaging in other harmful behaviors. These coping mechanisms can lead to further harm and perpetuate a cycle of silence and stigma around mental health in our Pasifika communities. Personal experiences can vary widely, but many individuals from Pasifika communities may feel isolated or misunderstood when dealing with mental health issues. The main support system should start within the family and then expand into our Pasifika communities.
Families are the first line of defence in preparing a supportive environment for mental health. When families are open to discussing mental health and provide a safe space for children to express their feelings, it lays a strong foundation for their well-being.
In Pasifika cultures, pearls hold deep significance, symbolising purity, wisdom, and beauty. Just as pearls are precious to the Pasifika people, so too is the mental health and well-being of individuals within our communities. Uncovering these ‘hidden pearls’ means recognising and valuing the mental health of each person, acknowledging that it is as precious and important as any physical treasure.
