Healthy Coping Method For Vietnamese Older Adults

The Mental Health Awareness for the Vietnamese speakers consists of two parts: the educational part and the social activity part. This event, “Healthy Coping Method for Vietnamese Older Adults” is a great way for Vietnamese elders to bring up this sensitive topic, as individuals tend to refuse to talk about mental health due to the pressure and stigma from society, friends, and family. This event will be a good opportunity for the Vietnamese participants to have a better understanding of mental health so they can identify the behaviors and the emotional challenges early to seek help from the professional.

In the educational component, participants will learn about the importance of mental health and how it affects society based on given data, facts, and videos. Participants will also get a chance to understand the importance of staying connected and developing a connective network amongst them- whether it’s a person, a place, an object, or a memory. The goal is if participants can relate to themselves, it may help to overcome mental health challenges that they may face in life.

In the social activity part, participants will learn to build a succulent plant arrangement to incorporate the theme of “Spring into Mental Health”. The purpose of the activity will be for participants to work as a group for a healthy coping method when they are feeling down. This activity will also serve as a reminder for participants to have something they can connect to in this project. By taking care of succulents, besides watering and putting the plant to sunlight, participants will practice saying something positive about themselves each time. The goal is not only to help the plant grow healthy but also to help participants have a positive vibe throughout the day.

Organization: Council on Aging-Southern California/ Vinh Vo

For more information, please contact Vinh Vo at vvo@coasc.org