The Burbank High School SkillsUSA club on November 12 delivered a presentation at Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, as a part of its “Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in the Armenian Community” project. The event was spearheaded by Jacqueline Papazian, Lili Andreasyan and David Oganesian.
SkillsUSA is a career-focused organization that empowers students to become skilled professionals and future leaders through innovative projects.
As a part of a recent Community Service Project, SkillsUSA dedicated its efforts to addressing a critical and often overlooked issue within the Armenian community: mental health awareness. The initiative aimed to foster meaningful dialogue and provide practical resources to support mental well-being.
During the presentation at Pilibos School, the Burbank High School SkillsUSA club covered the following key points:
- Addressing the Stigma: We explored the cultural barriers preventing open mental health discussions within Armenian families and communities. We emphasized the importance of breaking the silence and normalizing conversations about emotional well-being;
- Seeking Professional Help: We highlighted the value of professional mental health support and shared resources available to individuals in need, including counseling services and hotlines tailored to Armenian speakers;
- Impact of Recent Events: Our presentation included a focus on the collective trauma resulting from the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We discussed how these events have profoundly affected mental health in the Armenian community and offered strategies to process grief and anxiety;
- Practical Steps for Well-Being: We shared actionable self-care practices, coping strategies, and ways to support friends and family members struggling with mental health challenges.
The response to the project was overwhelmingly positive. Students and faculty expressed their appreciation for bringing light to a sensitive issue that many feel hesitant to discuss.
The Burbank High School SkillsUSA club were encouraged by the meaningful conversations the presentation sparked and the genuine interest in creating a more supportive environment within the local community.
