Upstate social workers working to improve outcomes for minority mental health

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – One in five people are now experiencing issues with mental health. That’s according to clinical workers in the Upstate.

Some are working to bring awareness to the stigma around it especially for minorities.

7NEWS spoke with a clinical social worker at Thriveworks in Greenville who says her staff is caring for more than three dozen patients on a weekly basis.

Camila Giraldo, who is a licensed clinical social worker at Thriveworks, said a variety of factors are fueling the mental health crisis. She explained that for minorities, it’s the cultural stigma surrounding treatment, discrimination, and socio-economic status.

“At the end of the day, opening up that conversation is certainly the first step. It opens up an avenue of outlets in which people can actually process. Maybe it is that I need to see my doctor. Maybe I need to schedule a counseling session,” Giraldo said.

Giraldo is encouraging everyone to pay attention to their loved ones who may be showing signs of distress. She says symptoms can include irritability and isolation.

“The most important thing is being able to ask questions. How are you doing? How is your mental health? Ask more specific questions – I notice that you’ve been sad lately , Is everything okay, ” Giraldo also said.

Giraldo added that people struggling with their mental health may also neglect their hygiene or feel like they don’t belong. Anyone who is struggling, or who knows someone who is struggling is encouraged to get help .

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