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Where mission
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As we roll into deep summer with fall coming around the corner, I’m reminded of the impact of transitions. The small ones and the big ones. We have all shared in big transitions experiencing COVID and its impact across the world. Many of us have lost loved ones, were impacted by school closures, experienced significant adjustments in how we did our core work and ‘humaning’. There seems to be a sense of sorting and bubbling up and re-sorting and sifting happening, a shedding of layers and questioning.
I encourage us all to recognize this sorting is happening, the discomfort it holds, and challenge us to allow the feelings to come to us, recognize them, and let them pass as part of the process. Drink water, learn new things, rest easy and activate as needed. Take real care of yourself and those around you. Let’s increase our odds at getting through this sorting season together.
In support of learning new things, I hope you’ll take a bit of time to check out some great information in this issue!
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Code-switching refers to the practice of using two or more languages or different ways of speaking within the same conversation or in different social situations. There are two main types of code-switching: language-based, where bilingual individuals switch between languages, and culture-based, where people adapt their speech or appearance to fit in or express a specific identity in a particular social context.
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Linguistic perspective: Code-switching is when someone alternates or mixes two or more languages while speaking, like switching between their native language and English.
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Sociolinguistic perspective: Code-switching also includes using different dialects, accents, or language styles depending on the social or cultural setting to project a particular identity. For example, someone from a marginalized community might modify their speech, clothing, or appearance to fit into a specific social, work, or educational environment.
In a study conducted in September 2019 by Pew Research, it was found the Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely than their white counterparts to feel the need to change the way they speak when they are around people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. About four out to ten Black and Hispanic adults, and about one-third of white adults, reported that they sometimes or often feel the need to adjust their language when interacting with people of different races or ethnicities.
Interestingly, among Black adults, the tendency to code-switch is more pronounced among those with a college degree. 48% of Black adults with at least a four-year college education said they often or sometimes feel the need to code-switch, compared to 37% of those without a college degree. However, among Hispanic and white adults, there were no significant differences in code-switching based on educational attainment.
Additionally, code-switching can also involve altering one’s appearance. According to the Dove CROWN Research Study in July 2019, Black women are 80% more likely to change their natural hair to conform the societal norms in work settings.
How can this affect one’s mental health?
A March 2022 study published in Affective Science, researchers explored the relationship between code-switching and its potential psychological consequences. The study not only examined the mental effects but also the physiological impacts of code-switching on individuals. The findings revealed that when individuals are compelled to code-switch in situations where it doesn’t come naturally to them, it becomes a stressor. This stress is particularly significant for people from marginalized identities who may feel pressured to conform to dominant cultural norms.
The decision to code-switch depends on the environment in which a person finds themselves. In settings that promote strict assimilation, individuals my feel compelled to code-switch to fit in, which can be emotionally and psychologically taxing. On the other hand, environments that celebrate diversity and difference may encourage code-switching as a way to maintain one’s cultural identity while adapting to different social contexts.
Want to learn more?
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Recently, two residential youth substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring treatment programs in Washington state closed, creating challenges for accessing services and affecting families, young people, and providers across the state.
This session seeks to address the challenges posed by the closures and explore potential solutions to support those impacted.
Details:
Date: August 8
Time: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
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The P-25 legislative implementation webinar series returns this September.
The webinar series is dedicated to the legislative implementation of P-25 programs.
The series provides an environment to learn about the programs, how the work is being implemented, and the current progress to date.
Details:
Date: September 12
Time: 3:05 to 4 p.m.
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In partnership with local organizations, HCA's Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) team is conducting a tour to visit mental health providers and community partners in each region of the state.
Dates:
August 21: Southwest region (Vancouver)
August 22: Great Rivers region (Aberdeen)
August 25: Salish region (Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Kingston)
September 8: North Central region (Wenatchee)
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Live event captioning available
Communication Access Real-time Transcription (CART) services, or live closed captioning, are available for events, on demand. Scheduling CART services requires a three-week lead-time.
To request this accommodation, please submit a request as soon as possible to:
jennifer.peterson@hca.wa.gov
If you make your request less than a week in advance of the event, our language access manager cannot guarantee that a CART writer will be available.
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Birth trauma awareness week, organized by the Birth Trauma Association (BTA) and Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA), was July 16 to July 22, 2023. This event aims to reduce stigma, increase knowledge among the medical community, and increase access to trauma-informed care for those affected.
Birth trauma occurs when birthing individuals or their babies face danger during childbirth, leading to feelings of helplessness, fear, or isolation. The birthing person’s perception determines the diagnosis, regardless of others’ opinions. Partners may also experience birth trauma.
Those who experience birth trauma may develop postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder (P-PTSD). Symptoms include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, avoidance of triggers, guilt, hypervigilance, and attachment difficulties.
Certain experiences have higher potential for birth trauma and P-PTSD, such as severe illness during pregnancy, unexpected C-sections, lack of cultural competency on the part of the care provider, and insufficient translation or interpretation services. Many providers may not fully understand birth trauma or P-PTSD, highlighting the need for education and support.
Untreated P-PTSD can significantly impact health and bonding with the child. Educating medical providers and providing resources like support groups, counseling, and access to birth support services support improved outcomes. Those who endure birth trauma need and deserve to be validated in their experiences.
If you or a loved one experiences P-PTSD symptoms, reach out to your provider, or check out the resources below. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available.
Resources:
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National Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) day, also know as “winter depression” was recognized on July 24, 2023. SAD is a type of depression that follows a recurring seasonal pattern and can affect people during both cold and warm months. Some experience symptoms, known as summer pattern SAD, in the spring and summer.
What can it look like, living with SAD?
Living with SAD can manifest in various ways, including changes in mood, energy levels, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, social withdrawal, and episodes of violent behavior. Scientists from the National Institute of Mental health report the exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but deficits in vitamin D play a role, and those in northern regions are more susceptible. Vitamin D supplements or adding vitamin D-rich foods to the diet can help reduce SAD, especially as vitamin D deficiency is widespread globally.
To alleviate SAD symptoms, light therapy is a recommended treatment where individuals sit in front of a bright light for 30-45 minutes, usually in the mornings from fall to spring. Combining these treatments with psychotherapy and medications for other disorders like depression or bipolar can lead to a brighter outlook for those affected by SAD.
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National Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) day, also know as “winter depression” was recognized on July 24, 2023. SAD is a type of depression that follows a recurring seasonal pattern and can affect people during both cold and warm months. Some experience symptoms, known as summer pattern SAD, in the spring and summer.
What can it look like, living with SAD?
Living with SAD can manifest in various ways, including changes in mood, energy levels, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, social withdrawal, and episodes of violent behavior. Scientists from the National Institute of Mental health report the exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but deficits in vitamin D play a role, and those in northern regions are more susceptible. Vitamin D supplements or adding vitamin D-rich foods to the diet can help reduce SAD, especially as vitamin D deficiency is widespread globally.
To alleviate SAD symptoms, light therapy is a recommended treatment where individuals sit in front of a bright light for 30-45 minutes, usually in the mornings from fall to spring. Combining these treatments with psychotherapy and medications for other disorders like depression or bipolar can lead to a brighter outlook for those affected by SAD.
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"Your mental health is everything – prioritize it. Make the time like your life depends on it, because it does." — Mel Robbins |
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