Univision 41 Spotlights PEARLS Program, Featuring Outreach Counselor German Buitrago

English Transcript:

Host: …On on another topic, pay attention because if you’re feeling depressed or overwhelmed, there is a local organization leading a program that is helping people and providing them with mental health support.

Host 2: That’s right, Victor. And Berenice Gartner tells us that it is a free service, in people’s homes.

Reporter: This is all very important information, especially given how taboo talking about mental health can be, especially for older people. According to a survey from Columbia University, the mental health of older adults was particularly some impacted by the pandemic.

German Buitrago, {On CHYRON: Outreach Counselor, VNS Health]: And how do you feel now?

Sandra: Well, I feel much better.

Reporter: Sandra and her therapist are almost like friends.

German: Taking everything prescribed to you still?

Sandra: Yes.

Reporter: They often go out for a walk while they talk, chatting about the things that affect her.

German: How is your relationship with your family?

Sandra: Well, kind of…

Reporter: This therapy is part of the local PEARLS Program financed by the Health Department, which provides counseling for those 55 and older.

German: We have five initial face-to-face sessions, in person or by phone if they wish. Then, we contact them three times after 30 days and 60 days.

Reporter: The best thing is that these sessions are free.

Sandra: I live alone, I have three children, but they are already married.

Reporter: Sandra, who suffers from depression, adds that the therapist will come directly to her house.

Sandra: When we first met to start counseling, he came to my house , and it felt easy to just start talking. Since starting the counseling, I feel a change, an improvement in myself.

Reporter: What do you see as one of the biggest challenges facing adults in the Latino Community?

German: The lack of communication and loneliness. Many people feel isolated, and even more so with the onset of the pandemic.

Reporter: According to the CDC, it is estimated that 20% of adults over 55 have experienced mental health challenges. The most common problems include anxiety, cognitive decline, depression, or bipolar disorder.

German: You don’t cry, you don’t complain, you don’t say anything because it is not part of our culture.

Reporter: That is a factor that has further added to mental health problems. For example, older men have some of the highest suicide rates. That’s why therapists recommend to learn to recognize the signs of declining mental health and to speak up in time.

German: We hold onto [feelings] and we keep it in like a small crockpot, and when we explode, sometimes it is too late.

Reporter: Sandra recognizes that being alone and holding in the pain is not good.

Sandra: At some point in our lives, we all may need the help of a therapist, and not because we are “crazy”.

Reporter: What would you say to someone suffering from depression?

Sandra: I would tell them to ask for help, you can even start by looking on Google!

Reporter: But that is not necessary. Just take your phone and scan the QR code on your screen. There you will find all the information you need and more about this program. In Astoria, Queens, Berenice Gartner. Univision News 41.