In this powerful episode of MHAI Talks, our host, Morayo Orija, sits down with actress and advocate Mariel Martinez to explore the deeply personal journey of immigration, identity, and mental health. Born in Mexico and once undocumented, Mariel shares her experience of moving to the United States as a child, the emotional cost of leaving home, and the psychological toll of growing up in the shadows.

With candor and grace, Mariel reflects on the realities of navigating life without "papers", the transformative impact of DACA, and her passion for telling untold stories through film and theater. The conversation also touches on her current work as a Spanish interpreter in immigration courts, where she witnesses firsthand the trauma many asylum seekers face.

We confront common misconceptions about immigrants and discuss rising mental health needs among immigrant youth and the critical role of community support and culturally competent care.

Resources:
Immigrants Rising - https://immigrantsrising.org/

Transcript: http://bit.ly/4nX0Woe

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