NBEF held its fifth “Self-Care … Self-Empowerment Event” on April 4, 2023, as part of its Mental Health Platform for its College & Young Professional Network. This virtual forum featured Dr. Ingrid Diaz, a dynamic bilingual and bicultural licensed clinical psychologist. She is also the CEO of Keystone Psychological Services, through which she serves as a psychologist to the Newark Police and Fire Department. She also serves as an expert for the New Jersey Office of Public Defenders and private entities on forensic matters.
Dr. Diaz has dedicated her life’s work to working with the Latino population and incorporating cultural components in all areas of treatment. Dr. Diaz has served as part of a select advisory committee to the United States Congress, under the Obama administration, advising the United States Office of Minority Health on how to enhance Latino mental health and higher education services.
During her presentation for NBEF’s Network, Dr. Diaz’s focus was on 4 essential points:
- Importance of motivation to move forward and achieve dreams, do not get stuck.
- Self-care and awareness are key to prevent emotional decompensation.
- Obtaining help when needed is not a sign of weakness, but of resiliency and strength.
- Our situations, stations and past only defines that which is behind us, it does not define who we are today or prevents us from achieving our future.
“Mental health is IMPORTANT. There are everyday struggles and I relate to having fears and the battle of not allowing them to take over my mind.”
“She was well received and some of the takeaways included: Thought provoking, strongly encouraged to identify one’s triggers, fight through the anxiety and depression and/or other mental health issues and recognize that seeking mental health is normal, acceptable and available.”
“Today’s event was relevant and essential. My takeaway is identifying my silent triggers.”
A survey that was administered before the close of NBEF’s Self-Care & Self-Empowerment Event shows that 100% of the participants WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE EVENTS LIKE THIS ONE. Thus, NBEF will continue to implement as much programming as possible to strengthen the overall well-being (including but not limited to physical, social, and emotional) of our students and young professional as they strive for success with their education, careers, and in LIFE.
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