In August 2024, Disability Lead opened last year’s Disability Power Series with queer Latina feminist and mental health activist Dior Vargas. Dior, who is also the creator of the “People of Color and Mental Illness Photo Project ”, shared her own personal experience with mental health while also giving last year’s attendees practical and tangible steps on how to advocate for their own mental health. With accolades such as being named a White House Champion of Change for Disability Advocacy Across Generations and articles in major outlets like The New York Times and Forbes, Dior’s influence reaches wide as she works on aiding people with advocating for themselves.
In her interview with Clare Killy, our Education and Learning Services Manager, Dior reminds us that we are not alone on our journeys and that help is always available. She kicked off the conversation by sharing her life starting with her childhood in East Harlem, emphasizing how her background shaped her activism.
Dior also discussed the “People of Color and Mental Illness Photo Project”, which she launched in 2014 to challenge the limited and often negative representation of BIPOC in mental health narratives. This initiative culminated in her book, The Color of My Mind – Mental Health Narratives from People of Color, making these stories accessible to those without reliable internet access.
Watch our full interview with Dior below:
Warning: This interview briefly discusses suicidal ideation. Dior addresses this at 9:00 - 13:30. We urge caution for those triggered by this topic.
Dior was kind enough to share written responses to questions from our audience we were unable to answer live. Questions and responses are below.
Q: What would you say to others about living with mental health & suicidal ideation that makes it easier to understand that this isn’t just “get over it” or just take meds, etc.?
A: I would find a way to compare it to physical health. Physical health is something that people can grasp more. If you have a condition that needs attention because it is impacting your quality of life, you would not dismiss it nor would you want people to doubt you and accuse you of making it up. It's about validation and compassion. Everyone has a different experience with conditions, and it is not our role to question it, especially if we are not experiencing it ourselves.
Q: Can you talk more about boundary-setting with family members? What are some small actionable steps people can take to start setting boundaries with their families?
A: I think framing it as a way to benefit the relationship would be a good place to start. Also, using a different word than boundaries will aid in how the family member will receive it. You could use the word capacity or capability or things that I am able to do. I would take some time to reflect on what my needs are and what makes me feel uncomfortable or what I am willing to do or make myself available for with my family members. If a boundary with family involves communication, we can express that given all your work/school/etc., responsibilities, you are only able to call, text or visit once a week or every other week, depending on the form of communication. So the actionable steps would be to reflect on your needs, the role you are able to play in your family, preparing for the conversation, communicating one of these with your family (listing them all at once will possibly create defensiveness), and acknowledging that you will have to repeat these capabilities so they can remember.
Q: Do you have any advice on how to combat/educate people who are (afraid/see disabilities as dangerous) especially suicidal ideations? I have run into this in my work and am trying to change that narrative.
A: It would be good to inquire why they think this way so you can address those specific points. You could use language that is less jargony or medical. Perhaps asking them if they have anyone in their life who has struggled with their mental health. You could bring up statistics like how people with mental health conditions are more likely to be victims than perpetrators of violence, etc. Bring up other misconceptions and explain why these are wrong. If that still doesn't work, don't blame yourself. It sounds like that person might be determined to say in that frame of mind.
Q: I’ve experienced trauma during my life, and in my culture, we are also not allowed to be vulnerable and admit when we are facing mental health issues. So, I started journaling and writing down everything I am facing. I have made peace with my past and I feel safe talking about it with people and my family, but I know that this trauma is still impacting my life somehow. What is your advice for navigating trauma?
A: Journaling is a great way to cope with mental health struggles so I'm glad you're doing that. I would look into trauma therapy, EMDR or therapy in general (if you're open to it and/or if it's accessible). Think about the specific ways that trauma is still impacting your life. Are there certain techniques you can use to address these? Paying more attention to yourself and recognizing your triggers or things that can cause you to have an episode are good things to be aware of. Grounding techniques like mindfulness and being in the present could help. Trauma can come across in physical ways so see how you can address that depending on the symptoms. Also, take it easy on yourself and acknowledge all the hard work you've done. Wishing you the best!
Dior’s Guidance for Those Struggling with Mental Health
1. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Understanding your mental health enables confident self-advocacy.
2. Prepare: Practice expressing your needs calmly and clearly.
3. Speak Up: Sharing your feelings is essential; if you don’t express them, no one can address them.
4. Set Boundaries: Know what behaviors are acceptable to you and establish limits.
We thank Dior Vargas for her time, vulnerability, expertise, and advice. If you or someone you care about is struggling with their mental health, there is no shame in seeking help — sources of support are available.
Hotlines:
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
- Mental Health Crisis Intervention/Suicide Prevention: 1-800-248-7475 (trained counselors available 24 hours a day)
- Illinois Warm Line: 1-866-359-7953
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
General Resources:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
- National Network of Depression Centers: https://nndc.org/resource-links/
- ADAA Anxiety and Depression Support Community: https://adaa.org/find-help/support
- The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/
- Office On Women’s Health – Talking Post Partum Depression: https://womenshealth.gov/TalkingPPD