The smash hit Disney movie Encanto features the character Bruno, a family member visually portrayed in shadows throughout the film, and who no one talks about due to the taboo nature of mental health conditions in Hispanic culture. For many Latinx and Hispanic people, the topic of mental health, and especially suicide, is often laden with shame and fear, making people hesitant to talk openly about it.

Join us for a conversation about how AFSP research is shedding light on the risk factors unique to Hispanics and what can help people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. Moderated by María de los Ángeles Corral, AFSP vice president of public relations, the discussion will address factors that influence suicide risk among immigrants and other Latinx and Hispanic people, as well as protective actions that help our gente (community). Joining us for this charla (discussion) will be panelists:

Kiara Álvarez (@kalvarezphd), Bloomberg Assistant Professor of American Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health –– a licensed psychologist and AFSP-funded researcher studying immigration and its impact on suicide in Hispanic communities.

Gabriela Vargas (@gabivargas.poiema), founder, the National Hispanic Suicide Prevention Network (NHSPN), and AFSP Chicago chapter volunteer –– an immigrant, suicide attempt survivor, and suicide loss survivor. She is the owner of Poiema Studio, a safe space for community mental wellness where NHSPN was born.

Tefi Pessoa (@hellotefi), recently named one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s “20 Most Influential Creators Right Now,” is a Brazilian-Colombian content creator who regularly speaks out about Latin representation and cultural identity in her funny, relatable videos. She is currently in a partnership with Elle Magazine for a series of videos dubbed “How Do You Say,” and has been invited to the White House multiple times this year.

Talking about suicide does not have to be scary. We can talk about “Bruno,” spread awareness that mental health conditions that contribute to suicide are treatable, and help normalize conversations to encourage help-seeking.

We look forward to you joining us at 1pm ET on Thursday, October 12 at instagram.com/afspnational.