Community Voices for Mental Health

As part of the Real Talk campaign—which seeks to spark more authentic and honest conversations around mental health—we present “Community Voices for Mental Health.”

“Community Voices for Mental Health” is a guide built from real experiences, community reflections, and everyday practices, shared by people from our communities. Contributors are from countries including Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama.

Through their stories, you will discover strategies that promote emotional well-being and concrete practices to care for your mind, emotions, and relationships, helping to build greater balance in daily life.

This guide is designed as an accessible, adaptable resource. You can use it individually or in group settings to reconnect with yourself, manage stress, strengthen your emotions, and care for your relationships.

We know that mental health impacts every part of our lives—and that starting conversations about it can sometimes be challenging. That’s why this resource is here to support, inspire, and motivate you, offering reflections and actions that can truly make a difference.

 What will you find in this guide?

The guide is organized into three main well-being strategies:

• Emotional connection: Practical exercises to recognize, name, and regulate emotions, along with creative techniques to express them through art
• Stress management and self-care: Practices to reduce mental overload, reconnect with yourself, and create moments of rest and balance
• Strengthening support networks: Recommendations to ask for help, listen with empathy, and build relationships that support and care for one another

Each strategy includes concrete techniques, suggested activities, and practical tips that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.

Together, we can create healthier, more empathetic, and safer spaces to talk about mental health.