Recent changes in U.S. immigration policies have triggered significant anxiety and stress within the Nepali community, prompting local organizations to address the growing mental health concerns. In response, Hudson Speaks, in partnership with CarePoint Health Christ Hospital, is hosting a free mental health seminar on Sunday, June 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 81 Sip Avenue, Jersey City. The event aims to provide vital support and resources to the Nepali community and others facing similar challenges.
The seminar will feature discussions on critical mental health topics, including anxiety, depression, suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and warning signs and risk factors for mental health issues. The program is designed to be accessible and beneficial to all attendees, with a particular focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by the Nepali community amid recent immigration policy shifts.
The event will include a lineup of experienced speakers, such as Dr. Bishnumaya Pariyar, Program Director at Hudson Speaks; Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman; Consultant Rocio Cruz Oliveira; Clinical Therapist Dinesh Shrestha; Hudson Speaks Consultant Bal Krishna Mainali; and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Pooja Papneja. These professionals will share insights and strategies to help attendees navigate mental health challenges.
Dr. Bishnumaya Pariyar emphasized the seminar’s importance, stating, “The recent immigration changes in the U.S., including the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), have left many in the Nepali immigrant community grappling with heightened anxiety and stress. This seminar is a crucial opportunity for those struggling with uncertainty and stress to find support and solutions for their mental health challenges.”
According to organizers, the event is particularly timely given the broader mental health crisis in the U.S. Statistics show that one in five adults in the U.S.—over 50 million people—experiences mental health issues annually. However, many, especially in minority communities, do not receive adequate support. A recent study highlighted that 20% of South Asians in the U.S.—one in five—experience depression or anxiety in their lifetime, yet only about 34% seek help, leaving the majority to suffer in silence.
Cultural stigmas in many South Asian communities, including the Nepali diaspora, often discourage open discussions about mental health, with issues like depression or anxiety viewed as shameful or a sign of weakness. Language barriers further complicate access to care, as many families speak languages other than English and struggle to find therapists who understand their cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Additionally, some individuals are unaware that help is available or that their experiences can be treated.
The seminar aims to bridge these gaps by offering a safe space for education, dialogue, and support. By addressing mental health challenges openly and providing culturally sensitive resources, Hudson Speaks and CarePoint Health Christ Hospital hope to empower attendees to seek help and build resilience in the face of ongoing uncertainties caused by immigration policy changes.
This initiative underscores the urgent need for accessible mental health services, particularly for minority communities disproportionately affected by systemic challenges. The event is open to all, and organizers encourage community members to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn, connect, and prioritize their mental well-being.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
