
Mente en Voz Alta: Mind Out Loud
Ser vulnerable es valiente. Vulnerability is courageous.

About the Campaign
Many people in El Salvador and in many other parts of the world live with conditions like depression, anxiety, autism, and bipolar disorder, yet they are afraid to seek help because of the stigma that still surrounds mental health. The fear that the stigma incites, limits individuals from reaching their full potential, and this calls for immediate attention.
Mental Health in El Salvador: A Silent Crisis
El Salvador has lived through decades of trauma from war, violence, and natural disasters, deeply affecting the mental health of its people.
Key Events
1979–1992: Civil War – Over 75,000 dead, widespread trauma.
1980–Present: MS-13 violence continues to terrorize millions.
1986: Earthquakes leave more than 1,500 dead.
2001: Earthquake leaves 1 million homeless and over 1,200 dead.
2005: Volcanic eruption and Tropical Storm Stan cause major destruction.
2009: Tropical Storm Ida – landslides and floods kill more than 140.
2020: Storms Amanda and Cristóbal – over 30,000 evacuated.
Despite this crisis, mental health remains a stigmatized and forgotten topic.

My Journey with Bipolar Disorder
This is the story of my journey with bipolar disorder, a path that tested me in unimaginable ways but also revealed a resilience I never knew I possessed.
In my early years, my emotions often felt overwhelming; my laughter could fill a room, and my tears could do the same. For a long time, I did not realize that these intense highs and lows were shaping an inner strength I would one day need.
As I grew older, the changes in my mood became more drastic. Some days, a deep sadness would take hold, and on others, I would feel a spark of motivation and hope, only for it to fade just as quickly. I often felt out of place, struggled to connect with others, and found it hard to speak up for myself.
When I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I felt both relief and fear. Relief, because I finally understood what was happening to me. Fear, because I worried about how others might judge me. There were moments when I wanted to give up entirely.
But through the right support, therapy, and my own determination, I began to rebuild myself. I learned that being vulnerable is not a weakness; it is an act of courage. Today, I share my story not for sympathy, but to remind others that they are not alone.
I believe that every voice matters, and speaking openly about mental health can change lives. My hope is that by telling my truth, I can inspire others to tell theirs, and together we can break the stigma that keeps so many suffering in silence.

Get Involved and Find Support
How to Support Mental Health
Speak and Listen. Share your personal experiences and be open to hearing others’ stories. Conversation is the first step toward understanding.
Get Informed. Learn about mental health and the most common disorders. Use respectful language and avoid labels that stigmatize, such as “crazy.”
Raise Awareness. Use your voice on social media or in your community to advocate for mental health and break the stigma.
Lead by Example. Practice kindness, because you never know what someone is going through. Prioritize your own self-care and allow yourself to be vulnerable.
El Salvador
Hotlines
Línea de Apoyo Psicológico (Ministerio de Salud): 131
Aquí Estoy Chat: www.aquiestoy.chat
Organizations
Americares: americares.org
Fundación Catarsis: Catariselsalvador
Asociación de Psicólogos de El Salvador: www.apsal.org.sv
Procuraduría general de la República: www.pgr.gob.sv
United States
Hotlines
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Organizations
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org
Open Path Collective: Openpathcollective.org
Hope Means Nevada: Hopemeansnevada.org
Follow My Journey!
