THE VICTOR LUNA SERIES

Victor Luna is a Latino adult male in his mid-20’s that is reflecting on his prior experiences with anxiety and depression in High School and what prompted him to seek formal mental healthcare. 

Victor Luna: My Journey into Mental Health follows Victor’s story, offering a closer look at mental health through the eyes of someone navigating cultural stigma, family misconceptions, and the pressure to overcome in silence.

This video is not just Victor’s story; it’s a bridge for families like his. It creates an opportunity for culturally-diverse youth and parents to start conversations about mental health, understand its importance, and see the value of culturally responsive care. Victor’s experience inspires hope and reminds us that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of strength and resiliency. His journey sheds light on the struggles many face when mental health is dismissed or stigmatized and shows how seeking support can transform lives.

The research team behind P.U.E.N.T.E Lab has developed an 8-minute narrative storytelling video based on feedback received from community-based mental health providers on the ease of video dissemination, the ability to digest complex mental health concepts, and the importance of storytelling for the Latino community.

Narrative-driven methods, often developed with input from the target audience, have proven effective in increasing Mental Health Literacy, including better symptom recognition and awareness of available treatments, while also reducing stigma surrounding mental health disorders and the use of mental health services.