September 2022 - Our founder Nitzia Logothetis, MSc, MA, LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist with experience working with individuals on a wide range of issues, including life transitions, challenges related to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, infertility, grief and loss, and more. Nitzia shares some advice about mental health and self-care and how her Latin heritage has shaped her work.

Mental health care is receiving much more attention than it did when you first founded Seleni. What do you think is necessary for further progress in how we treat mental health?

As a society we must continue to destigmatize and create greater access to mental health care and treatment. Individuals need to feel supported so they can prioritize their own mental health and in turn support their overall health and well-being. There is a misconception that mental and physical health are very separate. However, good mental health can often be a mediator of physical health. When we take care of our mental health, we are less likely to get sick than when we are anxious or depressed. Parenting or caring for others, whether children or aging parents – and often both at the same time – can be particularly taxing on our mental health. Seeing the interrelationship of all these components of our lives and also creating support systems for them are key to better managing our mental health.

How has your Hispanic heritage influenced you as a psychotherapist?

My Panamanian roots have deeply influenced my orientation as a psychotherapist. My cultural heritage taught me that interdependence is a strength, not a weakness, and that we are all a function of the support we have around us. The deep values of love and respect for oneself and others influence how I practice on a daily basis. I strive for my patients to feel more hopeful and bolstered when they leave my office than when they arrived.

What are your views on how mental health is treated in the Hispanic community?

This is a very broad question that differs from country to country and community to community. I was fortunate that my greatest influencers from my community in Panama promoted emotional expression and being accepting of oneself, as many are psychotherapists themselves. I was very lucky to have role models that exemplified being good and understanding humans and strong mothers and women. I do recognize that this is not the case for so very many and that there is a tendency to keep “the laundry from being aired publicly.”

What are some self-care tips you can give?

Find something you can do for 15-30 minutes two to three times a week that makes you feel good. It could be as simple as taking a walk a few times a week on your lunch break or being more connected by reaching out to friends over the phone, beginning a journal or learning a new skill.

What is your favorite parenting podcast?

Good Inside with Dr. Becky. It’s a great podcast with parenting advice that is easy to understand and insights into what is happening with the child as well as the parent.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A very dear friend always reminds me that I have time. We tend to operate in the paradigm that time will run out. As we think of time running out, we become more and more wound up and less efficient and able to think creatively or accomplish tasks. I always welcome her reminding me that I have time; so far she has been right 100% of the time.

Learn more about Nitzia Logothetis here.