Bárbara Acuña, a 46-year-old Cuban woman, wanders the streets of Miami aimlessly, battling each day against the mental illness that has taken away her stability.
Bárbara was born in April 1977 in Havana and arrived in Miami 21 years ago with the hope of building a better life. However, in the past year and a half, her reality has taken a dramatic turn.
This Cuban spends her days and nights between Calle Ocho and the cemetery, without a place to call home. She suffers from schizophrenia and paranoia, conditions that have driven her to a life of isolation and vulnerability.
The video featuring his testimony was shared on the TikTok profile Conducta (@conductadade), where it has accumulated thousands of views and dozens of supportive messages from relatives of other individuals with mental illnesses, who are intimately familiar with the challenges this situation brings to social life.
Bárbara's illness causes her episodes of mental and emotional turmoil. She has lost her sense of time and blurred the boundaries of reality. Although she is undergoing treatment, she admits that she cannot remember the names of her medications, which highlights the fragility she experiences.
He does not have health insurance, which further limits his chances of receiving the appropriate treatment and the necessary support to stabilize his life.
Bárbara is aware of the dangers she faces living on the streets, especially as a vulnerable, mature, and beautiful woman.
"While I was out on the street, I felt their leering gazes. I felt fear, but..." she confesses with a tone of resignation, affected by the traumatic experiences she has endured.
Bárbara's gaze reflects years of struggle, not only against economic hardships but also against the stigma faced by those suffering from mental illness and living on the streets.
There is an urgent need to highlight the impact of mental illnesses on families.
Barbara's story reflects an issue that affects many families and individuals experiencing homelessness. When mental illnesses are not properly addressed, they can drive individuals into extreme conditions of vulnerability and social exclusion.
In the Cuban community of Miami, as well as in society at large, there is an urgent need to raise awareness of these cases and provide comprehensive support that includes both medical assistance and emotional and social help.
Often, the relatives of individuals with mental illnesses do not have the resources or knowledge to provide the necessary support. The lack of access to health insurance and the limited mental health care further exacerbate this issue.
Schizophrenia and other mental illnesses affect not only the individual but also their families and society. Guidance and support are needed to prevent abandonment and reduce the risk of vulnerability.
Bárbara hopes that her story will raise awareness about the importance of supporting those who suffer from mental illnesses, not just with medication, but also by providing opportunities to regain their dignity.
What do you think?
COMMENTFiled under:
