Immigrant student discovers support in college amid mental health challenges

At 22 years old, Pablo Flores left his home, family and studies behind in La Libertad, El Salvador to escape the dangers of gang violence and moved to Pittsburg, Calif. in 2016 with his father.

The traumatic experiences of being beaten by gang members and police, along with living in a detention center for six months upon his arrival to California led to battles with depression, anxiety and panic disorder.

Shortly after settling in Pittsburg, he had his first panic attack while working at his father’s auto body shop. He was let go from the job and eventually kicked out of his home as the panic attacks continued.

Flores’ mental health continued to decline as he experienced homelessness for two months and was adjusting to living in a new country. He had no support system to rely on aside from his online therapist and developed suicidal ideation.

After about five years, he decided to attend Los Medanos College in Pittsburg. He first took ESL classes to improve his English and now pursues a degree in psychology, which he used to study in El Salvador.

While attending college, Flores found a community through Puente, a learning program for students in marginalized groups. He currently works as it's student ambassador and has connected with other students.

“They are kind of my family, I would say,” he said about the students in the program.

It wasn't always easy for Flores to talk to others as he felt that he could not relate to others as he is an immigrant and faces various mental health struggles.

He is actively overcoming this as he said he now feels more confident after finding his sense of belonging in college as a passionate student.

“I don’t see myself doing another thing than studying,” Flores said.