Unlocking the Taboo: The Importance of Mental Health in the Latino Community
While the Latino community is known for being close-knit and family-oriented, mental health stigma persists among many members.
A survey conducted by Mental Health America found that 54 percent of Latinos were reluctant to seek treatment because they feared being called "crazy" or "mentally ill." But the fear of being labeled with a mental illness isn't just affecting adult Latinos—it's also preventing children from seeking help.
In a study conducted by Stony Brook University, researchers found that 50 percent of parents who had sought mental health services for their children were worried about how others would perceive them as parents. These fears are widespread among immigrant families unfamiliar with American healthcare systems and have limited resources to pay for treatment.
Therapy is stigmatized in the Latino community.
It can be challenging to explain to someone why you're seeing a therapist. I often hear, "You don't need therapy; you should just pray more," or "I'm not going to talk about my problems with a stranger." Some people think therapy is only for those with severe mental illness—not true! Treatment is for anyone who wants to understand themselves better and work through their issues to live well.
Many misunderstandings about what therapy looks like and how it works contribute to the stigma surrounding it. For example, some people believe that talking about your feelings means that you're weak or broken (or both). This couldn't be further from the truth: mental health is integral to overall health and wellness; it's not something we should keep hidden away in shame or embarrassment.
Mental health problems in the Latino community often go untreated.
Latinos are more likely than other racial groups to experience mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. However, they're also less likely to seek therapy or counseling because of the stigma associated with mental illness.
A study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that 65% of Latinos don't discuss their psychological issues with anyone, 24% more than the general population. Additionally, only one in three people with a mental illness was diagnosed within two years after onset, and fewer than half got treatment at all (48%). This means many people with severe conditions like schizophrenia go untreated for years as they struggle silently through life without help or support.
Mental illness is seen as a sign of weakness by Latinos.
Mental illness is often seen as a sign of weakness in our community. This can make it difficult for people to seek help, but it also means that those who get mental health treatment often feel isolated and ashamed. However, mental illness is not a weakness — just like physical illness, it can be treated but still requires lifelong care and support. People with mental illnesses are not to blame for their condition. They shouldn't be stigmatized or shamed for needing help dealing with stressful situations or coping in general.
We can reduce the stigma with education, open communication, and advocacy.
To help reduce mental health stigma in the Latino community, we need to take the following steps:
Education. Educating people about mental health and how it can affect us all can help us understand each other better. This will also help us dispel myths about depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses—such as thinking that only "crazy" people have them or that they're just a phase someone goes through before getting over it.
Open communication. If you're experiencing issues with your mental health or know someone struggling with theirs, talk about it openly and honestly with others who care about you so they can offer support when needed!
Advocacy. If an issue affects Latinos' lives in your community (for example, lack of healthcare), advocate for change by contacting government officials directly or joining an advocacy group like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
Written by: Blanca Palacios, MA, LPC Associate (Supervisor: Shawna Corley, Ph.D., LPC-S)
Blanca Palacios is a highly qualified therapist with a graduate degree in School Counseling from Capella University and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from California State University Long Beach. She holds the professional credentials of a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA: 89451) through the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and a National Certified Counselor (NCC®: 1657529) through the National Board for Certified Counselors. Blanca's professional experience includes a background in social work and school counseling, which has provided her with extensive expertise in assisting adolescents, military families, and culturally diverse clients in navigating the emotional challenges they may face.
