Stigmas and Silence: Mental Health in the Latinx Community
Words by Ruth Martinez
Graphics by Aspasia Celia Tsampas
City College junior Melissa DeJesus listened in one afternoon as her family discussed the behavior of a long-time friend. Gripping a mug of freshly brewed Cafe Bustelo in her hands, her aunt explained how their friend had rarely gotten out of bed lately and lacked the energy to get ready for work. DeJesus, immediately recognizing the symptoms of depression, felt sympathy for the woman and expected her family to do the same. Instead, she became frustrated when her family called their friend “crazy,” and explained how depression is simply when someone “feels sad for a couple days.”
Although this experience is not universal, many members of the Latinx community have shared similar moments where mental health is stigmatized or dismissed completely. While the start of September marked the beginning of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, the 15th marked the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. The intersection of these two events sparked conversations about mental health in the community, including ways to raise awareness. Amidst the celebration of Latinx culture, there are difficult conversations to be had about perceptions within our communities.
The stigmatization of mental health in the Latinx community can be a result of differences in perception and approach, as the overall treatment of mental disorders is very different in Latin America. Melissa DeJesus’ family, who migrated from the Dominican Republic, is one example. “There’s this idea that depression can be solved by taking a walk or getting off your phone for a couple of hours, but it’s not that easy,” DeJesus explains, “It’s exhausting to have to constantly challenge these ideas while having to work through your own issues.” She echoes the sentiment of many who have had their emotions and experiences invalidated or reduced to being “a phase” that all young people go through.
The outright dismissal of mental illness is not the only facet of stigmatization. There is also a negative perception attached to visiting a psychologist or getting therapy, which many people fear will be met with criticism and shame or interpreted as a sign that the person is unstable. This issue is amplified by the barriers that exist for mental health resources, like access to health insurance. According to Mental Health America, 18% of the Latinx community does not have health insurance. Undocumented immigrants often lack access to health care entirely.
Many have also observed that there is a strong connection between mental health and the migration experience. As Latinx migrants acclimate to a new setting, the feeling of not belonging and being perceived as other can have profound effects on mental health. Navigating through a new language and culture is stressful and can leave a lasting impact. The migration journey itself is also incredibly difficult for many, including refugees and asylum seekers who face many systemic barriers. These are exacerbated by experiences with racism, an issue that continues to be prevalent in our society today.
As we celebrate the vast contributions and rich diversity of the Latinx community, let us also remember those who are experiencing mental health issues in silence. Although awareness is constantly increasing, we continue to have a responsibility to educate and inform others of the realities of living with mental illness, both in and out of our own communities.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
English: 1- 800 – 273- 8255
Spanish: 1- 888- 628- 9454
