What makes this population unique?
Hispanics and Latinos comprise the second largest demographic in the United States. According to Mental Health America, “18% of the U.S. population is estimated to be Latino or Hispanic. Of those, 16% reported having a mental illness in the past year” (MHA). Despite what the statistics show, the Hispanic and Latino population is underrepresented in mental health research and do not receive adequate, culturally sensitive care. Unique barriers and traumas prevent this population from seeking and/or receiving mental health care, including immigration status, generational status, religious beliefs, and more. Despite the fact that Hispanic/Latino individuals may face similar challenges, this population is very large, which means that different backgrounds exist among those from North America, Central America, and South America. Due to the diversity of language and culture among this population, mental health literacy must be improved at all levels, including family members, community members, educators, and practitioners. It is important to practice cultural awareness to better understand these patients. Oftenly, some patients may be misdiagnosed because of poor cultural awareness on behalf of medical providers. Additionally, The Hispanic/Latino population in the United States has unique mental health needs due to various factors, including cultural beliefs, language barriers, and immigration-related stressors.
One of the significant factors that contribute to the mental health needs of the Hispanic/Latino population is acculturation stress. Acculturation stress arises from the difficulty in adjusting to a new culture while maintaining one's own cultural identity. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that, “Hispanic/Latinx communities have an added risk of experiencing mental health issues because of the stress of facing discrimination while also trying to navigate between different cultures.” (NAMI). This stress can manifest in various forms, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Furthermore, many Hispanic/Latino individuals may experience discrimination or prejudice, leading to additional stress and mental health challenges. Language barriers are another significant factor contributing to the unique mental health needs of the Hispanic/Latino population. Many individuals may not speak English fluently, making it challenging to access mental health services. Moreover, there may be a lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services, which can make it challenging for Hispanic/Latino individuals to receive the care they need.
Additionally, immigration-related stressors, such as fear of deportation, separation from family members, and uncertainty about legal status, can significantly impact the mental health of Hispanic/Latino individuals. The National Alliance of Mental Illness claims, “Depending on their reasons for migration, and the way in which they migrated to this country, members of this community may experience significant stressors — including severe physical, emotional and mental health trauma — that can increase their risk of poor mental health, worsen an existing mental illness or result in a new chronic condition.” (NAMI), proving that these stressors can cause anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder in some cases. In conclusion, the unique mental health needs of the Hispanic/Latino population are shaped by various factors, including cultural beliefs, language barriers, and immigration-related stressors. Addressing these factors and providing culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate mental health services is crucial to ensuring that Hispanic/Latino individuals receive the care they need.
Problems associated with seeking and receiving mental health services
There are several problems associated with seeking and receiving mental health services for Hispanic people. Some of those reasons include stigma, language barriers, lack of cultural competency, lack of insurance coverage, immigration status, and lack of access to mental health services. Many Hispanic individuals may have limited proficiency in English, which can make it difficult to communicate with mental health providers and access mental health services. The American Psychiatric Association conducted several studies in 2017 and found that, “Poor communication with health care providers is often an issue. There is a shortage of bilingual or Spanish speaking mental health professionals.” (MHA) Mental health providers may not be familiar with the cultural beliefs, values, and norms of Hispanic communities, which can lead to misunderstandings and misdiagnosis. Coincidentally, there is a lack of hispanic and latino mental health providers as is.
"A significant number of Latinos work low wage jobs that don’t provide health insurance. Or, they may be too grateful for any type of insurance in the first place to clarify if or what mental health services are covered, pushing mental health to the bottom of their priority list”
- Dr. Ochoa-Perez
Many Hispanic and Latino individuals also may not have health insurance or may have limited coverage, making it difficult to access mental health services. According to Dr. Ochoa-Perez, “Understanding Culture: Mental Illness in the Hispanic Community.”, she notes, “A significant number of Latinos work low wage jobs that don’t provide health insurance. Or, they may be too grateful for any type of insurance in the first place to clarify if or what mental health services are covered, pushing mental health to the bottom of their priority list” (Ochoa-Perez). Consequently, many Hispanic and Latino individuals can either not afford mental health services or they simply do not prioritize it. To add on, the fear of deportation or discrimination may prevent some Hispanic individuals from seeking mental health services, particularly if they are undocumented.
Although Hispanic and latino individuals make up a large percentage of the population, many simply do not have access to mental health services. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “17.0% of Hispanic/Latinx people in the U.S. live in poverty (compared to 8.2% of non-Hispanic whites). Individuals who live in poverty have a higher risk of mental illness and, conversely, individuals with mental illness have a higher risk of living in poverty.” (NAMI) Poverty-stricken individuals are less likely to seek or receive mental health service in comparison to those who do not live in poverty. Hispanic individuals may live in areas with limited access to mental health services or may face long wait times to see a mental health provider.
Common Stigmas
Finally, there may be cultural beliefs or taboos that discourage talking openly about mental health or seeking help, such as the idea that mental illness is caused by supernatural forces or that it should be kept within the family. According to Mental Health America, “There is a perception in Latinx/Hispanic communities, especially among older people, that discussing problems with mental health can create embarrassment and shame for the family, resulting in fewer people seeking treatment” (Latinx/Hispanic Communities and Mental Health) It is important to note that all of these stigmas can contribute to the underutilization of mental health services in the Hispanic community, as well as having significant negative effects on the wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Hispanic mental health is often stigmatized, which prevents individuals from seeking treatment. The most prevalent stigma associated with mental illness is the belief that seeking help is a sign of failure and weakness. According to Dr. In Ochoa-Perez, she states, “ Hispanic cultures fear being labeled “loco” if they express mental anxiety or concerns, and do not want to be viewed as weak or mentally unfit.” (Ochoa-Perez) Many Hispanic and Latino families view mental health issues as shameful, fearing judgment from their neighbors and community. Additionally, there may be fear or distrust of mental health professionals or systems, especially among undocumented immigrants or those with limited English proficiency. As a result, there may be language barriers or concerns regarding confidentiality and immigration status that can further complicate the situation.
Recommendations
self-care strategies; treatment/ services recommendations
Hispanic/Latino populations who seek mental health services require self-care strategies that are particularly important. Mental health can be improved by connecting with your community. Social support is a crucial part of self-care. The results from the qualitative study, “Urban Latinx parents’ attitudes towards mental health: Mental health literacy and service use”, show that parents would find it helpful if there were support groups available for parents who have children struggling with their mental health (Dixon et al). Parents in these situations should also receive support, especially in this population with high stigma levels. Joining a Hispanic/Latino support group, or reaching out to family and friends who you feel comfortable with can improve your mental health. Physical health can also benefit mental health. Going for walks when the weather is sunny can be relaxing and comforting. Eating meals throughout the day, getting a full night's sleep, and exercising can be relaxing and uplifting.
Setting personal boundaries for oneself may really benefit one's mental health. Although it may be challenging, learning to say no and setting healthy boundaries within one's family/friends can reduce stress and promote self-care. If one is struggling with mental health issues, seeking professional help is a crucial step in self-care. If possible, reach out to a mental health provider who has experience interacting with the Hispanic/Latino community. There are also healthcare providers who speak Spanish to better address one’s concerns. It is important to note that not all self-care strategies may work on everyone. One must figure out what works for them specifically.
Suggested improvements to better serve this population
In order to provide better mental health services to the Hispanic/Latino population, several improvements need to be made. These improvements include cultural competency training, language access, outreach and education, addressing stigma, incorporating family and community, and addressing socioeconomic barriers. There should be cultural competency training for mental health providers, which should include an understanding of Hispanic/Latino cultures, values, and beliefs. NAMI states, “A provider who understands a patient’s culture and needs will know culturally specific information. For example, someone might describe what they are feeling with a phrase like “Me duele el corazón.” While this literally means “my heart hurts,” it is an expression of emotional distress — not a sign of chest pain. A culturally sensitive doctor would be aware of this interpretation and would ask for more information instead of assuming the problem is purely physical.” (NAMI). This will help providers better understand this population's unique needs and provide more effective treatment. Mental health services should also be available in Spanish, and mental health providers should be fluent in Spanish. Psychiatrist Diana Lorenzo, MD, of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Behavioral Health, states, “Communication is essential to diagnosing mental disorders, so understanding what patients are expressing is critical. Using an interpreter may help, but a psychiatrist who speaks the patient’s native language — and can interpret cultural nuances and jargon — is often most effective” (Cleveland Clinic). It will facilitate access to mental health services for Hispanic/Latino individuals without any language barriers. Socioeconomic barriers may also prevent Hispanic/Latino individuals from accessing mental health care. Many individuals are reluctant to seek mental health services because they do not have insurance, insurance does not cover enough of the cost, or it does not cover it at all. To assist individuals in overcoming these barriers, mental health providers should provide resources and support.
In order to raise awareness of mental health issues within the Hispanic/Latino community, mental health providers should engage in outreach and education efforts. It is possible to accomplish this by organizing community events, conducting workshops, and partnering with local organizations, such as churches. The results from the qualitative study, “Urban Latinx parents’ attitudes towards mental health: Mental health literacy and service use”, indicate that, “Parents identified many ways that they receive support and resources to help deal with their child’s worry or sadness, the most common of which were community resources, such as parent workshops or events at their local churches.” (Dixon et al) Parents identify the different support they receive around their community, which proves how important and effective spreading awareness through these groups is. Further, it is essential for mental health providers to work towards eliminating the stigma associated with mental health among Hispanics and Latinos. In the same study, results also showed how people with mental health problems or who seek treatment for anxiety or depression are often viewed negatively by their community or family, according to most participants (Dixon et al). Mental health services can be promoted through education and awareness campaigns.