the layers Of Hispanic Mental Care

Breaking Down Mental Health Barriers Within Hispanic Communities

by Amanda Lee Calderon
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Family is bonded by support, love, and understanding for one another. It is essential to the human experience that it exists. It is one of the most precious and important commodities we possess. In Hispanic/Latinx communities and culture, the ‘familia’ is the centerground for bonding, celebrating, and creating unbreakable ties. It's a beautiful notion, but there is an issue that must be dealt with at the same time, and that is the stigma surrounding mental health within the Hispanic community. 

In almost every Hispanic household, there is an increased reliance on family as the primary source of support. Often it is because of this reliance on others that people do not open up about their mental health issues and problems. Its stigma leads to the assumption that it is a sign of being ‘loco’ (crazy), possessed by demons, or just a lack of faith. Individuals who are restricted by these beliefs may not be able to open up and express themselves, particularly when they may need assistance or help. Hispanic people should break down these obstacles and create better and more effective ways of helping their family members or anyone in need. 

Also, a significant number of Latinos work low or minimum-wage jobs that do not cover health insurance, therefore, pushing their mental health priorities to the bottom of the list. In turn, they may seek out other avenues for help such as seeking guidance from curanderos (healers) or using homemade remedies. Because of fear, discussing conditions with their primary care doctors prevents them from getting the proper help for their mental well-being. All these barriers prevent many Hispanics from truly seeking the guidance and mental healthcare they need. These are just some of the many difficulties that they face today. 
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How can this community break down all these stigmas associated with mental health? How can they live a more enriching life? Can they do this all while maintaining their mental health and welfare? The answer lies in being able to feel comfortable enough to discuss this necessary topic. Mental health is a very daunting and sensitive subject to address. Despite this, there are a couple of ways to try and break the stigma surrounding this issue in Hispanic/Latino communities. ​

​One way to combat resistance is by encouraging family involvement. Rather than being afraid to speak up about mental struggles, families should find ways to be open and honest with each other. As a result, families can grow fonder and closer; forming bonding ties of unity and assistance. Helping one another should be the foreground of every family circle. Another approach is to provide compassion while considering one's different cultural and religious beliefs or values. Despite the contrast between culture and religion, everyone has morals and values guiding their decision-making. How a person decides to give compassion to someone dealing with a mental health concern, should be evaluated. Handling such empathy and understanding starts with breaking down the attachment associated with one's religious or cultural principles. 

Creating a safe space for treatment is another example of proceeding toward a haven for those struggling. There is nothing more important than experiencing the comfort of being able to safely voice one's mental concerns and actions. Reaching for further help and having a support system benefits their well-being. Without any support, one’s mental health condition may deteriorate and fail and eventually lead to a downfall.

Another action is promoting awareness and sharing resources. This one is significant. Sharing accurate and safe resources for someone can help save lives, especially if they are in a dire situation mentally. It is equally important to make sure that these resources are easily accessible as well. People need to be able to find them quickly and easily. Mental health professionals should also be available to help those in need. They can provide personalized support and guidance, as well as provide resources that are tailored to the individual's needs. Therefore, it is crucial to promote mental health awareness, and make capable resources easily accessible. 

So, in conclusion, we need to be able to reach out to individuals dealing with mental conditions, especially within Hispanic/Latinx communities. Latino adversity and strong backgrounds should not hinder a call for help. We need to find compassion and understand the real meaning of mental illness. We need to educate and encourage the masses to end the stigma and wrong beliefs about mental health. Additionally, it is an important matter to be discussed openly. Hopefully, we can achieve it one step at a time, collectively, carefully, and mindfully. Da paz y amor a los demas y recibe lo mismo a cambio . 

Amanda Lee Calderon is a mental health advocate and the podcast host of The Bipolar Cat, A Mental Health and Lifestyle Podcast. She is a photographer, writer, filmmaker, and actress from McAllen, Texas. Her photography and poetry have been featured in Encore Magazine, The Paper, Speechless in the RGV Magazine, Mirrors, An Anthology, House of Horrors, and Otherwise Engaged Volume 3. She has written over 10+ short film scripts and is in the process of writing one at the moment. One of her biggest inspirations is nature, and enjoying the outdoors.
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