Examining and Challenging Prevalent Mental Health Taboos within Hispanic Communities
In the Hispanic community, mental health issues often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed due to a variety of factors. These factors include cultural norms, religious beliefs, historical mistrust of the healthcare system, and language barriers.
One such cultural norm is machismo, a strong sense of masculine pride that discourages men from expressing emotions or seeking help. This cultural norm pressures Hispanic men to "tough it out," leading to underreported mental health issues, depression, and higher suicide rates compared to women [1][2].
Familismo, another cultural factor, emphasizes family loyalty and support. While family is a vital support system, it may also discourage individuals from seeking help outside the family circle due to fear of bringing shame or disrupting family harmony [1].
Religious beliefs often play a role in how mental illness is viewed. Many in the Hispanic community turn to faith or spiritual practices for support, sometimes at the expense of professional mental health care [1]. This can lead to a reluctance in seeking professional help, further reinforcing stigma and under-treatment of mental health conditions in the community.
Historical mistrust of the mental health system arises from experiences of discrimination, language barriers, immigration trauma, and lack of culturally competent care. This leads to reluctance in seeking professional help, further reinforcing stigma and under-treatment of mental health conditions in the community [5].
Breaking down these barriers for Latinx families to prioritize mental well-being requires understanding the cultural roots of stigma and finding culturally competent providers who listen, advocate, and deliver care that honors the community's values and lived experiences.
It is important to note that mental health care distrust in Hispanic culture is due to concerns about legal status, language barriers, being misdiagnosed, cultural bias, lack of bilingual providers, and disparities in access. Hispanic people are more likely to see a primary care doctor instead of an experienced mental health professional, increasing the possibility of a misdiagnosis.
Fear of judgment is a common concern for those seeking help, with worries about being labeled "crazy," being seen as dramatic, or gossip. Discreetly seeking therapy is a valid option, and reaching out for help is a courageous act.
Starting the conversation with family about mental health can open the door for a bigger conversation later. Intergenerational trauma can affect more than just mental health, it can put stress on relationships, parenting, and sense of self. Therapy can help break unhealthy cycles caused by intergenerational trauma and enable healing.
Faith can sometimes be a barrier to care in the Hispanic community, but spirituality and professional mental health help can coexist. Growing up in a home where parents or grandparents lived through trauma can have a devastating impact on views of mental health and contribute to first-generation immigrant stress. Culturally sensitive therapy can be an instrumental part of the healing process, respecting values, language, and lived experiences of the Hispanic community.
Cultural value of familismo prioritizes family loyalty over individual needs, which can prevent individuals from seeking help when needed. The belief system of fatalismo teaches a sense of powerlessness and acceptance of suffering, making it difficult to seek help. Online therapy can provide a more private and flexible option for seeking therapy.
Hispanic adults are about half as likely to use mental health services compared to non-Hispanic whites. Only 35% of Hispanic adults get the mental health treatment they need each year, compared to the U.S. average of 46%. These statistics highlight the urgent need for cultural competency in mental health care and the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in the Hispanic community.
Online therapy can offer a discreet and flexible option for Hispanic individuals struggling with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and mental health disorders, which may go undiagnosed or undertreated due to cultural norms like machismo and familismo, religious beliefs, historical mistrust, and language barriers within the Hispanic community [1][2][5]. By finding culturally competent providers who understand and respect the community's values, like the importance of familismo, and offer sensitive therapy, individuals can work towards healing intergenerational trauma, break unhealthy cycles caused by this trauma, and improve their mental health and overall well-being within the context of their cultural background [6]. Online therapy can be an instrumental tool in making mental health care more accessible to the Hispanic community.
