Addressing Barriers and Seeking Support
Who hasn’t heard, “terapia? Ni que estoy loca!” A comment I often heard during adolescence. But little by little I started to notice that it was a common belief in the Latina/o community. No one went to mental health therapy. They opted for prayer, going to talk to a priest, or maybe preparing some remedio for “los nervios”
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked in many cultures and communities, including those of Latina women. We face unique challenges and barriers when it comes to accessing appropriate mental health services and receiving adequate care. It’s important to recognize and address these obstacles to improve the mental health of Latinas and ultimately strengthen our communities
Stigma and cultural beliefs
In many Latina/o cultures, mental illness is viewed as a weakness and a source of shame. Mental health needs are typically not discussed openly. Many Latina/os believe that “la ropa suicia se lava en casa.” Essentially implying that we fix our problems at home. We avoid telling others about them. Seeking professional help is seen as a sign of fragility or vulnerability. This stigma discourages Latinas from seeking the help they need and deserve. It can also lead to feelings of guilt and reluctance to accept one needs help
Limited access to care
Access to mental healthcare is essential. But it can be difficult to obtain for Latinas due to multiple factors. These are lack of insurance, language barriers, and financial challenges. Even when Latinas do have access to care, there are often institutional barriers that prevent them from receiving culturally responsive, evidence-based care
As a mental health provider myself, I can say that availability is limited. Especially when you’re looking for a Latina therapist. Most Californians, from my experience, have no difficulty. I mean, California is like Mexico but in the US, agree? But Latinas, like those of us living in WA state don’t have the same type of access
Trauma and stress
Latinas often face significant stressors such as discrimination, immigration status, poverty, and caregiving responsibilities. Such stressors can contribute to poor mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Additionally, many Latinas have experienced trauma such as domestic violence and sexual abuse, which can severely impact their mental health
Generational trauma is another aspect that is often overlooked in Western society. This is when the traumas of our parents and grandparents are passed on to us. It tends to happen because they got it from their own parents and grandparents; creating a never-ending chain of heredity
Seeking Support
Despite the barriers we face, Latinas now have many options for seeking support and treatment for mental health needs. Here are some suggestions:
- Start with a primary care doctor: Many primary care doctors offer mental health screenings and can refer patients to mental health professionals.
- Seek counseling from a bilingual therapist: Finding a therapist who understands your language and cultural background can help provide a safe and understanding space for healing.
- Join support groups: Finding support from peers who share experiences can help ease the isolation and provide a sense of community.
- Utilize community-based organizations: These organizations can provide resources, information, and advocacy for mental health services.
Latina Mental Health: Closing thoughts
Taking care of our mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being. Addressing the unique barriers that we as Latinas face is essential to closing the gap in mental health outcomes and improving our health. It may take us years or even decades, but we’re creating change little by little. By creating culturally responsive and accessible mental health services, we can improve the lives of Latinas, our families, and communities
If you’re interested in talking to a Latina mental health therapist (or Latino) you can go to:
Psychologytoday.com – you can filter by language, ethnicity/age served, faith, gender, insurance, and more
