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Mental Illness Among Latinx/Hispanic People In The U.S. Part2

The Hispanic community is very diverse and may face many disparities that can contribute towards negative mental health outcomes. 

In addition to these barriers, certain aspects of Hispanic culture, such as stigma towards mental illness, may lead to mental health complications.

Depression is a mood disorder which involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that depression is the main cause of disability worldwide.

Research shows that roughly 18.3% of the U.S. population are Hispanic, and out of this population 16% have mental health conditions. Mental Health America discovered that between 2015 and 2018 that major depressive episodes increased among Hispanic people.

• an increase from 12.6% to 15.1% in Hispanic youth aged 12-17
• an increase from 8% to 12% in young adults 18-25
• an increase from 4.5% to 6% in adults 26-49

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America said that major depression is a common condition among Hispanic people. While the community has a similar susceptibility to mental health conditions as does the general population, they experience health inequities that affect the way they receive mental healthcare, such as the accessibility and quality of treatment.

Certain factors increase the prevalence of mental health conditions in Hispanic communities as compared to other communities. Familismo or family relationships is emphasized in the Hispanic culture. It is inconclusive as to whether or not this is a positive or negative for the community. It can be either or. Some sources note that it results in more depressive symptoms, while others suggest it acts as a protective buffer against depression. A 2019 study suggests a possible explanation depending on the strength of familial connections.

For example, people who hold stronger beliefs toward support have better mental health outcomes. However, people who experience conflict exhibit more symptoms of depression. Having numerous obligations and mounting pressure within their family unit may contribute to depressive symptoms.

Religion is another important component in many Hispanic families. The majority of Hispanic people in the United States have a religious affiliation.

There is not much research associating religion and mental health in young people or middle-aged adults. However, there is a lot of research has been done that concludes that there is a link between religiosity and depressive symptoms in older adults, which is due to having less social interaction and support.

While religion can provide some mental health support, it can also have a negative impact due to the preception that depression is a spiritual condition and not a medical condition. As a result, the person may not seek the medical support they need.

There is a perception in some Hispanic communities that it is inappropriate, embarrassing, or shameful to discuss mental health problems.

Potential stigmatization may cause people to try and conceal symptoms of depression due to fear of ostracism. The person will not want to talk about the difficulties they are having. Additionally, they may have little information on support, they may not actively seek treatment.

Acculturation is the process of assimilating to a different culture and is associated with higher rate of depression among Hispanic Americans. This may be a result of losing their Hispanic identity over time in the United States, facing discrimination, or losing their support network.

However, in some cases, being bicultural and bilingual may be protective for mental health as it provides more resources.

Cultural differences may lead to misunderstandings and misdiagnoses especially if the mental health professional is not familiar with the patient’s culture and how it influences the patient’s interpretation of their symptoms.

Many barriers, inequities, and disparities exist that may make it difficult for members of the Hispanic population to access proper mental healthcare. Some of these factors may include:

• language barriers
• poverty and less health insurance coverage
• legal status
• a lack of specialized or culturally competent healthcare professionals
• a reduced ability to identify the symptoms of mental ill-health due to a lack of information or understanding
• acculturation to the United States

Due to fear of discrimination from both their peers and the health system, many may not seek the help they require. This puts them at a higher risk for more severe and persistent forms of mental health conditions, as without treatment, they typically worsen.

It is important for mental health professionals to remember that cultural humility and competence is important for quality care.

It is advisable for a Hispanic person to go directly to a mental health professional or ask their doctor for a referral. Community and faith organizations may also be able to supply a list of local mental health professionals. People can directly ask their doctors questions to get a sense of their doctor’s cultural awareness and highlight that this is important to their treatment.

The patient can ask for a mental health professional who can communicate in Spanish or ask for an interpreter.

Potential mental health resources for Hispanic people include:

• NAMI’s Compartiendo Esperanza
• American Society of Hispanic Psychiatry
• Therapy for Lantinx
• Mental Health America’s Resources for Lantinx/Hispanic Communities

RESOURCES:

https://www.google.com/search?q=What+role+does+Hispanic+culture+play+in+depression%3F&rlz=1C1PRFI_enUS785US785&oq=What+role+does+Hispanic+culture+play+in+depression%3F&aqs=chrome..69i57.33223j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Signed By. Renee D. Warring of Uniquely and Wonderfully Made Ministries