A stigma attached to mental health services prevents some Latinos from seeking help because they fear talking openly about problems or worry that seeking help may cause people to view them differently.
Professionals and organizations, like the American Mental Health Counselors Association, stress the importance of viewing mental health just like physical health. Visiting a mental health professional is no different than going to a doctor for a physical ailment.
The stigma attached to mental health treatment affects many ethnic minority groups, including Latinos, who may fear being seen as crazy or psychotic, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. A lack of information also contributes to a continued stigma about mental health, noted NAMI.
Hispanics and Latinos make up 18.5% of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Of those, over 16%, approximately 10 million people, have had a mental health illness within the last year. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than half of Hispanic young adults ages 18-25 that have serious mental health issues have not received treatment.
“The Latino culture is generally a happy culture,” said Zorayda Cocchi, wellness consultant and mental health activist in Wallingford. “So when someone is upset for any other reason other than a tragic event, it’s something not many people in the community know how to deal with.
“Many people grow up in these environments and then aren’t sure how to express their feelings,” Cocchi added.
The saying “la ropa sucia se lava en casa” is something most families go by. It’s similar to “Don’t air your dirty laundry in public” and means that problems at home should stay in the house and shouldn’t be shared with strangers, explained the NAMI website.
“The idea of “machismo” is a sense of masculine pride. It oftentimes is a barrier that keeps people from recognizing that it’s OK to seek help. Specifically when it comes to talking about depression and suicide,” according to the website Mental Health Match.
Liz Schacht, a counselor at Yale University and former social worker for the Department of Children and Families, said she has helped Hispanic men who felt they couldn’t express their feelings.
“Some men feel pressure and it can impact their life with their children,” Schacht said. “Having to take care of their family can add stress and cause them to ignore getting help.”
During her six years as a social worker for DCF, Schacht had cases where children would hold back on their emotions because it’s what they were taught from a young age.
“Parents are the children’s first teacher and if they are suppressing their problems then children will learn to do the same,” Schacht said.
Schacht says it’s also common for immigrants who have recently moved to experience trauma.
“I moved here from Peru when I was in my twenties,” Schacht said. “It can cause trauma because for most people you’re moving to another country with no family, guidance, or help.”
Schacht also noticed that some Latino parents don’t seek help because they think it would be selfish to take care of themselves.
“I tell parents that taking care of their mental health is important because it can help them be there for their children,” she said.
– Saying nothing is better than saying the wrong thing.
– Cocchi suggests that taking the word “just” out of the beginning of the sentence can be impactful. “When people add the word ‘just’ it makes it seem as though their problem is easy to fix,” Cocchi said. “Saying things like ‘oh just be happy’ or ‘just try this’ can make the person feel as though they aren’t trying hard enough.”
– Another important factor to be conscious of is religion. Bringing up religion can make an individual feel as though they aren’t trying hard enough. “When people tell you to just pray harder and God will heal you — it minimizes the effort that the person is doing,” Cocchi said. “Most likely that person has prayed so much and now they probably think they aren’t praying enough or don’t believe enough.”
Schacht added that churches should become knowledgeable on this topic so they can stop the stigma. “Instead of further enforcing the stigma, churches have the power to help people in the community who need help,” Schacht said.
– Active listening is a powerful tool, says Cocchi. The tool allows people to hear their peers out without the possibility of saying something hurtful.
It’s important for people to get help without language barriers. Sometimes not being able to communicate prevents individuals from seeking help.
“It’s important for people to be able to get the right help,” Cocchi said. “When they reach out to someone who speaks their language it can create trust and confidence.”
In addition, Schacht said people who have access to resources have a higher chance of moving past the stigma to receive help.
Cocchi, also a yoga instructor, has her own website called Zorayda Yoga & Wellness. She’s seen the way yoga has helped people get in touch with their emotions. Sessions are held online.
“As someone who has influence over my students, I find it important to make sure they’re doing well mentally. I can see a difference in these people’s lives.” Cocchi said.
Rushford, a mental health service provider, has a location in Meriden at 883 Paddock Ave. One service offered is a Latino Intensive Outpatient Program.
According to Rushford’s website, the program offers group therapy in Spanish. The treatment focuses on gaining the skills and confidence needed to cope with mental illness and/or substance use issues. The program offers clinical treatment five days a week from 9 a.m. to noon, with three groups per day.
For more information visit https://rushford.org/mental-health/outpatient-mental-health-treatment/latino-intensive-outpatient-program or call 877-577-3233.
