By Crystal Rivera, Conference and Meeting Planner, Office of Research Operations & Planning
July is recognized as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, aiming to raise awareness about mental health issues that affect diverse communities and promote equitable access to mental health care.
Growing up as a second-generation American, the word therapy was not in my vocabulary. As a young adult, I sought therapy with timidness. Most of the time, if anyone in my community struggled, it was swept under the rug. Either the person was “una loca,” crazy, or they would just bottle it up and continue life as if everything was fine; getting professional help was never an option. Not seeking mental care has left many members of the Latino community with untreated conditions that may worsen over time, posing potential challenges in their daily lives and overall well-being.
My mental health got to a space where I needed to seek help, and I began researching therapists in my area who had come from a similar background. Recognizing that I needed help was the first step in aiding my mental care. When I chose to see a therapist for the first time in 2019, it felt uncomfortable. Looking back five years later, it was one of the most beneficial things I have ever done for myself. Seeking treatment for my mental health has brought immense clarity, allowing me to understand myself more deeply, confront challenges with resilience, and embrace a future filled with hope and possibilities. It has been a journey of self-discovery and healing, with each step forward reaffirming my strength and belief in deserving a fulfilling life.
Latino households have only recently started openly discussing mental health. In the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Annual National Report, it was revealed that only 36% of Hispanic and Latino Americans received mental health services, a stark comparison to the 52% of non-Hispanic Whites who accessed such services.
This disparity highlights the historical barriers and cultural stigma that have often hindered Latino communities from openly seeking or discussing mental health care. Language barriers, lack of health insurance, citizenship status, and the surrounding stigma are some factors contributing to this ongoing challenge. Often, without appropriate access to professional help, members of the Latino community resort to other methods of coping, such as alcohol abuse. A study, done by Indiana University at Bloomington, highlights the critical need to address mental health and substance use issues among older Latino adults, focusing on alcohol use. The findings suggest that factors such as gender, time spent living in the U.S., and mental health diagnoses (like depression and anxiety) significantly influence alcohol consumption patterns.
As awareness grows and cultural norms evolve, more Latino individuals and families are recognizing the importance of mental well-being and seeking the support they need. Initiatives aimed at promoting education, reducing stigma, and improving access to mental health services within Latino communities are crucial steps toward ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, can access the care and support necessary for mental wellness. CentroSOL is an organization based in Baltimore City. It was established by physicians in response to the healthcare needs of the growing Latino population. CentroSOL has several mental health programs to serve the area's needs. The Montgomery County Latino Health Initiative offers a community resource guide that details mental health resources, including contact information for crisis lines, centers, and mental well-being programs such as Encuentros, a Latino/a/x support group at Identity, Inc. The CDC also provides a resource page for mental health help and support.
Latino scientists can encounter substantial mental health challenges, which are frequently intensified by distinct cultural and societal factors. These include cultural stigma, underrepresentation, and workplace stress. Stigma related to mental health within the Latino community often discourages individuals from seeking help, resulting in untreated conditions that can impact their daily work life. Cultural norms emphasizing strength and resilience, along with obstacles like language barriers and limited access to culturally competent care, further complicate this issue. The NIH's Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion webpage offers resources aimed at supporting NIH employees in addressing these challenges.
One of the most powerful tools in breaking down stigma is education. I find myself often wondering, “What if?” What if individuals in my community had received help early on? What if all the abuelas, abuelos, mami’s, papi’s, tías, and tíos sought help dealing with all the trauma and obstacles they have suffered? How different would it all be? By understanding that mental health conditions are not a sign of weakness or something to be ashamed of, we can foster empathy and support for those affected. A study in the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health investigated how immigrant generation, acculturation, and various mental health factors, such as stress and resilience, relate to alcohol susceptibility among 1,466 Hispanic/Latino youth aged 8–16 in major U.S. cities. The results showed that while acculturative stress in children and parents increased the risk of alcohol use, strong family support and a positive ethnic identity were protective factors, reducing alcohol susceptibility. Strong familial support enhances mental well-being by providing emotional stability and a sense of security.
Translating legal documents at seven years old is not the typical experience for a child, yet it's a common experience for many first and second-generation children. Immigrant families often rely on their children for support, placing them into roles of responsibility early on. As the eldest child, I felt the weight of this responsibility from a young age. As pressure built up over time, so did my anxiety. When I felt overwhelmed, I often heard advice like, "Oh, it's just nerves; have some tea, and it will pass." Although I must admit that tea can be comforting, it's no substitute for the support of a therapist. It's important to debunk myths and replace them with facts grounded in scientific understanding and personal experiences. Building a supportive community begins with conversations. When we openly discuss mental health, share our personal stories, and listen without judgment, we cultivate an environment where everyone feels comfortable seeking help. Normalizing these discussions empowers others to prioritize their well-being and encourages them to take positive steps toward mental wellness. It's about creating spaces where each person's journey is valued, understood, and supported with empathy and kindness. Together, through these conversations, we can break down barriers and ensure that no one feels alone on their path to healing.
Aligned is a blog written by the Center for Cancer Research's (CCR) Office of Equity and Inclusion discussing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) and highlighting various ways we can all be more involved in creating a more diverse scientific workforce. Learn more about CCR's commitment to inclusion.