If you work two jobs, care for a large family, don’t speak the language and are struggling economically, you may not recognize anxiety or depression as a health issue. It’s just part of your life.
This is the case for many Latinos, the country’s fastest growing population and largest minority group. Seeking mental health care is often stigmatized in Latino culture, and there is a lack of culturally sensitive mental health care, according to mental health experts.
Maria Ruiz, 20, went to HealthCare Alternative Systems, a health provider that specializes in culturally sensitive care. Ruiz has a bilingual therapist and support group helping with her post-partum depression.
“I like coming here because it’s like a family and I leave feeling much better,” she said. “Other agencies had a waitlist. … Most agencies aren’t bilingual.”
Similarly, Mario Ruiz, 27, said he feels “more comfortable here because they understand Spanish and Latinos.” Ruiz is being treated for substance abuse.
Beyond the difficulties of finding providers who speak the language and understand the culture, many Latinos don’t seek help because their culture does not have a tradition of mental health care.
“Sometimes we have to educate people about mental health as a whole,” said Arturo Valdez, associate executive director of Healthcare Alternative Systems.
“Latinos come here with values and rich traditions, and a new country challenges their culture and so does [seeking] mental health [services],” Valdez said.
Part of the education process is to remove the stigma that mental illness carries in Latino culture.
“Many Latinos would prefer to be called an alcoholic or junkie than depressed, because there is a stigma for ‘being crazy’ and seeking therapy,” said Roberto Tamayo of the Chicago School of Psychology. “This adds more stress, anxiety and depression for them and their family.”
But ignoring mental health adds more problems. Cases of substance abuse to cope with anxiety, depression or schizophrenia in the Latino community is increasing, Tamayo said.
Latinos also face more health problems that are directly related to mental health, such as heart problems, according to the Institute for Hispanic Health.
“Mental health issues for Latinos mostly manifest physically,” Valdez said.
In an effort to address some these issues, health organizations in Chicago and suburbs are meeting Friday at the Cultural Impact Conference to form a network to share resources.
“There is an interesting parallel between many [Latino] immigrants, because they don’t know what resources are out there, just like mental health therapists [don’t know everything that is available],” said Humboldt Park’s Casa Central therapist Reynolds. “I think this conference will be hugely helpful.”
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