As we step into October, the month of mental health awareness, and bid farewell to Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s important that we give continued support to those grappling with mental health issues in the Latino community. The discourse on mental well-being should not be confined to October. As a Latina, I’m extremely aware of the cultural nuances and unique hurdles my community faces, particularly when it comes to seeking help. The Latino community is in the midst of a mental health crisis that demands immediate political attention.
How can we come together to help lessen the systemic barriers such as lack of affordability, culturally competent care, and ongoing stigma in our community? Latinos typically face unique challenges, including discrimination, immigration status stress, and language barriers that can make seeking help more difficult. According to the National Library of Medicine, Latinos are less likely to receive mental health treatment in comparison to other ethnic groups despite having high rates of depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Our community deserves better — more affordable, culturally sensitive and accessible care. Policymakers should prioritize investing in expanding mental health services to address the unique challenges Latinx people face. This can be achieved by funding more community health centers that employ bilingual mental health professionals and by providing resources in schools that cater to our youth. We demand a solution that transcends barriers and ensures access to care for all.
Melissa Guzman, Salt Lake City
