by Angela Brosnan
The Latino community is facing a mental health crisis with 15 percent of the population suffering and dying at an alarming rate from treatable disorders, several experts including Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.) highlighted Sept. 13 at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy conference.
Ten in every seven Hispanic persons interviewed in 2004 suffered from some sort of emotional or mental disorder, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Only a quarter of these individuals sought treatment, but many never completed it. Spanish-speaking men and women who do muster the courage to seek help must relay their innermost secrets not only to a doctor, but also to an interpreter.
Henry Acosta, chair of the National Alliance for Latino Behavioral Health Workforce Development, said African Americans and Latinos are more likely to be involuntarily admitted to psychiatric institutions, more likely to be restrained, and more likely to be given forceful treatments. These intimidating settings mean that 70 percent of Latinos who do seek treatment do not return after their first session, he said.
The multifaceted problem involves a lack of access to mental health facilities, bilingual and bicultural providers, health insurance, and information on mental health and quality of life matters in Latino communities.
There is a stigma associated with mental illness in Hispanic culture. Latino Behavioral Health Institute board member MaJosé Carrasco said there is a need to de-stigmatize mental health issues.
“Many of the individuals I’ve been involved with expressed their fear and humiliation in the decision to seek help,” she said. “Their neighbors and family believe that mental health is a punishment from God. They are worried their illness will reflect poorly on their parents and families. They believe they are at fault for their pain.” Napolitano said prominent members of the Latino community need to be frank about their experiences with mental illness. Celebrities such as Los Angeles Lakers’ basketball player Ron Artest have already begun to challenge the norms and stereotypes associated with mental health.
Among Hispanics, immigrants are also stigmatized as having the highest levels of mental disorder. It is the opposite. Second and third generation Latinos have the highest levels of anxiety and depression. Only three percent of hicirecent Hispanic immigrants have substance abuse problems, whereas 11 percent of the second and third generation have major problems.
Pressure to acculturate and stress associated with discrimination can also create mental issues. Researchers at the American Psychological Association’s Committee on Women in Psychology found that 40 percent of Latinos living in the United States do not have health insurance.
The committee also stated that young Latinas are 60 percent more likely to commit suicide than non-Hispanic females, and Latinas have the highest rates of depression in the country. Napolitano ended the summit on a hopeful note. “This is a critical issue for all of us,” she said, “but we are being heard. Things will be changed.” Hispanic Link.
