Mental Health in LatinX Households

Our LatinX youth have some of the highest mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues in the country (Gomez & Gudino, 2023). They face unique obstacles that shape their challenging experiences. For example, living in a multi-generational home can be difficult and contribute to their rising rates of depression and anxiety (Hurwich-Reiss & Gudino, 2016). This can lead to the households having differing views, experiences, and mental health outcomes (Gomez & Gudino, 2023). Acculturation is another contributing factor to the rising rates of depression and anxiety in LatinX youth (Hurwich-Reiss & Gudino, 2016). To learn more about acculturation, click here.

LatinX Adults

LatinX parents might feel overwhelmed or guilty that they are not doing enough for their families or that they are not sufficient in their home and work settings (Hispanic Research Center, n.d.; Loeb et al., 2023). This can occur because, as a culture, they significantly emphasize family values and gender roles and can lead to an increase in their symptoms of anxiety and depression (Williams et al., 2022; Loeb et al., 2023).

We can support LatinX adults who feel they might be experiencing any symptoms of depression or anxiety by encouraging them to create a network of support to assist with their health and safety (Williams et al., 2022). Another intervention is connecting them to services to learn more about navigating health and mental health services (Hispanic Research Center, n.d.). Additionally, encouraging them to communicate with a culturally competent provider for therapeutic services can assist with decreasing their anxiety and depression (Hispanic Research Center, n.d.; Williams et al., 2022). Seeking a culturally competent provider means finding a therapist they trust who can empathize, validate, and understand the experiences of a LatinX person. A culturally competent provider encourages LatinX individuals to feel more connected and welcomed, increasing the chances of remaining committed to services (Hispanic Research Center, n.d.; Williams et al., 2022).

Seniors in our LatinX community experience higher rates of depression and anxiety when compared to their White counterparts (Bazargan et al.,2022; Jimenez et al., 2024). The research shows that over 13% of our LatinX seniors meet the criteria for depression and experience loneliness, sadness, irritability, and hopelessness (Bazargan et al.,2022; Jimenez et al., 2024). When experiencing depression or anxiety, our seniors can experience thoughts about death and dying, reflect on their lives, and express remorse or guilt (Bazargan et al.,2022). Additional factors that could impact our LatinX seniors' ability to experience depression and anxiety are health, immigration status, finances, and access to care (Bazargan et al.,2022). For example, when the cost of care increases or health conditions worsen, the symptoms of depression can increase as well.

Furthermore, if our LatinX seniors are experiencing financial hardships, feeling disconnected from their homelands and families, and having issues connecting to healthcare services, they will have higher chances of experiencing depression and anxiety (Bazargan et al.,2022; Jimenez et al., 2024).

Supporting Older LatinX Adults

Our LatinX seniors are a complex population with increasing rates of depression and anxiety (Bazargan et al.,2022; Jimenez et al., 2024). However, there are meaningful actions that the younger generations can do as a family to support them. For example, helping your loved one connect to health care services and assisting them with organizing their medical care. Doing so increases their chances of improving their quality of life and diagnosing and medicating their ailments (Jimenez et al., 2024). We can also assist them by connecting them to community services such as senior centers, churches, community organizations, and local health centers (Jimenez et al., 2024). Additionally, one of the most accessible and impactful interventions we can do is to talk about it with them (Bazargan et al.,2022). Take the time to ask your loved one how they feel and provide them with a safe space to express their thoughts. Remember that at this stage in life, it is okay to reflect on life’s journey; however, no one should have to live with the burden of depression and anxiety.

Generations

As a community, we have been disproportionately affected by mental health challenges (Williams et al., 2022). We have higher rates of depression and anxiety and lower rates of utilization of mental health services (Williams et al., 2022; Torres et al., 2022). One of the unique barriers to treating depression and anxiety in our community is the intersectionalities that we present with (Escobar-Galvez et al., 2023). Our LatinX household has unique intersections, including varying generations with specific needs (Escobar-Galvez et al., 2023). Therefore, when treating mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety, it is necessary to understand how each generation within the household is impacted.

LatinX adults in our community manage everyday tasks and keep their households in order while also attempting to care for themselves. About 37% percent of LatinX parents experience depression or anxiety, and about 4% of LatinX adults will attempt suicide in their lifetime because of it (Hispanic Research Center, n.d.). Some of the factors that contribute to a LatinX adult experiencing depression and anxiety are financial stress, high life demands, difficulty navigating through the healthcare system, issues with childcare, and high rates of trauma in their past (Williams et al., 2022; Loeb et al., 2023).

When a LatinX adult experiences depression or anxiety, they will experience the typical signs along with feelings of guilt regarding their role in the home and in the family (Loeb et al., 2023).

Supporting LatinX Adults

Older LatinX Adults

A FAMILY APPROACH

One of the most effective methods of treating mental health within the LatinX population is by catering to the most prominent value in the culture: family (Fisher, 2017; Pineros-Leano, 2023). Treating mental health can begin as a family unit. One of the first steps our community can take is to start having conversations in our homes about mental health. Talking about mental health is a great way to share information, normalize experiences, and connect (Pineros-Leano, 2023). Through open and honest conversations, our families might discover that multiple family members might be experiencing depression or anxiety or share the same views (Pineros-Leano, 2023). Conversing about mental health also helps challenge negative stigmas that are deep-rooted in our community (Fisher, 2017; Pineros-Leano, 2023).

LatinX Youth