Why is having Latinx representation in Mental Health important?

“No llores mija, sé fuerte”. I had just fallen off my bike and scraped my knee, it was bloody and aching in pain. Don’t cry, don’t cry. I slowly stand up and hold my breath as the pain intensifies. Don’t cry. “See, estas bien, it’s not even that bad.” Papi tells me in the broken spanglish he’s picked up since moving to the United States many years ago. My chest burns as I try to stop the tears from flowing down my face, my throat feels tight. But with it comes an overwhelming sense of pride, because I was showing Papi how strong I was. Crying meant weakness, and I was not weak. I slowly pick up my bike. We walk home in silence, as my knee continues to bleed.

As time went on, I became excellent at hiding my emotions, sweeping difficult conversations under the rug, holding back my tears because I was taught it made me brave, I was making Mami and Papi proud. It felt good, until it didn’t. 

The barriers that have historically prevented open discussions about mental well-being are often deeply ingrained. The stigma surrounding mental health is a pervasive issue that affects people across various cultures and societies worldwide, not only the Latinx community. While experiences and perspectives may vary, several common themes can be identified among different cultures when it comes to the stigma associated with mental health. Some of these factors include cultural norms, historical experiences, language barriers, documentation status, lack of education, gender norms and socio-economic status. There exists a pervasive belief that seeking help for emotional struggles is a sign of weakness, leading many to silently deal with their issues. It becomes difficult to break these generational cycles with little to no support within the community combined with a lack of knowledge on the issue.

I too have struggled to break these cycles, to find myself while simultaneously attempting to uphold my own cultural expectations. To heal my inner child and find a sense of liberation but to also value the importance of my community, the collectivism, the traditions and mi familia. I aspire to normalize discussions around mental health, providing resources and education that empower individuals to overcome this stigma and embrace their emotional well-being. Through these efforts, I envision a future where mental health is a topic of open conversation, where seeking support is a mark of strength, and where we can all come together and flourish on this journey towards healing.