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For many in the Latinx community, even saying the words salud mental (mental health) can feel heavy, sometimes even shameful. Maybe you’ve been told to “be strong” (sé fuerte or tú puedes) or to “pray it away.”
But here’s the truth: struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or any mental health disorder doesn’t mean you’re broken, it means you’re human.
This article is for Latinx professionals, students, and families who carry the unspoken weight of stigma surrounding therapy and emotional wellbeing. Together, let’s explore why mental health still feels taboo and, more importantly, how we can break that silence.
The Cultural Roots of Silence
In many Latinx households, conversations about mental health are avoided or minimized. We grow up hearing phrases like “La ropa sucia se lava en casa” (dirty laundry is washed at home) or “Échale ganas” (just try harder).
Values like familismo, which emphasize loyalty, unity, and sacrifice, are deeply woven into our identity. While these values can be sources of strength, they can also make it harder to seek professional help outside the family circle.
Research from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) shows that Latinx individuals are 50% less likely to receive mental health treatment than non-Hispanic whites. The fear of being labeled loco or débil (crazy or weak) by one’s own family continues to silence many.
The Real Impact of Stigma
That silence comes with a cost. A 2023 study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that Latinx adults experience higher rates of untreated depression and anxiety due to cultural stigma and limited access to culturally competent therapists.
Take María, a 32-year-old mother of two. She delayed seeking therapy for years because she feared judgment from her family. Like many in our community, she carried her panic attacks in silence until her work performance began to suffer and she finally reached out for help.
Spirituality, Family, and Healing
Here’s the good news: our culture already contains powerful pathways to healing. Faith, music, and family support can all play essential roles in emotional recovery.
Studies on culturally adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) show that integrating spirituality and family values improves outcomes for Latinx clients. Therapy doesn’t erase your culture, it honors it.
At Inclusion Online Therapy, our bilingual clinicians often incorporate prayer, community connection, mindfulness, or journaling in Spanish as part of the healing process, bridging traditional coping strategies with evidence-based clinical tools.
Coping Strategies You Can Try Today
Breaking stigma starts with small steps. Try one of these today:
- Journal Prompt: Reflect on the messages about strength and sacrifice you received growing up. How have they shaped your mental health today?
- Talk to One Trusted Person: Share one struggle with a friend, sibling, or mentor. Naming it takes away its power.
- Bilingual Guided Meditations: Apps like Insight Timer en Español offer meditations that blend spirituality, mindfulness, and cultural identity.
- Find a Bilingual Therapist: Visit latinxtherapy.com or connect with a bilingual therapist at Inclusion Online Therapy to receive culturally responsive care from clinicians who understand your background.
Breaking the Silence
There’s a saying: “Cuando el río suena, es porque agua trae”—when the river makes noise, water is coming. The growing conversations about Latinx mental health are that sound—proof that healing is on its way.
Therapy isn’t about weakness; it’s about courage. By breaking the silence, you’re not only caring for yourself but also paving the way for the next generation.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward healing, explore your options: start journaling, call a helpline, or connect with a therapist who honors your language, values, and story.
At Inclusion Online Therapy, we provide bilingual online counseling for individuals in New York and Florida. Our mission is to make mental health care accessible, culturally affirming, and stigma-free. You deserve a space where your voice, culture, and healing are valued.
Take one step today; call a friend, book a session, or reach out for support. You are never alone. Healing starts with one conversation.
Other Resources for You
- 📞 Free 24/7 Mental Health Support Line: 1-800-662-HELP (SAMHSA)
- 🌎 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- 🧘 Insight Timer: Bilingual Guided Meditations
- 💻 Latinx Therapy Directory
- 🩵 Inclusion Online Therapy — culturally affirming, bilingual therapy services available online.
References
Inclusion Online Therapy. (n.d.). Services. https://inclusiononlinetherapy.clientsecure.me
JAMA Psychiatry. (2023). Mental health disparities among Latinx populations. JAMA Psychiatry. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (n.d.). Latinx/Hispanic. https://nami.org
PubMed. (2021). Culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy for Latinx clients. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Ramona Ozoria Vásquez is a bilingual social worker and mental health advocate. Her passion is providing culturally sensitive care for Latinx and immigrant communities, reducing stigma, and promoting accessible mental health care for all.
