Identity and Culture as it relates to Mental Health

            Those who identify as ‘Latino’, ‘Latina’, ‘Latine’ or ‘Latinx’ may consider themselves of Latin American ancestry (Central America, South America or the Caribbean). Since the Spanish language is typically gendered, the terms ‘Latine’ or ‘Latinx’ are used to eliminate a binary choice (male vs. female) that is limiting and excluding to trans, gender fluid, or non-binary individuals. Those who identify as Hispanic may be referring to ancestors from Spain or other Spanish-speaking countries. Since cultural identity is a construct shared by groups, recent immigrants may identify by their country of origin instead of as “Hispanic” or “Latinx.” It is also possible that members of this population may use different terms interchangeably.

Hispanic/Latinx communities show similar vulnerability to mental illness as the general population, but they face disparities in both access to and quality of treatment. More than half of Hispanic young adults ages 18-25 with serious mental illness may not receive treatment. This inequality puts these communities at a higher risk for more severe and persistent forms of mental health conditions, because without treatment, mental health conditions often worsen. Less than 1/3 of all Hispanic/Latinx adults receive mental health care for a serious mental health condition. This is due to many different barriers to mental health and medical health care.

Language barriers can make communicating with providers difficult, or even impossible, particularly when a person is seeking counseling for sensitive or uniquely personal issues. These topics can be difficult for anyone to put into words, but it is especially difficult for those who may not speak the same language as a potential provider. Also, many families use their children as interpreters/translators which causes for a disconnect because these children may not have the vocabulary or capacity to know how to convey the message. Additionally, Latinx families may be bilingual or mixed-language families; therefore, it is helpful for providers to ask what the patient and families’ preferred language is before starting an evaluation and to use interpreters when necessary.

The level of a person’s acculturation, how thoroughly they have embraced or adopted the predominant culture of the place they live, can play a role in mental health and access to care. Acculturation has been found to predict an increased willingness to use of mental health care services between first- and second-generation immigrants from various cultural backgrounds. This is also connected to the stigma related to mental illness. People in the Hispanic/Latinx community can be very private and may not want to publicly talk about challenges at home or in their lives. This can continue the cycle of stigma about mental health within the community, as talking about it can be viewed as taboo. Hispanic/Latinx communities have an added risk of experiencing mental health issues because of the stress of facing discrimination while also trying to navigate between different cultures.