Latinx/Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander Mental Health
- Arts for Relief
- Jul 30, 2020
- 4 min read
Written by Michelle Nguyen
Edited by Ashley de la Cruz
If someone were to ask you if you value your physical or mental health more, what would your answer be? When the topic of health arises, we automatically think of our body’s strength and ability, but rarely ever consider our psychological state. With July being Minority Mental Health Month, it is crucial to reflect on the emotional barriers that have shaped the lives and culture of BIPOC communities.
As you read this article, it is important to remember that mental health does not discriminate based on race and does not solely affect people of color. Of course, any human being can face hardships and mental illness throughout their lifetime. However, Minority Mental Health Month was not created to invalidate anyone’s struggles, but rather to bring awareness to the adversities that many face due to their origins and identity.
Graphic made by Celine Nguyen, from Arts for Relief
Imagine immigrating to a different country and having to grow accustomed to traditions and lifestyles that are considered unconventional in your culture.
Not only does this result in inner conflict, but issues such as racism and discrimination also makes it difficult for one to feel accepted within a new environment. These issues are prevalent in both the Latinx/Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander communities, which is a leading cause of how these communities manage and perceive their mental health struggles.
Mental Health Within the Latinx/Hispanic Community
According to Mental Health America, 16% out of 18.3% of Latinx/Hispanic individuals, that make up the United States population, reported having a mental illness in the past year.
Studies have shown that the increase in mental distress within the Latinx/Hispanic communities can be traced back to immigration and the obscurities of adjusting to a new culture. Furthermore, there is a prominent issue regarding healthcare and resources, due to a shortage of Spanish speaking mental health professionals, as well as the poor evaluation of non-English speaking patients. The lack of access to professional help is also limited because 18% of the Latinx/Hispanic community do not have health care. Undocumented individuals often fear to reach out for mental health assistance, as there is a risk of separation from their families. As a result, many individuals look to primary healthcare providers instead of mental health professionals such as therapists and tend to completely disregard their psychiatric symptoms during doctor visits in order to avoid subpar treatment and conflict.
The common belief in Latinx/Hispanic culture that having mental illnesses and/or discussing mental health is shameful deeply influences the actions of both older and younger generations.
Negative views on mental health disable Latinx/Hispanic individuals from acknowledging any symptoms of mental illness. As stated by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “Many do not seek treatment for fear of being labeled as “locos” (crazy) or as having a mental illness because this may cause shame.” Oftentimes, religion can contribute to the stigma of mental health, as mental illness and treatment can be viewed as sinful behavior or even a lack of faith. Because religion is of great importance to many Latinx/Hispanic families, opening up about mental health within and outside of one’s home is generally avoided.
This phenomenon can be explained by the misconceptions and responses toward mental health in each culture. Stigma is an underlying cause for the lack of mental health awareness, as it is perceived as shameful and “taboo”. The act of expressing your emotions and reaching out for help is deemed as weak and even embarrassing in many families. As children of immigrant parents, many Latinx/Hispanic and Asian children fall under the pressure of following their culture’s ideals, while living up to high expectations and demands at a young age. Although the prospect of disappointing older generations is a significant motivating factor in these children’s lives, it contributes to the lack of care for their emotional well-being. In turn, future generations are also affected and silence themselves out of fear.
Mental Health Within the Asian/Pacific Islander Community
Similarly to the Latinx/Hispanic community, many first-generation Asian/Pacific Islander immigrants coming from conflict areas have experienced varied forms of trauma.
For instance, experiences such as war and famine can be the root of mental illness within the older generations. This trauma can be carried with them throughout their lifetime, and potentially being passed onto future generations. Racism is also a leading cause of mental illness within the Asian/Pacific Islander community. As reported by Mental Health America, the Perpetual Foreigner Stereotype (an assumption that an individual is foreign-born and can not speak English) enables feelings of isolation from others. Religious and cultural intolerance from others can also hold a lasting effect on negative self-reflection. Language barriers combined with bigotry experiences have shaped the response to mental health needs, making it difficult for Asians/Pacific Islanders to reach out to mental health professionals.
The “Model Minority” Myth allows society to characterize Asian-Americans as educated and distinguished.
This myth is extremely harmful as it has been inflicted upon Asian-American children at a young age, pressuring them to fit into the stereotype. Expectations within a household are also great, as older generations are judged based on the success and appearances of their children, while younger generations bare the responsibility of living up to others’ expectations. Research conducted by the National Asian Women’s Health Organization reveals how unrealistic expectations and contrasting cultural values have contributed to low-self esteem with a sense of no self-control. Despite how the fear of criticism and failure takes a mental toll on Asian/Pacific Islanders, research shows that Asian-Americans rely on personal networks over professional help.
With this knowledge in mind, you must ask yourself: How can I contribute to breaking the taint of mental health?
In order to combat the negative perceptions of mental health in the Latinx/Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander communities, it is crucial that individuals educate themselves and their peers. Growing accustomed to silencing yourself and others out of fear only adds to the issue. Always be considerate of others’ feelings and treat everyone’s culture with respect because your actions can have detrimental impacts. Moreover, society must consistently work on advancing mental health resources that are applicable and accessible to everyone, no matter the language they speak or their background. Most importantly, remember that mental health is not scary. Mental health is not shameful. Mental health is most definitely real and affects lives daily.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR LATINX/HISPANIC COMMUNITY:
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY:
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