Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
/September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates and promotes the history and contributions of people whose roots come from Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Why We Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month provides us with an opportunity to celebrate as well as a chance to provide resources to the communities we serve in hopes of destigmatizing and expanding access to mental health services.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “Latinx and Hispanic communities show similar vulnerability to mental illness as the white population, however, they face disparities in both access to and the quality of 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.”
Barriers of care such as language, less health insurance coverage, lack of cultural competence, legal status, and stigma can keep someone from getting connected to the proper resources they need to address whatever it is they might be facing. NAMI points out that about “33% of Hispanic or Latinx adults with mental illness receive treatment each year compared to the U.S. average of 43%.”
Resources
We believe everyone is capable of recovery with the right tools and supports in place. Below is a list of resources that are dedicated to providing care and information to the Hispanic and Latinx communities.
Each Mind Matters
Each Mind Matters created SanaMente, a site dedicated to providing mental resources.
SanaMente Mental Health Fact Sheet: This handout can be used to provide information to Spanish speaking communities about the symptoms and services available to treat depression and substance use.
Guía De Apoyo Para La Salud Mental: This brochure includes tips and resources for achieving mental wellness.
Myths vs Facts Poster: The SanaMente poster dispels the common misconceptions Spanish speakers have about living with a mental health challenge.
Therapy for Latinx
“Think of this website as a Yelp for therapists that look and talk like you.”
Therapy for Latinx is a culturally competent resource that aims to connect Latinx individuals with a therapist. Services can be provided in a wide range of languages and can include individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy.
