OPINION: We need to talk about mental health in the Latino community

My parents raised me and my sister with a few core values that will be familiar to most Americans, but particularly those of us who grew up in a Latino household. They taught us the value of hard work and never giving up on your dreams. We learned about the importance of a good education, treating our elders with respect, and giving back to the community that raised us. These are the values that have guided me throughout my life and career, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

But one thing we never spoke about was mental health. These issues were taboo. Talking about them was perceived as weakness rather than bravery, and seeking professional help was out of the question.

Unfortunately, traumatic stress and unhealthy family dynamics are common problems in the Latino community. According to a study by the University of Texas-San Antonio, about 78% of Latino youth reported experiencing at least one adverse event during childhood that had an impact on their mental health, such as neglect, abuse, divorce or another kind of household dysfunction. As a result, Latino youth are 60% more likely to report poor mental health compared to their peers. Thirty-seven percent have suffered from depression, and 22% have seriously considered suicide.

These are troubling statistics. Still, very few Latinos receive treatment for mental health issues. One report from the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs showed that Latinos made up just 10% of mental health encounters in our state, despite making up a larger share of the population.

Several members of my family have dealt with mental health challenges, including my own sister who struggled with suicidal ideation and attempts as a teenager. These personal experiences made me realize we need to do better as a community and start having those difficult conversations. That is why I have made addressing the mental health crisis a top priority in Congress. Just a few days ago, I introduced a new bill with Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo (CO-08) that would raise awareness and improve mental health outcomes for Latino youth.

The Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act would create a national campaign to spread the word about the importance of mental health care for Latino youth. Our bill would help ensure kids and teens know the symptoms and factors that contribute to mental health problems, in addition to sharing resources for screening, intervention and treatment — like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Addressing stigma isn’t the only barrier we face. Cultural sensitivity issues and language barriers also prevent many Latinos from getting the health care they need. Interview data compiled by OCHA suggests that Latinos in Oregon respond better to trusted members of the community, like peer support workers, who share their culture and native language. They also prefer the use of stories and fotonovelas, or short graphic novels, as informational guides. Thankfully, our legislation would address these needs by creating an outreach campaign to connect Latino youth with culturally competent resources and providers in their communities. That includes hosting bilingual mental health workshops and trainings for parents, caregivers and educators, providing on-site consultations at schools and community centers and more. It’s important that we take steps to meet Latino youth in the spaces and contexts where they are most comfortable, because that is how we will ultimately overcome the stigma and promote better mental health outcomes.

This bill is just one prong in my multi-step strategy to combatting the mental health crisis in the Latino community and across America. I’ve supported other bills that would further reduce the stigma among Hispanic youth and break down barriers to care for youth of color, and I am continually highlighting these issues through my weekly “Mental Health Monday” initiative.

I am so honored to be the daughter of an immigrant and one of the first Latinas elected to Congress from Oregon. It is that sense of pride, and indeed, the core values that my parents instilled in me from a young age that have inspired me to want better for my community.

We can’t keep sweeping mental health issues under the rug. Instead, let’s have an open and honest discussion. Let’s share the good news that there is zero shame in asking for help — and that there are resources available. Together, let’s put an end to the cycle of shame and silence, reduce trauma and suffering, and ensure future generations can get the care they need.

If you or a loved one is suffering from a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 for free, confidential assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Si usted o un ser querido está sufriendo una crisis emocional, 988 Lifeline ofrece servicios gratuitos en español las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana. No tiene que hablar inglés para recibir ayuda. Haz clic aquí para más información.