In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson was authorized by the US Congress to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week.
Two decades later, in 1989, President George H. W. Bush was the first to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Month, and the month long celebration has taken place since then. Pictured above: September 13, 1988 - President Ronald Reagan is signing the National Hispanic Week Proclamation and announcing that in 1989 the period between September 15 and October 15 will be Hispanic Heritage Month.
September 15 - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua
September 16 - Mexico
September 18 - Chile
Religion can be a protective factor for mental health in Latinx/Hispanic communities (faith, prayer) but can also contribute to the stigma against mental illness and treatment (demons, lack of faith, sinful behavior), so targeting religious institutions to help encourage good mental health and treatment-seeking is important.
There is a perception in Latinx/Hispanic communities, especially among older people, that discussing problems with mental health can create embarrassment and shame for the family, resulting in fewer people seeking treatment.
Research shows that in the Latinx/Hispanic population, older adults and youth are more susceptible to mental distress relating to immigration and acculturation.
While rates of mental health disorders among Latinx Americans are lower than those for non-Latinx whites and are higher among U.S.-born Latinx/Hispanic people than those who are foreign-born.
Despite this, according to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, overall mental health issues are on the rise for Latinx/Hispanic people between the ages of 12-49.
Serious mental illness (SMI) rose from 4 percent to 6.4 percent in Latinx/Hispanic people ages 18-25, and from 2.2 percent to 3.9 percent in the 26-49 age range between 2008 and 2018.
Major depressive episodes increased from 12.6 percent-15.1 percent in Latinx/Hispanic youth ages 12-17, 8 percent to 12 percent in young adults 18-25, and 4.5 percent to 6 percent in the 26-49 age range between 2015 and 2018.
Suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts are also rising among Latinx/Hispanic young adults. While still lower than the overall U.S. population aged 18-25, 8.6 percent (650,000) of Latinx/Hispanic 18-25 year-olds had serious thoughts of suicide in 2018, compared to 7 percent (402,000) in 2008. Three percent (224,000) made a plan in 2018, compared to 2 percent (116,000) in 2008, and 2 percent (151,000) made an attempt in 2018, compared to 1.6 percent (90,000) in 2008.
Binge drinking, smoking (cigarettes and marijuana), illicit drug use, and prescription pain reliever misuse are more frequent among Latinx/Hispanic adults with mental illnesses.
Hosted by Adriana Alejandre, LMFT, LatinX Therapy is a weekly podcast that discusses mental health topics related to the Latinx community. With interview-formatted episodes featuring mental health professionals, writers, entertainment figures, and more, this show is successfully demystifying all the stereotypes and stigmas associated with mental health in Latin culture. We especially love that episodes air in both English and Spanish.
General mental health Spanish speaking resources, including a list of Spanish language materials and Spanish-language screening tools.
Spanish-language version of Know the Signs, website offering information, support, and hotline for preventing suicide.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Lifeline Crisis Chat: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org (available 24/7)
Need help now? Text "START" to 741-741
Ponte en Mis Zapatos utilizes real stories from teens and young adults to teach youth about mental health challenges and mental wellness. Similar to its sister campaign in English, Walk In Our Shoes, Ponte en mis Zapatos reduces stigma associated with mental illnesses by debunking myths and educating 9-13 year olds about mental wellness.