Mental health is a segment of the multibillion-dollar health industry that often takes a back seat to more visible and easily recognizable physical ailments. This is largely due to the stigmatism that can accompany someone addressing these very real concerns.

But there’s one time each year that the public generally takes notice of the growing mental health issues in the United States: During the month of May, also known as Mental Health Awareness Month.

The number of Americans who deal with mental health issues regularly is largely unknown because many don’t report them; the most popular reasons being embarrassment and the feeling of inadequacy that can accompany the admission of a mental health deficiency.

For the Latino population living in the United States, those seeking treatment for mental health issues is an even smaller percentage than the country as a whole.

Lady Funcke is a human rights and mental health advocate who has studied the issue of mental health in the Latino community. She identifies the following three reasons for why this is a continuously growing problem.

1. The Stigma Is Real

The general public often brushes off issues of mental illness and sheds a derogatory light on those who admit problems and seek treatment.

But in the Latino culture, according to Funcke, these issues can be inflated. This is due to long-nurtured stigmas that can dominate the conversation in Latino communities.

Funcke points to one stigma in Latino culture known as “locura,” or madness. This belief, which holds that mental illness is a result of so-called divine punishment, deters people from seeking help.

The fear of being labeled as crazy or unbalanced means the status quo is maintained, often with dire consequences down the road.

2. Generational Differences

Differences between the older and younger generations can carry over into issues of mental health, with traditional values and more modern ways of thinking clashing over possible treatment methods.

What for older generations may be taboo or shameful for younger generations often seems very different. This generational gap makes seeking mental health treatment even more complicated.

3. Immigration Status

Another issue that can prevent Latinos from seeking mental health assistance is the individual’s immigration status. This is a very real concern and one that doesn’t have a clear solution.

Latinos often decline or reject assistance for fear that it could jeopardize their residency status, particularly if they’re undocumented or have overstayed their visas in the United States.

Individuals with questionable immigration status can feel they don’t have many options when it comes to seeking treatment for mental health issues.

This can leave vulnerable Latinos without a clear course of action and lead to feelings of inadequacy and depression.

Moving Forward

We need a well-thought-out approach to this issue that addresses the stigmas, immigration concerns and financial barriers that prevent Latinos from seeking the treatment they so desperately need. Here in Delaware, NAMI Delaware and Amanecer Counseling and Resource Center provide support and care for those struggling with mental health concerns.

We must work together to come up with a comprehensive approach to this growing problem in Latino communities from coast to coast.