How Does Mental Illness Affect Latinos?

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According to a study published in General Hospital Psychiatry, stigma related to mental illness is especially relevant in the Latino community.

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Office of Minority and National Affairs only one in 11 Latinos with a mental disorder sees a mental health specialist and less than 55 percent of Latino adults with “a major depressive episode receive treatment for depression.”

Among Latino youth, the percentage of those who have considered and have attempted suicide is higher than White and Black youth.  According to the CDC 18.9 percent of Latino teens have considered it and 11.3 percent have committed suicide.

Among women, depression levels are higher (46%) compared to Latino men (19.6%), according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

This week from October 4^th through the 10^th is Mental Health Awareness Week. The target for this year’s campaign is to remove the stigma associated with this illness.  You can be part of the campaign using the #IamStigmaFree.