Mental Health Awareness Month: Breaking the Silence in Latino Communities

By Cesar Rolon

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the emotional well-

being of our communities and the barriers that keep too many of us suffering in

silence—especially within Latino families.

Across the United States, Latinos are disproportionately affected by anxiety,

depression, PTSD, and substance abuse, yet are significantly less likely to receive

mental health services. The reasons are rooted in stigma, cultural expectations, fear,

and systemic inequities.

“Eso se queda en casa”: The Legacy of Silence

For generations, many Latino households have lived by the phrase "la ropa sucia se lava en casa”—dirty laundry is washed at home. In practice, that often means emotional pain, trauma, or mental health struggles are kept behind closed doors, minimized or ignored altogether.

From a young age, Latinos are often taught to "aguantarse" (tough it out) or "echarle ganas" (keep pushing forward) rather than seek emotional support. This cultural norm, while born from resilience, can be harmful when it prevents someone from reaching out for help.

This silence becomes even louder among Latino men, where machismo culture reinforces the idea that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. Many Latino men are told to be the providers, protectors, and pillars of strength—but not the ones who cry, admit fear, or ask for help.

“We’re raised to be strong, not to break down,” says Luis, a 33-year-old Puerto Rican father. “But I didn’t realize my anxiety attacks were my body begging for help.”

Undocumented and Unseen: Mental Health in the Shadows

For undocumented Latinos, mental health struggles are often intensified by constant fear, economic instability, and social isolation. Many avoid clinics out of mistrust or fear of deportation—even when they desperately need help.

Women in mixed-status households often carry the emotional burden in silence, afraid of breaking apart the fragile stability they've built.

“My depression came after my husband was detained,” shared Ana, a mother of three in Texas. “But how could I focus on therapy when I’m the only one working, feeding my kids, and scared we’ll be next?”

When Language Fails, So Does Care

Language remains one of the biggest barriers to mental health services. Even when Latinos do seek help, they often find that therapists don’t speak Spanish—or worse, don’t understand Latino culture.

This lack of culturally competent care leads to misdiagnoses, poor communication, and feelings of disconnection. The result? Many Latinos drop out of therapy or never return after the first visit.

Breaking the Silence: Solutions & Hope

The good news is that change is happening. Organizations like Therapy for Latinx, Latinx Therapy, and NAMI’s “Compartiendo Esperanza” are working to de-stigmatize mental health, offer bilingual resources, and promote culturally relevant healing.

Social media has also become a powerful tool for healing, with Latino therapists and influencers using TikTok, Instagram, and podcasts to talk openly about therapy, trauma, and emotional wellness.

Faith-based groups, promotores de salud, and schools are starting to integrate mental health support into their outreach efforts, creating safe spaces where families can talk without fear or shame.

Where Do We Go from Here?

We must normalize mental health conversations in our homes, churches, schools, and barbershops. Latino youth in particular are ready to break generational cycles—but they need us to support them in creating a culture where asking for help is brave, not weak.

Mental health doesn’t make us less Latino. It makes us human. And healing—when grounded in culture, language, and love—is one of the most powerful acts of resistance.lture, language, and love—is one of the most powerful acts of resistance.