Hispanic population struggle with mental health, despite the age.
Hispanic adults (17%) were less likely than Multiracial or White adults to have received mental health treatment in the past year, revealed the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
One in 3 Latino teens struggle with depression, and there is a higher suicide rate among Latino youth compared to peers, according to Goya Cares data.
Depression and suicide are a growing risk among 12–17-year-olds, although more than 1 in 5 children suffer from depression.
Given these numbers, those with Hispanic employees in their care can take action and do something about it.
COVID-19 and mental crisis
COVID-19 has exacerbated the children’s mental health crisis because it has affected every area of their lives, said by Avani Shah, founder & CEO of Therapy Smarts.
But the pandemic also impacted many family’s preexisting struggles, such as those facing food insecurity.
Shah talks how to identify early warning signs: “The biggest thing to be on the lookout for is anything outside of your child’s normal behavior. If your child is withdrawing from their friends or losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, it can be a good indicator that it may be a good moment to have an open discussion about mental health”.
There are also certain cultural stigmas surrounding mental health care. In some areas, mental health is still seen as a taboo subject, and its benefits are not well-understood. Because conditions like depression manifest internally, they are sometimes not considered to be a “real illness”. Instead, struggles with mental health may be hidden and not discussed, because they are widely seen as a sign of “weakness,” particularly when combined with stereotypical masculinity.
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GOYA Cares tells the signs of a mental health problem in youths:
- Trouble focusing
- Major depression
- Desensitization
- Anxiety
- Loss of sleep
- Isolation
- Self-harm
- Change in eating habits
- Trouble with drugs and alcohol
Strategies To Address Concerns Within a Diverse Workforce
Employers wanting to create a mental-health friendly workplace can implement strategies such as:
– Provide manager training for mental health: These programs can help management recognize and respond to supervisees experiencing emotional distress while building valuable soft skills like active listening and open communication.
– Create flexible working arrangements: There is a strong correlation between work-life balance and mental health. Implementing strategies like flexible working hours and remote working options is a tangible way to promote the work-life balance and ease the pressures of rigid schedules and lengthy commutes.
– Encourage regular breaks and physical health: Regular short breaks are shown to reduce stress and enhance productivity. Additionally, there is a strong correlation between regular exercise and a healthy mind and body.
Source: Therapy Smarts