“It’s not just about discussing mental health but also about having people and clinics that can understand their culture and speak their language,”- Frances Chinchilla Orellana, psychotherapist and clinical supervisor of mental health services at AltaMed Health Services.
There is an epidemic plaguing the world, and in the United States, especially within the Latino community, there has been an increase in the number of suicides.
“The numbers started to rise during the pandemic, and Latinos were among those who suffered the most. The economy, housing, more deaths – all of that significantly affected the mental health of the community,” says Frances Chinchilla Orellana, a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor of mental health services at AltaMed Health Services.
This phenomenon has particularly affected young Latinos. Sensitive issues such as migration, the economy, and the scarcity of resources make this population vulnerable. “There are many misconceptions in the community; mental health is denied. We think we have to be strong. It’s a topic that is not discussed in the family,” adds Chinchilla.
In parallel with these problems, this psychotherapist mentions that Latinos do not have many accessible services to turn to. “It’s not just about discussing mental health but also about having people and clinics that can understand their culture and speak their language,” she adds.
“You have to talk to young people continuously, break down barriers, ask them about what’s happening in their lives. Many who come to AltaMed have told me that they would like to have better communication with their families, something that often doesn’t exist. We need to create a safe space,” she says.
“You have to talk to young people continuously, break down barriers, ask them about what’s happening in their lives. Many who come to AltaMed have told me that they would like to have better communication with their families”.’ said Chinchilla.
Chinchilla emphasizes the importance of monitoring the lives of young people to prevent any potential issues. “There are many signs. Many of them experience drastic changes, tend to isolate themselves, lose interest in things, say that things would be easier if they didn’t exist, and have emotional difficulties,” she adds.
Many adults do not understand; they think the youth are just seeking attention, and that is a mistake. “Medical attention, therapy – that’s what we should seek. It’s crucial as soon as we realize it,” she emphasizes.
Chinchilla mentions that society is exposed to a very toxic environment, with social media contributing to that, bombarding young people from all sides. Many of them feel overwhelmed. “They often receive the wrong information, don’t research things. Technology has many good aspects, but it has also caused a distancing within families,” she notes.
Given this landscape, this therapist is hopeful, feeling that society is starting to view mental health as more normal. People are seeking help, overcoming the stigma.
One of the things she recommends is the practice of positive habits. Exercise, meditation, communication with family, friends, or the community. “At AltaMed, we have many services available. They can call to learn about everything we can offer. There are support groups, therapies, group therapies, family therapies. We are here to help,” she says.
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