From Aguántate To Therapy: Today’s Latines Are Shifting The Mental Health Crisis

First- and second-generation Latines have long navigated an uncomfortable relationship with mental health. Raised with beliefs that therapy “es para locos” or that depression can be ignored, many had to push past what they were feeling rather than process it.

In 2004 a study by the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS) found that approximately 60% of Latinos met the diagnostic criteria for a mood or anxiety disorder. However, 64% of Latinos versus 40% of non-Latino Whites do not use any mental health service.

For many Latines, the idea that mental health is a legitimate part of overall health was rarely supported. Instead, common sayings like “aguántate” (suck it up) or “no pasa nada” (nothing’s going to happen) were repeated in households as a way to encourage resilience. While often well-intentioned, these messages can invalidate feelings and discourage people from coming forward with anxiety or depression out of fear of being dismissed, misunderstood or even criticized.

READ: My Dad’s First Therapy Session Changed How I View Toxic Masculinity

So where do Latines turn when they need support?

For generations, familismo, the cultural value of prioritizing family above everything else, has been the ruling principal of most Latines. Placing family and family values first is one of the virtues admired most in Latine communities, however, turning to family members and close friends for emotional support can also delay access to professional care.

“…The help-seeking behaviors of Latinos may be delayed because of their preference to trust and confide in reliable and supportive family and friends before considering a mental health professional that carries the stigma of mental disorders,” notes a study by Cabassa.

But the narrative is beginning to shift.

Since the COVID pandemic in 2020, there has been a noticeable increase in Latines seeking therapy. In 2024, 16.4% of Hispanic adults reported receiving mental health treatment in the previous year reflecting growth over time. This shift is partly driven by increased digital access and a more informed younger generation.

According to Gitnux, mental health therapy became more accessible to Latines during the pandemic with Telehealth, a digital and more accessible way of participating in therapy appointments. It is reported that Telehealth access for Latines increased by 25% after the pandemic.

Along with virtual appointments, the rise of mental health conversations across social networks like Tiktok and Instagram have helped normalize conversations around mental health.

Latine therapy accounts like @therapylux and @latinxtherapy have expanded visibility and accessibility by sharing culturally relevant information and resources with hundreds of thousands of followers.

Today’s generation of Latines is more willing to explore experiences like trauma and burnout, topics that may have otherwise been dismissed by their social circles or previous generations.

While significant gaps in access and equity remain, this cultural shift signals meaningful progress.