Testimonies

“Living in a Hispanic family, mental health is not seen as a biological issue, but rather a choice. The older generations believe that happiness is a choice and we all have control over our emotions. This often leads us to hide our emotions to show that we are strong, but deep down we know that we are not okay. This loneliness only makes the problem worse because we feel like we are “crazy” and “weak.

-Anonymous

“My situation is a bit different than most people of my ethnic and racial background. My mom has always been open or suggestive to the idea of therapy or turning for help and I think it’s because of the resources found in Mexico City. Fortunately in our area there were a few mental health services found at low costs. Growing up my dad wouldn’t be very open to therapy saying that it’s useless and that we don’t need it and that we could get over whatever was going on, but now my dad would support me if I decided to go back to therapy. Despite this, I feel like my parents still have this type of optimism that everything is always fine, so I do feel pressure to not open up about my mental health.”

-Erick