Loco, Exagerando, Buscando Atención: Barriers to Mental Health Access in the Latinx Community

Abstract

In order to assist members of the Latinx community in getting access for mental health concerns, we must first examine the stigmatization on mental health and barriers that affect Latinos from getting access. The purpose of this study is to comprehend the views on mental health, the stigma behind mental health, and how social media can be a positive outlet for emotions. Although research has shown that mental illness is a major issue that transcends culture and race, many Latinx community members view mental illness as morally wrong or a disgrace which disrupts them from getting access. Through the method of content analysis; I coded YouTube videos, their comments and articles. I found that people talked about the stigma they faced inside and outside the Latinx community, about the difficulties they had in getting access to mental health services, and the ways their families' ideals about pride and faith made it difficult to talk about mental health concerns.