The Latino population continues to increase, with estimates of 60 million living in the United States. Of the Hispanic population, 19% live in poverty. This may be a problem because according to research, living in poverty affects people’s social networks and self-worth negatively and is strongly associated with psychological issues. This study examined the perceptions of practitioners of mental health treatment of Mexican Americans who were experiencing mental distress and were residing in the U.S.- Mexico border. Findings suggest clients self-diagnose and try medications (usually purchased in Mexico) that were recommended to them by family members and/or social networks. Additionally, the family and social network behave like their own health/mental health care network, a manifestation of the Mexican American value that one should take care of one’s own. Loved ones provide these suggestions or consejos to help those struggling with mental stress manage their mental health. Professional mental health care is usually the last resort, which clients consider only after other options have been exhausted. This study reveals a need to explore the so-called family and social network health care system within this culture.
Responsibilities and cultural expectations can be somewhat different for Latino males and females. In general, males are expected to be more independent and dominant while females are expected to be more nurturing [1,2]. Similar to other populations, caregiving for elderly relatives has traditionally been a role adopted by women in Latino cultures [3]. Furthermore, first-born or oldest Latinas are sometimes expected to take on the role of caregiver with younger siblings and/or aging parents [4]. found that this caregiving role was often cultivated at an early age through a continuous, formal and informal socialization process that was gendered through modeling behaviors and care expectations primarily directed at women in the family rather than men.Practitioners interviewed in this qualitative study reported that daughters were frequently involved in the overall treatment and care of Mexican-American older adults. Some of the expectations included accompanying the parent to doctor visits or treatment; ensuring treatment or medication regimens were followed; serving as primary caregiver; providing information to providers in order to ensure more accuracy; and providing emotional and social support. For purposes of this article, the terms Mexican-American, Hispanic and Latino/a were used interchangeably.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide rates have increased in almost every state in the United States from 1999 through 2016. For many individuals with suicidal ideations, mental health disorders are often seen as the cause of suicide; however, suicide is not only caused by a single factor. Studies have shown several factors contribute to suicide which may include but is not limited to relationship issues, substance use, physical health, job-related issues, money, legal, and/or housing stressors (CDC, 2018). Suicide is a public health crisis reaching epidemic proportions and has claimed the lives of more than 45, 000 individuals in the U.S. (Brodsky, Spruch-Feiner, & Stanley, 2018). Due to the increasing number of suicides, mental health practitioners must be clinically prepared to provide appropriate interventions to help prevent suicide. Thus, this paper aims to share some guidelines and/or tips for managing an individual with suicidal ideation from a practitioner’s perspective.
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