Depression Among Latinas

By Marie Bordelon

Over the past 57 years, Latinas have been more prone to depression and suicidal thoughts and
actions compared to any other ethnic and gender group, most commonly due to cultural stress and
gender roles, according to the book, Preventing Adolescent Depression and Suicide Among Latinas.
Altogether 27% of Hispanics are reported to have high levels depression “Hispanic adolescent girls
are at a higher risk of thinking about suicide and attempting suicide”, Sasha Rojas brought to light. A
2013 Report by the CDC (Center of Disease Control) stated that 15.7% of Hispanics from grades
ninth to twelfth have attempted suicide that has resulted on needed medical attention, That’s 4.1%
higher than the rates of their white and black counterparts.

U.S.-born Hispanics and young immigrants have higher rates of suicide than first generation
Hispanics. Hispanic children tend to distance themselves from their cultural origins at a young age
and let the more dominant American culture take over. “The two main things that formulate suicidal
thinking are Feeling like you don’t belong and perceived burdensomeness, feeling like you’re a
burden. Those two things with that sense of hopelessness would create the desire of suicide and
suicidal ideation” Stated referring to Thomas Joiner’s interpersonal theory of suicide.

An important factor to the developing depression of Latina adolescents may be the constant lack of
communication between daughters and their parents.

A according to Yolanda M. C​é​spedes, from the University of Southern California,​ “Gender role
discrepancy was associated with higher youth depression, with this relationship mediated by
increases in family dysfunction. Moreover, a moderator analysis suggested that gender role
discrepancy effects may be most pronounced for Latina adolescents​.”

Gender roles are urged in many traditional Hispanic households, giving daughters the obligation to
stay home and tend to domestic work and giving more freedom to Latino males adolescents. This
explaining why they are not as prone to mental illnesses as Latina adolescents; Latina adolescents
who identify with American culture may see this as an oppressive act on their parents’ behalf. In
many Hispanic communities, there’s often a stigma around mental illnesses discouraging
adolescents to reach out and discuss their mental health.

When adolescents can discuss mental health with their parents, they are able to obtain knowledge
and skills to reach out and help themselves.