Avenues Recovery, an addiction rehab in New Hampshire, are pleased to share that the local health officials in Nashua, New Hampshire, are making strides to break the silence surrounding mental health within the Latino community. Through a new initiative, the Nashua Division of Public Health is addressing the unique challenges faced by Latino residents, aiming to reduce stigma, cultural barriers, and improve access to mental health services.
The New Hampshire Public Radio news site noted that mental health is often a taboo subject in many Latino households, particularly for young men. This issue came to light during a community conversation hosted by Nashua’s public health officials, where residents were invited to share their thoughts on emotional well-being. Equity Officer Iraida Muñoz, who helped lead the conversation in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, highlighted the reluctance many Latinos feel toward discussing mental health.
“Some of the answers we found is that people don’t talk about their feelings at home; this isn’t something Hispanics usually emphasize, but they do connect in other ways,” Muñoz explained. In Latino culture, emotional struggles are often minimized, and seeking professional help can be viewed as a sign of weakness or shame, a perception that greatly hinders individuals from receiving the care they need.
Watila Burpee, a therapist with nearly two decades of experience at the Greater Nashua Mental Health Center, echoes Muñoz's observations. She emphasizes that cultural attitudes toward mental illness often result in it being dismissed, despite its importance. "Latino culture doesn't see mental illness as something that is important to take care of, just like physical health. They think that's a shame. That's just something that we don't talk about," Burpee noted.
This cultural silence, combined with the stress of immigration and adjusting to life in a new country, leaves many Latinos in Nashua struggling with mental health challenges without the resources to cope. Trauma, particularly related to immigration experiences, is common among many of Burpee’s clients, making culturally sensitive mental health care essential.
One of the biggest obstacles to mental health support for the Latino population is the lack of diversity among mental health providers. National statistics show that while Latinos make up 19% of the U.S. population, only about 9% of psychologists and slightly more counselors identify as Latino. This disparity can lead to a disconnect between clients and providers, particularly when language barriers or cultural nuances are not fully understood.
“If you don't take the cultural background into consideration, then you're going to be missing a lot of things to be able to give a good service,” Burpee explains. She also highlights the comfort that comes when clients can speak to someone in their own language and who understands their background. “When you talk with somebody that speaks your language and understands your culture, everything is so much easier.”
To address these issues, Nashua’s public health team is working on turning the feedback from their community conversation into a report that will guide future initiatives. A key focus of this ongoing work is education and prevention, particularly among younger populations, where officials hope to instill healthier attitudes toward mental health.
The department has also launched an aggressive outreach campaign to make mental health resources more visible and accessible. This includes communications through podcasts, social media, YouTube, digital newspapers, and partnerships with community health workers. Importantly, they have established connections with organizations that provide low- or no-cost care in Spanish and Portuguese, ensuring that language is not a barrier to accessing help.
Muñoz emphasizes that mental health struggles are common and that there is no shame in seeking support. “If you find yourself in a circumstance where you feel scared or a little mentally exhausted, those situations are normal and there’s help. Don’t hesitate to call us.”
While Nashua’s initiative is still in its early stages, the work being done is a critical step toward addressing the mental health crisis within the Latino community. By breaking down cultural barriers, increasing awareness, and improving access to care, Nashua is paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive environment for Latinos facing mental health challenges.
This effort is a reminder that mental health is a universal concern, and everyone deserves the opportunity to seek healing and support, regardless of their cultural background.
If you are struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to Avenues Recovery today. Our compassionate and diverse staff will support and guide you every step of the way towards the happier and healthier future you deserve.