Latinx/Hispanic Community & Mental Health
Miguel Aguilar | Des 505 | Summer 2021
Abstract Mental Health is defined as an individual’s condition of state of well-being in regards to their physiological or emotional behavior. Mental illness affects a person’s day-to-day life. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health(NAMI 2019) 20.6% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2019 about 51.5 million people which means 1 in 5 adults and only 10 percent of Latinx/Hispanic pursue treatment from a mental health provider. Latinx/Hispanic community lacks resources and information due to a variety of obstacles such as language barriers, culture identity, economic status, and stigma. The purpose of this project is to collect thoughtful research and use the design process to create a mental health awareness campaign for those suffering from a mental illness that will inform and educate, and encourage the Latinx/Hispanic community to seek mental health services, manage day to day life, and reduce stigma by talking more openly about it. This will be done by creating a mental health first aid kit that will provide accurate i nformation, and resources from pamphlets, stickers, bracelets and positivity cards. These kits will be distribute in different schools from High School to University.
Table of Contents Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Introduction
Research Methodology
Introduction
Problem/Purpose
Survey Findings
Rationale to Proposed Solution
Preliminary Research
Secondary Research Findings
Inspirations
Panel of Experts
Design Attributes
Personas
Product Assessment
Significance of the Project Assumption Project Scope
Final Hypothesis Definition of Terms Solution Proposal Hypotheses Chapter 2 Conclusion Chapter 1 Conclusion PERT Chart Timeline
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Appendix
Bibliography Literary 70 InternetResources
Chapter 1 Introduction
6
Mental Health determines how we feel, think and act. A Mental illness affects a person’s feelings toward themselves and their day-to-day life because of their thinking, feelings, behavior, and mood. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI, 2019), more than half of Latinx/Hispanic young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 may not receive mental health treatment for a serious illness. Latinx/Hispanic communities have more significant barriers to receiving mental health care due to a variety of circumstances.
7
Problem Statement Mental Health in the Latinx/Hispanic community continues to be stigmatized. The misunderstanding of information and lack of resources causes a barrier in seeking mental health services.
Purpose Statement There are negative views on mental illness. The purpose of this is to inform and promote mental health awareness in the Latinx/Hispanic community by providing resources and accurate information to help reduce stigma, promote self-care, and get educated in order to have an open conversation about mental health with others.
8
8
Importance of Study Mental Health awareness is important for everyone. People are going through difficult situations and they need to be aware of where to seek help and information. Mental Health often comes with a stigma and people are afraid to speak up, but talking about it helps to reduce it. Hispanic/Latinx community has barriers to getting help because of language, culture, and not knowing how to ask for help. Mental Health is important because having an illness and not dealing with it can affect a person’s everyday life.
9
9
Preliminary Research The topic of Mental Health seems to be avoided especially by the Latinx/Hispanic community. The reason for this according to organizations such as NAMI and Mental Health America(MHA). That are dedicated to helping mental health awareness is that there is stigma around mental illness such as feeling judged because of their illness. Another factor that plays a role is access to insure many Latinx/Hispanic people do not have an issuance plan and this can be a factor of their legal status or they are not able to afford it. Another reason is their culture and religious background and the lack of resources and information offered in Spanish such as therapists.
10
Significance of the Project Mental Health awareness is important for everyone. People are going through difficult situations and they need to be aware of where to seek help and information. Mental Health often comes with a stigma and people are afraid to speak up, but talking about it helps to reduce it. Hispanic/Latinx community has barriers to getting help because of language, culture, and not knowing how to ask for help. Mental Health is important because having an illness and not dealing with it can affect a person’s everyday life.
11
Assumptions Latinx/Hispanic people not aware where to look for information or resources regarding Mental Health Services, but want to learn more about it. Latinx/Hispanic people that immigrated to the United States and eithe do not know how to speak English or English is not their first Language. The user has very limited knowledge or ignores the topic because of the stigma on Mental Health and ignores the effects Mental Health has in someone’s life if they do not seek help. The user does not know how to speak about Mental Health to family members or friends that might need help. Low-income Latinx/Hispanic members that do not have the re sources to pay for professional Mental Health Services but want to reach out to someone for help. Latinx/Hispanic people that are going through a Mental Illness.
12
Project Scope Create an awareness campaign for Latinx/Hispanic community by educating them on mental illness, accurate information, and seeking help. Decreased stigma on mental health services for Latinx/Hispanic people to be able to have conversations with other people such as their parents or children. Create an effective way to help people have self-care for dealing with the pressure of everyday life.
13
Definition of Terms
Latinx/Hispamic: Spanish-speaking person that lives in the US, that cam from a Latin Ameri can country. Mental Health: A person’s condition with regard to their psychologcal and emotional well-being. Mental Illness: Health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior. Anxiety: A nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior or panic attacks. Depression: A constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest, which stops you doing your normal activities. Different types of depression exist, with symptoms ranging from relatively minor to severe. Stigma: When someone sees you in a negative way because of your mental illness. Misinformed: Give (someone) false or inaccrate information. Therapy: The treatment of mental or psychological disorders by psychological means. Awareness: Knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.
14
Hypotheses By informing Latinx/Hispanic community about the resources offered for Mental Health Sevices, will result the community to seek professional help and be able to continue with their everyday life knowing that they are getting the help they need.
2
1
By helping Latinx/Hispanic community understand more about Mental Health and the importance of being aware of any Mental Health problems someone might be facing, people are going to be able to help themselves, family or friends.
By using the resources and help that some people from the Latinx/Hispanic community might need they will be able to be more active and stable in their everyday life.
3 15
Chapter 1 Conclusion Chapter one introduced the problem, hypotheses, and assumptions regarding mental health in the Latinx/Hispanic community, and defines important terms regarding mental illness. Initial research indicates the importance and seriousness of the topic indicating how Latinx/Hispanic people lack resources and information about mental health and that stigma around the topic cause mental health services to be avoided. The project seeks to bring accurate information and essential resources to the Latinx/Hispanic community to generate knowledge, awareness, and reduce stigma on the topic of mental health.
“Mental health stigma is the largest community barrier to improving global mental health, and in Latin American cultures, this stigma may be more prevalent.” -Jennifer Huizen 16
Timeline Set up blog
Initial Ideation
10 Parts Research Proposal
Review past 505 projects
Sketches/Mock-ups
Survey Draft
Draft 3 Research Project topics
Library Information Research
Quiz 1
Quiz 2
Week 1
Week 3
Week 2
3 Project Proposals “Day in the Life” + Persona Quiz 2
Final Presentation
Mid-Term Report
Week 4
Mid-Term “Draft” Report Mid-Term Presentation PERT Chart
Meetings with Panel of Experts
Final “Project Pitch” Written Documentation Review
Week 5
Week 7
Week 6
Develop Design Gather Feedback Refine Design
Week 8
Final Solution Artifact/Prototype Final “Project Pitch” Poster
Quiz 4
17
Chapter 2
Research Methods 18
An exploration of different research methods used to bring accurate and reliable information about mental health to the study. Some of the most beneficial methods were interviews and discussions with the panel of experts that brought important information regarding mental health and their knowledge and experience on the topic. Additional resources include scholarly articles that give out facts and statistics about mental illness and how it affects the Latinx/Hispanic population, surveys, and personas. Research is gathered to validate the study.
19
Research Methodology Literature Review Library online books and articles were used to find and gather accurate information about mental health in the Latinx/Hispanic community and how they perceive mental illness. Websites Websites were used to compare organizations and projects that are related to mental health and distinguished the positives and negatives of each. Interview Served to build on the existing information about the topic and to receive opinions, insights, and professional information from experts on mental health. Survey A survey was distributed to students and the general public through social media to gather data and their opinions on the topic of mental health. Comparative Analysis Evaluating and analyzing existing campaigns and projects to see the advantages and disadvantages of each and determining what is working and what is not working. Panel of Experts Three professionals on the topic of mental health and creating campaigns were asked to give advice, reviews, and feedback through the process of developing the project.
20
Research Findings “Only 10 percent of Latinx/Hispanic pursue treatment from a mental health provider.” (nami. “Hispanic/Latinx.”)
“Research indicates that in many countries, around 80–90% of people with a mental health condition experience the negative impact of stigma.” (Huizen, Jennifer. “Mental Health Stigma in Latin America: Culture, Resources, and More.”)
“The immigration experience and the process of integration can become a source of mental health problems. Latinos and other immigrant communities who encounter these challenges are often at greater risk for PTSD, depression, suicide, and stress associated with acculturation or fear of deportation.” (Cardinal Innovations Healthcare — July 16)
“Only 5 in 1 Latinxs with symptoms of a physiological disorder approach a doctor.” (“Latinx/Hispanic Communities.” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA)
21
Panel of Experts Panel of experts includes clinical counselors and therapist that specialize in different topics from family therapist to helping the Latinx population, and undocumented immigrants with mental heath. It also includes marketing and messaging experts in issues of health and wellness.
Priyam Das, MPH Senior Health Communications Coordinator at SFSU.
Yolanda Gamboa, PhD. Coordinator of Peggy H. Smith Counseling Clinic and Clinical Counselor.
Leslie Jaeyoun Shin, LMFT Clinical Counselor at SFSU
22
Daily Activity Roberto
Daniel
Victoria
Lorena
9 AM
Struggles to get out of bed
Wakes up. Takes shower
Cooks breakfast for family
Rushes to study for Class
Has difficulty waking up
Walks dog. Has breakfast
10 AM
Prepares to start working is tired
Has a fast breakfast
Goes off to work. Misses kids
First class of the day. Feels sleepy
Drops kids late for school
Prepares to go to work
11 AM
Tries to work
Online class 1
Gets to the office, sees first patient
Has a break and does homework
Has to clean the house
Answers emails. One from Victoria
12 PM
Waters the plants
Prepares presentation for next class
Work emails and phone calls
Class 2. Doesn’t finish homework
Prepares food but feels tired
Works on Mental Health campaign
1 PM
Has a 40 min. Lunch Break
Class 2. Anxious about presentation
Has lunch at restaurant
Runs to work. Arrives late
Cancels lunch with friends stays home
Thinking ideas for activities for people
2 PM
Mows the lawn wants to be home
Lunch Time. Gets homework started
Plans schedule for next day
Struggle to help customers
Gets up to pick up her kids
Lunch Break. Meets with friends
3 PM
Meets with the house owner
Goes to therapy. Has a good talk
Sees pantient Daniel
Lunch break. Tries to do homework
Has to drive kids to soccer practice
Meeting with workers. Has discussion
4 PM
Grocery shops for dinner
Talks with his parents about therapy
Final patient of the day cancels
Gets back to work. Not focusing
Her kids need help with homework
Plans his schedule for tomorrow
5 PM
Home. Doesn’t want to move from couch
Goes to work for the day
Goes out to eat with friends
Employee meeting. Feels tired wants to go home
Does laundry. Feels exhausted with a headache
Back home. Thinks on ideas for mental health awareness
Elena
John
23
Personas
Roberto
Daniel
Victoria
Roberto is a 50 year old currently working. He has struggled with getting up in the morning. He only wants to stay home. He goes to work but does not feel motivated and struggles to talk about his mental health with his family.
Daniel is a 20 year old student at SFSU. Daniel has struggled with anxiety and depression. He has a hard time talking to his parents about his mental illness, and whatt he is going through
Victoria is a 31 year old therapists. Her mission is to help and support people. She believes people in the Hispanic/Latinx community don’t have enough resources enough about Mental Health. She wants to help people live a better life.
24
Lorena
Elena
John
Lorena is 23 years old. She from Mexico. She struggles to manage her time has no time to sleep, she does not take care of herself or her mental health. Has a hard time finding resources for mental health.
Elena is 42 years old and she is a stay-at-home mom. She has been struggling for some time now with a mental illness, but she believes that is something that is going to go away.
John is a 37 year old, works as at Mental Health organization that focuses on helping low-income communities. Over the years that he has worked there, he has seen only a small portion of Latinx/Hispanic people attend the organization.
25
Survey Findings How important do you think having awareness about mental health is?
Do you think there is enough information and resources available for everyone including minority communities regarding mental health?
2%
9%
Would you agree that people would seek more mental health help if there wasn’t stigma around mental illness?
2% 18%
18%
48%
47% 23%
59%
42%
32%
Extremely important
Definitely yes
Completely agree
Very important
Probably yes
Agree
Moderately important
Probably not
Neither agree nor disagree
Slightly important
Definitely not
Disagree
Not at all important
Unsure
Completely disagree
26
Survey Background A survey was distributed among the general public and students from University. The survey included a short description of the study and it has 14 questions relating to mental health. The purpose of the survey was to collect data on people’s knowledge, personal experience, and opinion on the importance of mental health. All surveys were anonymous and there were a total of 56 responses. The largest group that answered were people ages 18 to 25.
Survey Results The majority of the participants (38) were Latinx/Hispanic. According to the survey data 48 percent of the participants believe that parents do not talk to their children about mental health and 50 percent believe that Latinx/Hispanic people have disadvantages when getting mental health services because of language barriers. 46 percent of the participants agree that there should be more education about mental health and 41 percent completely agree. 27
Final Hypothesis
The Latinx/Hispanic community needs to be able to have more open discussions about mental illness. By creating a mental health awareness first aid kit, it is going to provide resources, information, and education on the topic which will result in decreasing stigma and people being able to seek help and talk to others about mental health.
28
Proposed Solution The Mental Health First Aid-Kit will consist of bringing awareness and getting resources to seek Mental health Services. It will also promote talking more openly about mental illness with others. The kit will include pamphlets on where obtain professional help for low-income communities, accurate information, how to support and help others with a Mental Health illness, and the benefits of getting treatment. All information in both English and Spanish. The kit will also include positivity cards that help with self-care. It will consist of doing daily activities such as exercise, coloring, writing, reading, and positive messages. It will also have merchandise such as bracelets, stickers, etc. The kit will target people the Latinx/Hispanic community from ages 16 to 25 and will be available physically or online.
29
Chapter 2 Conclusion Chapter two collected research with a variety of methods. The gathering of the results from surveys, interviews, and research indicates that stigma in mental illness is one of the largest causes why Latinx/Hispanics do not seek mental health services. The research also indicates that there are barriers for Latinx/Hispanic people when seeking help and that there is a need for awareness in the community. The research collected helped to gather information on the problem. This leads to a proposed solution to create a mental health awareness campaign for the Latinx/Hispanic youth.
“I needed help with my mental health. The mentality we have as Latinos is ‘I’m not crazy.’ And it’s not that we’re crazy. It’s that we need the support of a doctor, a specialis.” -Estela Chamu 30
PERT Chart Chapters1 & 2
Reflection Presentation
Comparative Analysis
Midterm
Report Presentation
Chapter 4
July 7
Final July 29
Report Prototype
Journals
Lit Research
Web Sources Feedback Testing
Books
Research July 1
Chapter 3 Interviews
Prototype July 22
Brainstorming
Ideation
Field Research
Survey
Mock-Ups
Panel of Experts
31
Chapter 3
Design Solution 32
Introduce the process and rationalize the final proposed solution for the study. Understanding the disadvantages and advantages by comparing current campaigns and products will help recognize the features needed for the campaign. Based on the various findings, the mental health first aid-kit would be designed by sketching, ideating, creating inspiration boards, and mockups. This solution will seek to bring a more compressive, resourceful, and simplistic design the will create awareness in the Latinx/Hispanic youth about mental health.
33
Rationale to Proposed Solution The design solution for the problem was determined because of the continued lack of awareness that the Latinx/Hispanic community still has on mental health. Providing accurate information and essential resources will help the people gain knowledge about mental health and guide them to have open conversations about mental health in hopes to reduce stigma and promote self-care.
34
Initial Ideas Educational and Accurate Information Pamphlets, posters, and notes serve as a way to provide information to users about services and ways that they can seek mental help and to familiarize themselves with myths and facts about mental illness. Merchandise for Mental Health Stickers, pins, bracelets, and t-shirts help the individual be able to promote mental health to others by sharing them or wearing them in order to reduce the stigma of mental illness. Positivity Game Activity cards or challenges will provide a way for people to have self-care in their day-to-day life and to improve self-esteem. Mental Health App Provide the same resources as the mental health awareness first aid kit, but it will reach more people because it will be available on their phones.
Educate Latinx/Hispanic youth for them to be able to seek help without being judged, to encourage helping others that suffer a mental illness, reduce the stigma of mental illness by having open conversations, and promote self-care.
35
Comparative Analysis
Latinx Therapy
Each Mind Matters
Pros: Offers help with finding a therapist for Latinx. A podcast where they talk about mental illness stigma.
Pros: Finds resources for mental health in each community. Talks about culture and stigma. In English and Spanish.
Cons: Some people may not know how to reach the site or do not know about the site.
Cons: The sessions seem to be short term and the accessibility is virtual which some people are not able to access.
Well Together
Pros: Guides and posters can be access in Spanish. Information about myths and facts about mental health.
Pros: Informs Latinx youth about mental health, and trains mental health workforce in the Latinx community.
Cons: Does not translate the page to Spanish. Hard to find the specific site and resources.
Cons: Only a few youth promoters and the program seems to be only available in Santa Rosa.
Latino Service Providers
36
Mapping Matrix Inaccessible
Ineffective
Effective Proposed Solution
Accessible
Accurate information, easy to understand with no confusion, visually pleasing, and easy to access it. 37
Inspiration Sketch colorful imagery Create a visual story rather then blocks of text Inspirational and encouraging messages Clever and fun challenges and activities Target it to 16 to 25 year olds Educational and fun merchandised Informational about Mental Health Entertaining games and products
38
Chapter 3 Conclusion Chapter three explores the initial brainstorm for the mental health awareness first aid-kit base and literature and market research. Further design sketches, mockups, concepts, and products will be created for the first aid-kit.
39
Bibliography Blossom, Priscilla. “It’s More Important Than Ever To Remove the Stigma Around Latinx Mental Health.” Oprah Daily, 26 Mar. 2021, www. oprahdaily.com/life/health/a29518665/latinos-mental-health-stigma/. Brunswick, Rutgers University-New. “Mental Health Stigma, Fueled by Religious Belief, May Prevent Latinos from Seeking Help.” Newswise, Newswise, 1 Apr. 2019, www.newswise.com/articles/mental-health-stigma-fueled-by-religious-belief-may-prevent-latinos-from-seeking-help. Campbell, Glenn. “Overcoming Mental Health Stigma in the Latino Community.” Consult QD, Consult QD, 21 Nov. 2017, consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/overcoming-mental-health-stigma-in-the-latino-community/. Cardinal Innovations Healthcare — July 16. “Rethinking Mental Health in the Latino Community.” Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, 1 May 2020, www.cardinalinnovations.org/Resources/Blog/Rethinking-Mental-Health-in-the-Latino-Community. Cruz, Maricela De La. “Nearly 1 Million Latinos and Hispanics in California Are Unable to Receive Mental Health Services.” KCRA, KCRA, 23 June 2021, www.kcra.com/article/4-million-latinos-hispanics-california-mental-health-services/36271619. Huizen, Jennifer. “Mental Health Stigma in Latin America: Culture, Resources, and More.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 27 Jan. 2021, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mental-health-stigma-in-latin-america#in-latin-america. “Latinx/Hispanic Communities.” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA, ADAA, 10 June 2021, adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/latinx-hispanics. nami. “Hispanic/Latinx.” NAMI, www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/Hispanic-Latinx. nami. “Latino Families Find Answers on NAMI Español Webpage By Moryt Milo.” Latino Families Find Answers on NAMI Español Webpage By Moryt Milo -, 3 Mar. 2021, namisantaclara.org/2021/03/latino-families-find-answers-on-nami-espanol-webpage-by-moryt-milo/. Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries: Find Definitions, Translations, and Grammar Explanations at Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. Oxford English Dictionary Online, 2021, www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/.
40
41