What I Wish Every Latina Knew About Mental Health
Posted by Floriss Rx | Mental Health Blog | For Latinas, by a Latina provider
Mental health is not a luxury. It’s not selfish. And it’s definitely not something you have to “tough out.”
As a Latina and a psychiatric provider, I’ve seen how our culture, as beautiful, rich, and powerful as it is, can make it hard for us to speak up when we’re struggling.
This post is for every Latina who’s ever felt ashamed, brushed off, or unsure if she’s allowed to feel how she feels. I want you to know you’re not alone. And you deserve to feel peace in your mind and body.
A little about me…
I didn’t always know I had anxiety. Growing up, I thought the constant overthinking, tight chest, trouble sleeping, and always needing to be perfect were just part of life. When I got to college, navigating things as a first-generation student studying mental health and nursing, I finally started to understand what I had been living with all along.
I was lucky that my father supported me in getting help. That made a huge difference. But not everyone in my family understood. Some believed I should just push through it or pray harder or be stronger. That “suck it up” mentality was hard to unlearn. But choosing to care for my mental health changed everything for me. And now I help others do the same.
Feeling anxious or depressed doesn’t mean you’re weak
So many of us grow up being the strong one. The one who keeps it all together. But anxiety, depression, burnout, and panic are not personal failures. They’re signals. Our bodies and minds are trying to tell us something. And listening to that message is an act of strength.
Therapy and medication are not shameful
Maybe you’ve heard things like “that’s for crazy people” or “we don’t do that in this family.” But mental health care isn’t a last resort, it’s basic care, just like getting help for your blood pressure or your skin. You don’t have to reach a breaking point to deserve support.
We are often caretakers, but that doesn’t mean we should come last
As Hispanic women, we’re often raised to care for everyone else first. Our siblings, our parents, our partners, our kids. We show love through sacrifice. But constantly putting others first while ignoring our own needs is not sustainable. You are allowed to care for yourself. You are allowed to ask, “What do I need today?” And you are allowed to answer honestly.
It’s okay if your family doesn’t get it yet
You can love your family and still want something different for your mental health. You can honor your culture while also healing from the parts that have hurt you. And it’s okay if that makes you feel like the odd one out. You’re building something new, and that takes courage.
You don’t need to explain your pain to be worthy of support
You don’t need a perfect story. You don’t need to be falling apart to deserve help. Whether you can name exactly what’s going on or not, your emotions are valid. You are allowed to reach out just because things feel heavy. That’s reason enough.
Rest is powerful
We’re taught to push through everything. To grind, perform, produce, and never complain. But rest is not laziness. Rest is healing. Slowing down is healing. Saying no is healing. You don’t have to earn rest. You deserve it just by being human.
Final Thoughts
To every Latina reading this: your peace matters. Your feelings are real. Your story is important. You don’t have to be the strongest all the time. You don’t have to carry everything alone.
If you’ve been thinking about asking for help, this is your sign.
With so much cariño,
Floriss Rx
