Más Que Fuerza: Debunking Mental Health Misconceptions in our Comunidad

Más Que Fuerza: Debunking Mental Health Misconceptions in our Comunidad

Marisol’s Quiet Battle

BY: ALEXA ZAPATA msw, lsw

Marisol is a 32-year-old mother of two living in Chicago. To everyone around her, she is the picture of fuerza–strength–working long hours, taking care of her family, and always showing up for others. But, late at night when the house is quiet, she feels waves of sadness and exhaustion that she cannot explain. “Aguantate,” she tells herself. She will push through the way she has always been taught. But when her friend suggests she lean on therapy, Marisol hesitates. “I’m not crazy,” she says. “I just need to be stronger.”

Marisol’s story isn’t uncommon. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that over 16% of Latino adults report experiencing a mental health disorder each year — that’s roughly 10 million people. Yet conversations about mental health often remain hushed in many Latino homes, where strength and endurance are deeply valued.

Marisol’s story reminds us: silence doesn’t equal strength. Healing begins when we allow ourselves — and our communities — to talk about what we’re feeling without shame. Let’s dive into some common myths about mental health in our comunidad.

Myth I: Mental illness is a sign of weakness.

Remember, mental health conditions are medical issues, not moral failings. Therapeutic practice may often use a biopsychosocial model: biology, stress, family, and environment is taken into consideration when seeking to learn more about an individual and how to best assist them. Sometimes strength includes asking for help and taking care of yourself. What if one day Marisol finds herself sick? This leads her to being unable to work, and it puts her behind on her bills. Untreated mental health can create lots of issues including the impact it may have on one’s physical health or even their family dynamics. 

Myth II: Therapy is only for locos.

When Marisol’s friend gently recommended therapy, Marisol responded with, “I’m not crazy, I just need to be stronger.” For a lot of us in our comunidad, we have been taught that mental health issues are for locos. When I told my Abuelito that I wanted to be a therapist, he laughed and said to me: “Entonces vas a ser loquera?” Therapy is like seeing a doctor for your body. You are seeking the help of a professional to give you tools for coping, communication, and growth. Marisol’s sessions could include discussing how tiresome it is to be seen as superwoman. She could learn ways to keep up with her tasks and pour into her cup. Does she not deserve it?

Myth III: Faith alone should heal mental struggles

We don’t know if Marisol is spiritual, but maybe you find that you are. Did you know that spirituality and professional mental health care can work together? At Pillars of Wellness, we even have specialty services called Christian Counseling. Seeking therapy doesn’t mean that you are losing your faith. In fact, it can strengthen it. Therapy is YOUR journey. If your spirituality is important to you, you can have it included in your sessions! Research has shown that clients who integrate spirituality with their therapy often report higher satisfaction and stronger adherence.

Myth IV: We don’t talk about problems outside of la familia.

Marisol took a brave step by talking to a close friend about her struggles, but not many of us do. It can be daunting to talk about what happens behind closed doors, especially with a stranger. However, keeping silent can often deepen the pain. If you are spiritual, or grew up spiritual, think about therapy as when you go a confezarte. You are telling the Priest your sins, and you trust that it is between him and God. In counseling, your therapist will maintain confidentiality. What you say to your therapist will stay between the two of you*. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability of 1996, or HIPAA, will protect your information from being disclosed without your consent. Not only this, but confidentiality is an ethical requirement for us providers.

At Pillars, we understand that it is easier said than done to seek help. But, if you have made it this far and have debunked these myths, you are showing your fuerza! And know that you are not alone. If you are feeling valiente enough and ready to take the next steps, stay tuned for the launch of our program to help you find a culturally sensitive therapist at Pillars.

*Please note, there are limitations to confidentiality. If you disclose regarding a child being abused, as well as if you disclose that you have a set plan and intent to harm yourself or someone else, this may mean that the clinician will have to break confidentiality to ensure yours and other’s safety.