Each year between September 15 to October 15, the U.S. celebrates Hispanic/Latino culture during Hispanic Heritage Month. While communities celebrate Hispanic and Latino history and culture beyond these four weeks, this month is a chance to shine a light on the rich culture and enduring impact of individuals and communities from this cultural background.
Standing together
As we celebrate these contributions, we also stand in solidarity with the many families whose mental health and well-being are being impacted by fears related to changes in immigration policy — such as mass detention, mass deportation, and family separation — in addition to economic vulnerability, and violence driven by xenophobia. It is essential to recognize the role these realities play in exacerbating barriers to healthcare, mental health support, and other vital community resources.
Building resilience
Resilience is the ability to withstand or bounce back from adversity. Despite the current challenges, this is also a time to celebrate the tremendous resilience of the Latino community, which is tied to a number of key psychological strengths. These strengths include determination, adaptability, resistance, a strong work ethic, a powerful sense of collective emotional expression, and a deep-rooted sense that “esperanza es lo último que se pierde,” a reminder to never lose hope. All are characteristic of the Latino community and are strengths from which everyone can draw inspiration.
Pause and reflect
- What does collective emotional expression mean to you?
- How does adaptability contribute to resilience?
- What psychological strengths do you already see in your community, in your family, in your young person, and in yourself?
- What psychological strengths would you like to build?
Additional Resources
- Recognizing the Signs Your Young Person Needs Support in Stressful Times
- Supporting Your Teen Experiencing Mental Health Challenges
- If Self-Harm is Possible, Be Proactive
- Keeping Young Women Safe from Self-Harm
- A Guide for Parents: Helping your teen balance academics and mental health
- A Guide for Parents & College Students: Navigating College Campus Support Systems
- Stress-Relieving Exercise: Give yourself a few minutes of calm by following your breath
- Parents Under Pressure: The U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents
