In Dalton, Georgia, a group of teens to seniors gathers regularly in an office inside a grocery store. This northwestern Georgia city has a large Hispanic population, and the conversation revolves around mental health and suicide. Community leader America Gruner moderates these meetings, where attendees share their emotional stories. The support group was formed in 2019 after three Latino youths died by suicide over a two-week period. Gruner, the founder and president of Coalición de Líderes Latinos, realized that immediate action was necessary.
The suicide rate for Hispanic people in the United States has significantly increased over the past decade, causing concern among community leaders. Shockingly, even elementary school-aged Hispanic children have either attempted self-harm or expressed suicidal thoughts. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit young Hispanics especially hard, as many immigrant children are expected to shoulder more responsibilities due to language barriers and other cultural factors. Additionally, limited access to mental health services exacerbates the problem.
Alejandra Vargas, a bilingual Spanish program coordinator for the Suicide Prevention Center at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services in Los Angeles, emphasizes the importance of being able to discuss painful experiences in one’s native language. Speaking in Spanish grants individuals a specific type of healing and a sense of relief that they will be understood.
KFF statistics reveal that the suicide rate among Hispanics has risen from 5.7 per 100,000 people to 7.9 per 100,000 from 2011 to 2021. Alarming data shows that the suicide rate for Hispanic children aged 12 and below increased by 92.3% from 2010 to 2019.
These distressing trends are not limited to specific regions; both urban and rural communities across the country are affected. For example, the Children’s Institute in Los Angeles reports a significant increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations among young Hispanics for risky behavior and suicidal thoughts.
In Georgia, where the Hispanic population is growing, the suicide rate rose by 55% between 2018 and 2022, according to the state’s Department of Public Health. Ser Familia, a social services organization in metro Atlanta, has witnessed alarming numbers of Hispanic children reporting suicidal thoughts.
The causes of suicide are complex and multifaceted, often involving a combination of factors such as previous suicide attempts, relationship issues, mental illness, financial problems, lack of healthcare access, and social isolation. Minority groups face additional social and economic pressures, and Hispanics may encounter cultural and systemic obstacles.
Stress related to immigration status can have a significant impact on mental health. Uncertainty about the future and not feeling like they belong can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression among Hispanic individuals. Researchers have found that Latino adolescents with detained or deported family members are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts.
Lack of access to mental health care remains a challenge, compounded by the scarcity of bilingual mental health providers. Language barriers and potential discrimination further hinder individuals from seeking help. In California, a recent study uncovered potential discrimination during the scheduling process for mental health appointments, with Spanish-speaking callers facing obstacles.
Cultural stigma also contributes to the issue, as mental illness may be perceived as taboo among many Black and Hispanic communities. Traditional gender norms may prevent men from seeking help, perpetuating the idea that they should solve their problems alone.
To combat this mental health crisis, the federal government, in collaboration with states, introduced the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in 2022, providing crisis counseling services and resources. Efforts have been made to provide services in Spanish, but more work is needed to effectively reach at-risk communities.
Key strategies to reduce suicide rates among Hispanics include increasing funding for mental health programs that recognize cultural, legal, and language needs. Local leaders are stepping in to fill gaps by organizing support groups to specifically cater to the Hispanic population.
Miguel Serricchio from Santa Clarita, California, facilitates bilingual support groups for individuals affected by suicide. Gruner, the creator of the Latino support group in Dalton, hears from participants who express thoughts of suicide or worry about their children. Support, honesty, and non-judgmental attitudes are critical in helping young people navigate their challenges.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can also be reached at 800-273-8255. Additional resources can be found at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.