In the United States, there is an extensive amount of pressure to succeed. Our society encourages us to crave success. Latin Americans, especially those that have immigrated here, may find that their pursuit of living the American dream comes with emotional distress. As minorities, we are prone to experience inequality, poverty, and discrimination, in addition to language barriers during social interaction. 

According to the American Psychiatric Association, the Latin American community is more likely to suffer from emotional distress. The challenges associated with acclimating to a new culture may cause this stress. It is common for Hispanic immigrants to work long hours, sometimes at physically demanding jobs. We are sometimes warned not to speak Spanish publicly for fear of judgment and discrimination. These are just a few examples of issues our community faces that bring physical and mental tension, which may manifest into more significant mental health conditions. Chronic stress increases the risk of heart attack, high blood sugar, depression, insomnia, and other diseases when left untreated. Without proper care, many people turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as alcohol abuse.

These stressors can cause a psychological and physiological disorder commonly known as anxiety.

Anxiety disorders come in various forms, and people who struggle often fail to recognize that they are struggling. Panic attacks, phobias, post-traumatic stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorders are all considered to be anxiety disorders. 

Common symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:

• Abnormal breathing
• Uncontrollable thoughts
• Disturbing memories (sometimes with recurring nightmares)
• Nausea
• Heart palpitations
• Muscle tension
• Excessive fear and worry
• Sleep difficulties

Mental Health and Treatment in the Hispanic Community

The Latin American community's beliefs, values, and cultural differences make it easy for us to overlook symptoms of anxiety. For one, there is a stigma around mental health. Many will choose to suffer in silence as they believe speaking up will make them appear weak and bring shame. Our strong cultural values have also influenced us to have faith in traditional healers and churches to restore our bodies to health, often causing us to avoid professional medical help altogether.

Hispanics may avoid going to the doctor for other reasons as well. Fear of deportation, language barriers, poor health insurance, and low-quality healthcare often detour Hispanic Americans from seeking the help they need. Even in Spanish-speaking facilities, a lack of cultural competence often makes members of our community feel genuinely misunderstood.

While it may feel uncomfortable to ask for help, therapy is a fantastic way to care for your mental health and improve your quality of life. Working with a therapist can benefit you, your family, and important relationships in your life. 

Natural Stress Relief

Despite the barriers in our system, some providers understand and offer a natural healing approach. Incorporating healthy stress-relieving tactics into your daily routine will help prevent emotional burnout and chemical imbalance. Take walks, meditate, talk to friends and family about your feelings, immerse yourself in a hobby, and consider natural supplements to support your nervous system. 

Dietary supplements can support a healthy response to stress and promote nervous system health.

Relax+™ - This natural supplement is designed to support healthy sleep, stress response, relief of tension, positive mood, and promote nervous system health.

Passion Flower and Kava Kava have beneficial properties that promote the relief of physical and emotional stress. Both have mild sedative properties that promote relaxation, reduced stress, and reduced anxiety. They also help alleviate physical symptoms that often accompany anxiety, such as flatulence (excessive gas), diarrhea, and an upset stomach.

Along with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and plenty of rest, stress supplements can help your body cope with the daily stress brought on by our society and culture.

Alleviate stress, tension, and nervousness and restore your body to health. Shop stress supplements.

Your Hispanic American Health Store

Health Hispanica® is a Hispanic American health store specializing in supplements from Hispanic-American-owned brands such as Natura-Genics® and Yerba Farma®. We strive to provide quality and innovative supplements at fair prices and educate our clients and community on healthy living.