Navigating Mental Health as a BX Latina

Navigating mental health as a Bronx Latina can present unique challenges due to cultural stigmas, language barriers, and limited access to resources. It's essential to seek culturally competent mental health professionals who understand your background and can provide support tailored to your needs.

I must admit I dislike the idea that as a Latina woman I have sought out services and self-advocated in order to receive a glimpse of the services that are rightfully mine. I used to see the misalignment in the medical and mental health professions when close family members sought out or received involuntary care. On different occasions, EMS were called to my childhood home and the children in the home would be the interpreters. Remind me again, how a 6 year-old or a 10 year-old child would know how to translate medical terminology without encountering some variation of confusion.

When I've asked others about navigating mental health services as a young adolescent entering young adulthood I would be reminded of the "lack of effort" my community would have in seeking services. What did that even mean; lack of effort ? We faced many different barriers from language, representation, education, finances, employment to securing needed resources.

For 12+ years, I have worked in the human services field and I have noticed the resistances or the frustrations in translating resources being provided due to lack of awareness, cultural sensitivity, lack of cultural competence and overall, the assumption that Google translate would accurately translate material into another language. No offense to Google... Shit! I appreciate the effort however, I am TIRED of translations being directly linked to Spain... Vostrosos vs. Nostrosos vs. Ustedes vs. Vos vs Tu...etc...

Why does translation matter? Why does it not? I have learned to use a mixture of dialect in the Spanish language to build relationships with family, peers, and the community. I have learned to continue developing skills in Latin American culture to expand my own awareness and knowledge on our community. Low-key, I am still the interpreter of my family, clients, parents, and well, any program/organization I've worked for. Should I stop(?) or Should I continue to give access to those who need it as my family once did (?)