Mayo 11 de 2023.
Since I’ve lived in the US, I have worked with several Latina women through their first time talking with a professional about their mental health.
I am always moved by how guilt and fear have taken root around betraying the power of God, or their family by receiving treatment for their issues. Taking care of themselves somehow shows a failure of being «una luchadora» «a warrior woman philosophy» or the magnificence of God’s help in our lives.
But the reality is that behind the myth of these failures lies actually a deeply personal fear of being vulnerable.
The reason: “always being strong» is the social paradigm of an immigrant woman. Even more so for their children immigrants and first generation who also carry the second challenge of not letting their parents down after their sacrifices. That paradigm is impossible to keep! As a Latina immigrant, I know these situations are terrifying to examine, but crucial to improving our mental health.
Let´s see some: the impact of crossing borders and giving up our past, running away from a threatening couple, suffering for a sick family member, working three horrible jobs, or wanting to toss aside generational narratives.
The problem is sometimes following a social/family model can numb the pain of what is really happening. Let’s talk about what hurts us, put down our armor, feel free to have the life we desire and learn to identify with what happens to us as humans every day.
That is true courage! Esa es la verdadera guerrera which I’ve been fortunate to meet many times as women choose to take their first step to talk with a professional!
I admire every Latina who is taking a step toward her well-being.
👉During #LatinaMentalHealthAwarenessWeek I encourage you to look for help if that is what your heart is asking you to do. Many of your sisters are also doing it.
.
Arte: Daniel Popper.