Mental health inequities are a key problem that many Latinos face in their overall health care. In California (38.18% Latino population), steps have been taken to help alleviate some of these problems with the passing of a new law that will take effect on January 1, 2017. In past years, many health centers in rural parts of the state were unable to bill Medi-Cal, the government health program for low-income Californians, for services; the new law reverses that decision. Without proper treatment, mental health conditions can worsen and make day-to-day life hard. Latinos are less likely to seek mental health treatment. A 2001 Surgeon General’s report found that only 20% of Latinos with symptoms of a psychological disorder talk to a doctor about their concerns. Only 10% contact a mental ...
Across the nation, 17% of college students were diagnosed with or treated for anxiety problems during the 2015-2016 calendar year, The Wall Street Journal reports. Of this group, nearly 14% were diagnosed or treated for depression. This number is up significantly from a 2011 survey by the American College Health Association and counselors on campus are reporting seeing more “serious illnesses.” There is also a rise in the number of students who are enrolling with pre-existing psychiatric histories. The reason for this unprecedented surge is unclear. Therapists and college counselors have speculated that factors ranging from the economy and rising tuition rates to the impact of social media have led to the current rise in mental health issues. “Students are overwhelmed with ...
Can stress negate the benefits of a healthy diet? Our lifestyle can influence our health and the power of stress can hurt change our bodies in a myriad of ways. According to recent research, stress can ultra metabolism, making the body become inflamed no matter if you are eating healthy foods or unhealthy foods. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, researcher, and director of the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research at the Ohio State University told NPR the more healthful meal was no better in terms of its impact on inflammation. The stress that was causing the inflammation in the bodies of the women studied was not life-threatening, but more about feeling in control. Inflammation in the body over long periods of time are linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, some ...
Access to and treatment for mental health issues is has long been a problem for many Latinos. According to a recent study, one in five Americans is believed to have a mental health condition at any given time. However, Latinos receive a lot less psychiatric care overall, including visits to psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists. In an effort to combat the growing trend of a lack of access, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has awarded more than $44 million to increase the number of mental health providers and substance abuse counselors across the country. A recent announcement from HHS touted that the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) would be funding 144 ...
When it comes to mental health issues, many Latinos are plagued by a lack of access and the thought of cultural stigma and rarely seek assistance for issues such as depression. This can lead to isolation and further health problems, especially in the heavily Latino populated Sonoma County, Calif. (26% Latino population), The Press Democrat reports. At Sonoma State University, Francisco Vázquez a professor and president of the board of directors of the nonprofit Latino Service Providers-Sonoma County, believes he has found a way to bridge the cultural gap preventing Latinos from seeking help. Vázquez is behind a $1.18 million grant project aimed at identifying cultural practices that lead to improved mental and behavioral health. These practices include traditional healing arts, ...
Despite increasing numbers of Latinos improving their health through gaining medical insurance, there are still large disparities in many areas of health care. One of the main gaps in care is mental health. A new study has determined that Latino children and young adults with mental health issues are only half as likely as their white counterparts to receive treatment. The national study, “Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health Care for Children and Young Adults,” examined data on children under 18, and young adults 18-34 from 2006-2012. The authors theorize, in the study, that this lack of mental health treatment could explain why many more Latinos (compared to their White or Asian peers) are expelled from school. Latinos receive a lot less psychiatric care overall, ...
Latino and Black children and young adults with mental health issues are half as likely as Whites to get mental health care, according to a new study, the Compton Herald reports. The study, which examined more than 108,000 Latino, Black, and White children and young adults, found that racial/ethnic minorities got a lot less psychiatric care. That includes fewer visits to psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists, despite consistent rates of mental illness across racial/ethnic groups. Latino and Black youth also received less substance abuse and mental health counseling. Study researchers, led by Dr. Lyndonna Marrast of Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine in New York, indicate this could play a role "in why children from these communities end up getting expelled from ...
According to a new study from the Columbia University Medical Center, most Americans – including a majority of Latinos – who screen positive for depression don’t receive treatment for it. Also, many who do receive treatment, don’t appear to have the disorder. “Over the last several years there has been an increase in prescription of antidepressants,” said Mark Olfson, lead author of the study. “In that context, many people assumed that undertreatment of depression is no longer a common problem.” Olfson found the opposite was true after analyzing the data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys in 2012 and 2013. Asked if they had been screened for adults, 8.4% of the more than 46,000 adults answered in ways suggested they had depression. Only 28.7% who appeared ...
Kids can get physical, social, emotional, and mental benefits from play. But what if they have no safe, unlocked places to be active? Tweet with #SaludTues on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, to get information, resources, and tips that can help moms, dads, and kids find ways to unlock and open up active spaces for their communities. We will describe how shared use and open use policies can help schools open their recreational facilities after classes to help Latino and all kids grow up to be a healthier weight, prevent disease, and access the mental health benefits of play! WHAT: #SaludTues Tweetchat: “Breaking Barriers to Active Spaces”
TIME/DATE: 1-2 p.m. ET (Noon-1 p.m. CT), Tuesday, August 30, 2016
WHERE: On Twitter with hashtag #SaludTues
HOST: @SaludToday
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