Higher Rates of Depression and Suicide Attempts Among Latinas

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Latinas born in the U.S. to immigrant parents have had higher rates of depression and suicide attempts for more than 40 years.

“Research shows that young Latinas, especially those born in the U.S. to immigrant parents, think about suicide, plan suicide, and actually attempt suicide more than other teens.  Their suicide attempt rates have been up to twice as high as for other youth,” Dr. Luis Zayas, dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Texas-Austin told WAMC-Radio.

Part of the problem, according to Zayas is that Latinas assimilate to mainstream culture faster than their parents becoming a conflict “that escalates until there is a crisis that sparks the suicide attempt.”

Dr. Zayas recommends positive parent-adolescent communication, which, according to research can diminish the chances of a suicide attempt by over 50 percent.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).