Denise Cruz 

Noelle Nagales

ENGL 21003

March 20, 2023

Scientific Rhetorical Analysis 

Mental health has always been a topic within any community, but especially within minority communities. Certain minorities are more at risk for these certain issues and go on to endure without any help or care. 

There has long been a stigma attached to mental illness. It has become more prevalent in the Latino population, causing many to suffer alone and without assistance. Among today’s challenges, mental health has always been a big topic. Because of a shortage of resources accessible to particular areas, there is an increase in people who are more likely to develop some kind of mental distress. In an article entitled “Mental Health Needs of an Emerging Latino Community”, the authors Linda Bucay-Harari, Kathleen R. Page, Noa Krawczyk, Yvonne P. Robles, Carlos Castillo-Salgado discuss in great detail the use of healthcare for mental health issues to those that don’t have or couldn’t qualify for insurance. The authors go on to talk about the vulnerability that certain immigrant latinos have from migrating here and the opportunities  that have been opened for those that would be accepted by most healthcare resources.

Many undocumented immigrants that take the risk of migrating here face many challenges that come with this long and grueling process. Such as what they might be running from. Many immigrants run from corruption and violence which can traumatize anyone. But also once they get into the country they face separation, discrimination and countless other things that can make anyone break. In the article it states “Migration is a process that involves several stressors. Undocumented immigrants are particularly vulnerable since they face unique risks and exposure to traumatic experiences before, during, and after migrating that put them at high risk of mental health distress.” (389) This demonstrates how a stressful experience like this may have a significant impact on one’s physical and emotional well-being. Yet it doesn’t start with the lengthy journey and end when they arrive; it goes on.

As many immigrants arrive in the States one thing that they may face as immigrants is limited access to healthcare. One of those reasons may be that some people just might not really know that there is specialized help for mental health issues. The article mentions that Latinos usually depend on the general medical field rather than looking for specialized mental health services. Alluding to the possibility that these services aren’t talked about enough for this community. Or the fact that because it isn’t talked about enough that many people just shy away from it thinking that it is something to be ashamed of. 

In conclusion the stigma on mental health has deterred many from seeking help and getting better. This stigma has pushed its way into the latino community which has just added fuel to the fire. With the latino population growing by many immigrants coming into the country come many underlying mental health issues that many are at high risk of but don’t seek help. Many believe it’s something to be ashamed of and utilize certain resources there for them.