Generational Healing: Mental Health Across Immigrant Families
For many young adults in Hispanic and Latinx communities, life can feel like living in two different worlds. At home, cultural traditions, language, and expectations shape daily life and how we interact with our family. Outside, American norms and pressures may pull in a different direction, the feeling of needing to fit into a culture outside of your own. This balancing act can feel overwhelming— especially when layered with the sacrifices our families often make.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a wonderful time to reflect not only on our ancestors’ resilience but also on how we can heal the stress and silence passed down through generations. This is particularly true for many first-generation individuals, who may feel discouraged or isolated when they lack someone to lean on or relate to. Research from the National Library of Medicine notes that “first generation immigrants generally have an initial health advantage over their U.S.-born counterparts that erodes the longer they reside in the U.S.” (Alegría et al., 2017). Over time, mental health risks can increase as they navigate significant life changes, adapt to a new culture, and work to preserve their own cultural identity.
According to National Alliance of Mental Health “35.1% of Hispanic/Latinx adults with mental illness receive treatment each year compared to the U.S. average of 46.2%. This is due to many unique barriers to care” (NAMI 2025). Some of the barriers that prevent these individuals from seeking mental health are language, financial, legality, stigma, and lack of cultural competence. These challenges often lead to discouragement, delays in care, and unmet mental health needs. At the same time, it is important to recognize that Hispanic/Latinx communities often hold strong values of family, spirituality, and resilience, which can serve as protective factors.
Immigrant parents and grandparents often carried enormous burdens by working multiple jobs, facing discrimination, and sacrificing personal dreams so the next generation could thrive. Out of love, they may encourage young adults to stay strong, not complain, and keep moving forward.
But this sometimes means that feelings of sadness, anxiety, or identity struggles get brushed aside. Younger generations may feel:
Guilty for struggling when their parents “had it harder.”
Caught between cultural expectations and personal dreams.
Unsure how to process trauma, stress, or anxiety that didn’t start with them but affects them deeply.
Generational healing is not about rejecting our family or culture— it’s about embracing our heritage while simultaneously breaking cycles that no longer serve us. Therapy can help younger generations:
Understand intergenerational trauma.
Create boundaries without disrespect.
Develop coping strategies for stress, identity, and cultural duality.
Additionally, generational healing can begin with the roots of your family and talk about previous stories. Asking parents or grandparents about their experiences can often build empathy and understanding. Having the ability to connect with our ancestors and any close family member can be the first step in understanding your culture and values better while also understanding how to heal.
Name what you’re feeling. Putting words to emotions reduces shame and builds awareness.
Blend cultural practices with self-care. For example, learning to cook your favorite family meals, journaling after a family prayer, or using music and dance as emotional release.
Seek culturally responsive therapy. Finding a therapist who understands Hispanic values can make the process feel safer and more affirming.
Healing is not about forgetting the past— it’s about honoring it while building a healthier future. This Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s recognize that our resilience comes not only from carrying burdens but also from learning how to set them down. Let’s celebrate both our traditions and our willingness to evolve in a healthier yet respectful manner.
References:
Alegría, M., Álvarez, K., & DiMarzio, K. (2017). Immigration and Mental Health. Current epidemiology reports, 4(2), 145–155. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40471-017-0111-2
C. Andrew Conway, M. A., & Conway, C. A. (2022b, July 7). The Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders Among Latino Parents. National Research Center on Hispanic Children and Families. https://www.hispanicresearchcenter.org/research-resources/the-prevalence-of-mental-health-disorders…
NAMI. (2024, May 28). Hispanic/Latinx. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). https://www.nami.org/your-journey/identity-and-cultural-dimensions/hispanic-latinx/
Supervised by Jennifer Vasquez, PhD, LCSW-S at Inspired Practice LLC.
