The suicide rate among Hispanic Americans has increased significantly over the past decade, raising concerns among community leaders and mental health experts. According to KFF data, the suicide rate for Hispanics jumped from 5.7 per 100,000 people in 2011 to 7.9 per 100,000 in 2021.
The trend is particularly alarming among Hispanic youth. A study published in the Journal of Community Health found that the suicide rate for Hispanic children 12 and younger increased 92.3% from 2010 to 2019. Mental health professionals report seeing suicidal thoughts in children as young as 8.
Experts cite several factors contributing to this crisis, including immigration stress, language barriers, and cultural stigma surrounding mental health care. Many Hispanic children face additional pressures as they navigate between two cultures and often serve as interpreters for their parents.
“Being able to talk about painful things in a language that you are comfortable with is a really specific type of healing,” said Alejandra Vargas, a bilingual program coordinator at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services in Los Angeles.
Community leaders are taking action to address the problem. In Dalton, Georgia, America Gruner formed a support group in 2019 after three young Latinos died by suicide within two weeks.Mental health professionals stress the need for culturally sensitive care and increased access to bilingual providers. The recent addition of Spanish-language text and chat services to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline aims to improve support for the Hispanic community.
See “Rising Suicide Rate Among Hispanics Worries Community Leaders” (January 22, 2024)
