Stigma keeps some Latinos from Depression Treatment - Article Example

The study surveyed 200 Spanish-speaking Latinos, of which 83% were women and all were from the lower-income group and who showed varying degrees of depression during the screening process. When they were questioned about whether they were trustworthy, nearly 51% of the participant’s response affirmed that they stigmatized their condition. On further analysis of their response to the treatment it was found that about 22% of the individuals were not taking proper medications, 21% were unable to take steps to control their condition and 44% were likely to have missed scheduled appointments with their doctors.

It is conclusive from the study that the presence of stigma is definitely a barrier to the treatment process. Researchers studying mental health have suggested that physicians need to find alternative ways to enable such people with depression come out of their stigma rather than stick to the conventional methods. The alternative methods should help depressed individuals to put back negative thoughts and abide by the treatment regimen which will lead to faster recovery. Thus the article throws an insight into stigmas that are associated with depression which only tend to compound the condition and lengthen the recovery process.

While this study reviewed Latinos, there are many others who are stigmatized about mental illness and more such studies need to be done in order to have a broader view of the issue and find suitable solutions.