Multiple Sclerosis and Mental Health in Latino People

Meanwhile, when MS is combined with mental health, the problem worsens.

A higher number of Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino participants say they would be willing to disclose the effect of MS on their mental health and their willingness to receive psychological help if these services were offered together.

This phenomenon is different with White and non-Hispanic/Latino participants, who are willing to receive medical treatment for MS and mental health separately.

There is an urgent need for Latino participation in clinical trials or testing. Studies are crucial to determine whether treatments are safe and effective. If you participate in one of them, you will probably have access to new medical research therapies before they are available to other patients. You can use this guide from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where you can learn about clinical trials and how you can participate. 

The Stigma of Mental Health

A 2022 study of the impact of socioeconomic status on mental health and the search for medical attention for multiple sclerosis by race and ethnicity found that: 

• Those who have been diagnosed with MS are more likely to have psychiatric symptoms. 
• Socioeconomic status influences psychological symptoms and the likelihood of mental recovery. 
• People with MS with fewer financial resources were more likely to be Hispanic/Latino or Black/African American.

Fatigue is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis, but culturally, especially if the patient is a Latino male, it is socially challenging for them to acknowledge that they are tired. This is often because Latino men are generally the primary financial providers of the family, or they have several jobs. This responsibility creates pressure on a personal level and the obligation to work, even though multiple sclerosis may be a disabling condition that requires medical care. 

The stigma in the Latino community about seeking psychological help remains a significant obstacle, especially in people facing chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Many people fear that seeking emotional support will be interpreted as a sign of weakness or even insanity, which will affect their role as a leading provider. This fear is particularly strong among Latino men, who often avoid talking about their mental health. Lack of adequate psychological support not only affects their emotional well-being but can also aggravate the physical symptoms of the disease. 

Proficiency in the Spanish language and an understanding of Latino culture from the medical provider are crucial to the success of mental health management. Around 14 million Hispanic people in the United States report having a mental illness, and roughly 12,000 psychotherapists offer their services in Spanish.

Stress Management

MS is a disease without a cure and with treatments that can be expensive. To get better results, it is critical to control your emotional state. Managing stress doesn't have to be expensive and can be done from home. 

5 simple ways to manage stress 

1. Exercise. It doesn't have to be strenuous; just a walk around the neighborhood is enough to release endorphins and make you feel good. 
2. Relaxation techniques. From deep breathing to practicing yoga and tai chi, certain techniques will help you relax and lower your blood pressure and heart rate. 
3. Activities that you enjoy. Savor a cup of coffee, play cards, talk to friends and family, listen to music, or practice any other activity that you like and gives you a sense of well-being. 
4. Balanced diet. Begin the day with a high-protein breakfast, eat complex carbohydrates, increase water intake, and avoid or reduce alcohol consumption. 
5. Sleep soundly all night. Set up a routine and limit food and alcohol before bedtime. The amount and quality of sleep may affect your mood. 

Resources and Support 

Although Latino people often have a large group of loved ones and friends to lean on, they are likely not to disclose their diagnosis immediately. The stigma of coping with symptoms that are physically and cognitively limiting is common among those who receive this diagnosis. Overcoming that stigma is the first step in seeking help. 

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers resources for Spanish speakers in the United States. This help ranges from clinicians to support groups. You can find valuable resources in the following links:

• Finding physicians 
• Virtual communities 
• Support groups 

Although multiple sclerosis has no cure, treatment can reduce symptoms, prevent relapses, and slow the progression of the disease. 

Summary 

• An estimated 30% of people who have multiple sclerosis in the United States are Hispanic. 
• Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American people with MS face the most significant economic challenges. 
• When a Hispanic person is diagnosed with MS, they have more disabling symptoms than the Black and White populations. 
• The occurrence of multiple sclerosis in Hispanics is 2.9 out of 100,000 people, lower than other ethnic groups. 
• About 14 million Hispanic people in the United States report having a mental illness.