Auras Nuevas: Designing a Mental Health Toolkit for The Latine Immigrant Community in Indiana

Abstract

The silence around mental health can be especially pronounced in communities where discussing emotional struggles is seen as a sign of weakness or failure. Immigrants may face unique challenges, including language barriers, acculturation stress, and the trauma of displacement, yet these struggles are frequently overlooked or under addressed. Why is mental health such a taboo subject within these communities? Why do immigrant populations often shy away from discussing mental health concerns or seeking support? These questions highlight the crucial need for culturally sensitive interventions, such as a mental health toolkit, to address not only the psychological needs of these communities but also to begin breaking down the stigma that surrounds mental health discussions; which is what Auras Unidas aims to address.