May is Mental Health Awareness Month–a time to reflect on breaking stigmas, healing, and engaging in open conversations about wellness within our community. As Latinas, we often face unique cultural barriers when it comes to mental health, so it’s essential to bring awareness and resources to nuestra comunidad. 

In Latino culture, topics like therapy are often met with generational silence or seen as taboo. Prioritizing self-care over others’ needs can be labeled as selfish or indulgent–but it’s time we change that narrative.

It’s time we take back our power and put our mental well-being first. Let’s celebrate the fact that we’re rewriting the script–through tools like therapy, journaling, movement, boundaries, and descanso. Read on to discover how we’re breaking stigmas and generational cycles this month of May! 

Understanding the “Échale Ganas” Mentality

Growing up, you might have often heard, “Ponte las pilas, mija” or “Échale ganas”–even when your batteries were running low or you had no ganas left to give. It’s important to understand that while these phrases are rooted in perseverance, they often fell short of encouraging rest, time-outs, or real self-care. 

We’ve been taught to push through at all costs, which can lead to productivity guilt–feeling bad for simply resting. So take a moment to remind yourself that sometimes “Échale ganas” could look like resting, resetting, setting healthy and necessary boundaries, or asking for help. Your pilas definitely need and deserve to be recharged, and you deserve to do that guilt-free! 

How We’re Healing Now

Welcome to our healing era–where wellness comes first. We’re unlearning harmful narratives and embracing new tools for self-care within the Latino community. Whether it’s journaling, seeking therapy (especially with Latina/o and bilingual therapists), practicing spiritual rituals, establishing boundaries, or simply saying no without guilt, we are taking control of our mental health. 

We’re also spreading this knowledge by talking openly with loved ones about our practices–because healing multiplies when shared. This is your time. Your healing is valid. Prioritizing your mental health isn’t selfish–it’s necessary.  

Community is Medicine 

Staying close and connecting with our comunidad is a form of wellness and healing. Connection is powerful. Quality time with loved ones–friends, family, and chosen family–strengthens our emotional well-being. 

Sharing experiences, talking, listening, or simply just being together can go a long way. Invite your people over for dinner, host a game night, or organize a day out together. Shared joy and presence can be just what the mind and heart need. After all, healing doesn’t have to be done alone–community is medicine. 

Words That Heal: Affirmations for the Month 

When caring for our mental health, it’s important to acknowledge what does and doesn’t serve us, what might be draining us of our energy, and what might be causing us more stress than it does peace. Mental health care means checking in with ourselves and being honest. Here are a few affirmations to support you for Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond: 

🩷Estoy sanando poco a poco

🩷Rest is productive

🩷It’s okay to take a break

🩷It’s okay if I’m not okay–I will be soon 

Or any other affirmation you gravitate toward that you feel grounds you. Say it, believe it, and repeat it. 

Whether in this season of life that you find yourself in, you’re thriving, surviving, or somewhere in between, your feelings are valid. Your healing journey matters and taking care of your mental health is a priority–not a luxury. Go forward with grace, practice self-compassion, and remember that you deserve the same patience and kindness you give to others! 🩷