In a lot of our families, we grew up hearing “échale ganas” and “no le cuentes a nadie.” We learned to push through. But anxiety, depression, and stress don’t go away because we ignore them, and it’s okay to not be okay.
Hablemos means “let’s talk.” Here’s how to start.
Tips for starting the conversation
- Pick a calm moment. A car ride, a walk, or cooking together feels less intense than a sit-down talk.
- Start with yourself. “I’ve been feeling stressed lately…” makes it easier for others to share.
- Listen more than you talk. You don’t have to fix it. Just being heard helps.
- Don’t compare. “When I was your age…” can shut a conversation down fast.
- Keep the door open. One conversation won’t cover everything. Check in again.
Words that help
- “I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
- “Thank you for telling me.”
- “You’re not a burden.”
- “Do you want advice, or do you just want me to listen?”
Signs it might be time to get help
- Sleeping or eating much more or much less than usual
- Pulling away from family, friends, or things they used to enjoy
- Feeling hopeless, worthless, or on edge most days
- Trouble keeping up at school or work
- Drinking or using drugs to cope
Finding counseling you can afford
- Community health centers often offer counseling on a sliding scale based on income. Search findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
- FindTreatment.gov lists mental health and substance use services near you, including ones that offer care in Spanish or low-cost options.
- If you have insurance, the number on the back of your card can tell you which counselors are in your network.
If someone is in crisis
If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide or is in crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7, with help in Spanish. In an emergency, call 911.
