Depression In North America

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Assimilation to North American culture has a significant impact of the rate and severity of depression among immigrants from Latin American countries. Mental health services overall has seen an increase over time in North America as stressors and quality of life becomes a factor that can influence a person significantly. The comparison of the rate of depression with immigrants increases overtime as they spend more time in North America, in comparison to the rate of depression in individuals who have chosen to remain in their country of origin. Mental health should be of great concern and interest with clinicians that have probability of working with immigrants that present with depression as well as other mental illness. Knowing that a …show more content…

As the rate of immigration increases from Latin America, so should the understanding of the population and their understanding of mental health and coping skills used to prevent depression and remedy it. It is known that Latin American residents do have a lower rate of depression in comparison to that of North America. Those who immigrate to North America whom may not have had any previous problems with depression before immigration have a higher probability of reporting depression the more they assimilate. It is the goal in this study to identify coping mechanisms and differences in lifestyle that have an impact on the differences in depression levels in the individuals studied. Implications of the study could cause further reduction in depression and depressive symptoms with the individuals studied (Office of the Surgeon General, …show more content…

One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the Hispanic-American population is its rapid growth. In the 2000 census, sooner than forecast, the number of Hispanics counted rose to 35.3 million. Persons of Mexican origin encompass the largest proportion of Latinos equaling to almost two-thirds, with the remaining third distributed primarily among persons of Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Central American origin. (Office of the Surgeon General, 2001). Being able to identify some of the core issues that are reported from the immigrants that have been identified and appropriately diagnosed as having depression and or anxiety is the key to significantly reducing problematic situations that could be resolved at a quicker rate, or avoided all

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