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According to a recent study, Colorado’s 988 line showed that 54% of its English-speaking and 80% of its Spanish-speaking callers in the last year were men. Alanys Chavez, LPC with Thriveworks in Colorado Springs, focuses on men’s mental health challenges and said she understands why more Hispanic men are seeking mental health support.
“I do think that the stigma is lessening. I think social media, more people talking about it, mental health is being looked at as more of a overall kind of holistic type of health care versus, I only come during crises,” said Chavez.
According to the one-year analysis of Colorado’s 988, it shows that 25% of men are currently in therapy, with 48% planning to seek therapy in the next year.
“Finances can sometimes be a barrier or even time, men can don’t have a lot of time. They’re usually working on, their job or, you know, spending time with family,” said Chavez.
Chavez said she feels that because the hotline is anonymous, it removes a barrier for men seeking help.
“So it can feel more comfortable, especially if it’s your first time or you’re not really, as comfortable with mental health where you can come and be anonymous and be helped at the same time,” said Chavez.