For many immigrant families, the holiday season can bring intense stress, particularly for those separated from loved ones. Feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression are often amplified, according to experts.
Dr. Luke Smith, a child psychiatrist at El Futuro, a mental health clinic in Durham, North Carolina, says the emotional toll is especially high for those unable to visit family back home. “For many immigrants, traditions that once brought comfort are not being celebrated in the same way in the U.S.,” he said. “Food tastes different, music sounds different, and even the language is foreign. These changes can be deeply unsettling.”
Smith has worked with El Futuro for over 20 years, helping the clinic provide bilingual mental health services to more than 7,000 patients across 66 counties in North Carolina each year. The clinic offers free counseling during walk-in clinics three days a week in Durham and Siler City, and also provides services through telehealth for those in more remote areas.
El Futuro’s main focus is to treat mental health and substance abuse issues. Common problems include depression, anxiety, and academic difficulties, especially among younger patients.
This year, however, the holiday stress is compounded by political uncertainty. Dr. Smith points to the ongoing national debate on immigration, including President-elect Donald Trump’s promises to ramp up deportations and challenge birthright citizenship. “The fear of the unknown is especially overwhelming for immigrant families,” Smith said. “Some members may have work visas, others may be permanent residents, or even U.S. citizens. For them, the anxiety is palpable.”
The political climate has created mixed reactions within immigrant communities. While some individuals remain defiant, others feel increasingly alienated. “The rhetoric is so intense that people are questioning whether this community is as welcoming as they once thought,” Smith explained.
Additionally, cultural tensions fuel by high-ranking politicians have made it harder for some immigrants to connect with their traditions. Dr. Smith noted that loss of cultural identity can lead to heightened depression and anxiety, particularly among adolescents. These issues often affect school performance and social interactions.
Since its founding in 2004, El Futuro has seen a sharp increase in demand for mental health services, especially among Hispanic and Latino communities. “The Latino population has grown significantly in North Carolina over the past 20-30 years,” Smith said. “Today, one in three students in our schools is Latino, and 11% of the state’s workforce is Hispanic or Latino.”
A key part of El Futuro’s mission is to help individuals embrace their cultural heritage as a means of promoting mental well-being. “We encourage people to celebrate their traditions and be proud of who they are,” Smith said. “Cultural identity is a vital part of mental health, and we believe it plays an important role in healing.”
The clinic hosts free community events to celebrate various Hispanic and Latino traditions. On December 16, El Futuro will hold a Las Posadas celebration, a religious event with origins in Mexico that honors the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. The event will take place at El Futuro’s Durham location at 2020 Chapel Hill Road.
El Futuro also provides free resources online to help healthcare professionals better serve Hispanic and Latino patients, offering training, educational materials, and consultations.
As the holiday season unfolds, Dr. Smith and his colleagues urge families to prioritize their mental health, embrace their cultural roots, and seek support when needed.
Related topics:
- Trump Proposes Deporting Families with Mixed Immigration Status
- Iran Calls on Spain to Extend Visa Validity and Ease Requirements for Traders
- Affordable Medical Exams for Immigrants Seeking Citizenship Hard to Find in Kansas City
