Self-Care & Marianismo
What is Marianismo? According to Falicov 2014 in the Latino/x culture Marianismo “portrays ideal women as submissive, self-sacrificing and modest”. Marianismo is embedded as part of the Latino/x culture that at times it is difficult to see and acknowledge how it may be affecting one’s mental health.
A very important part of managing symptoms of depression and anxiety is self-care. However, as Therapists we often hear “I need to take care of everyone else before myself”. Growing up in the Latino culture it is often encouraged for women to be caretakers and to be like “Maria or Mary”. This may also end up being source of anger and resentment if there is no self-care to balance out the caregiving. In therapy the idea of taking care of oneself is often discussed. If one is not taking care of the basics like eating and sleeping mental health symptoms may show up such as anxiety and depression.
Moreover, being a constant caregiver with no relief or self-care can lead to burnout and overall dissatisfaction with life including anxiety and depression. Therapy can help you examine how to improve self -care. Here are some basic self-care areas to consider:
1. Physical Self-care: eating, sleeping, wearing clothes I like, physical activities, going to medical appointments and resting when I am sick
2. Emotional Self-care: time off obligations, hobbies, expressing myself in a healthy way, talk about my problems and asking for help
3. Social Self-care: spending time with people I enjoy, doing enjoyable activities with others, have intimate conversations, staying in touch with friends, making new friends
4. Spiritual Self-care: pray, meditate, time reflecting, time in nature, living according to my values and morals
