Cultural Perspective on Mental Health & Wellness

In many cultures, mental health challenges are unfairly viewed as a personal failing or weakness, leading to significant stigma and reluctance to seek help due to fear of judgment and discrimination. This stigma can manifest as social isolation, avoidance of treatment, and even discrimination in various aspects of life. 

For some, mental health challenges are a natural part of life, and they find support through their families, friends, or community. So village, let’s explore the impact of culture on mental health.

Culture is the shared beliefs, values, practices, and norms that characterize a group or society. Culture profoundly impacts how we perceive the world, our actions, and our interactions with others. It’s a lens through which we understand ourselves and our place in society, and it can be a powerful source of resilience or a significant source of strain. 

Culture significantly influences mental health, acting as a lens through which we perceive the world and shaping our beliefs and values, thus impacting our well-being. A negative or distorted view of the world can lead to negative mental health outcomes, while a positive or realistic perspective can enhance resilience and well-being. In some cultures it is more acceptable to express emotions openly, while in others, emotional restraint is the norm. This can affect how we cope with stressful situations and how well we bounce back from setbacks.

Some cultures prioritize individualism and self-reliance, while others emphasize community and interdependence, which can significantly influence how individuals seek support when facing challenges. 

These individualistic cultures, often found in Western societies, tend to value personal autonomy, self-reliance, and individual achievement. Individuals are encouraged to pursue their own goals and often seek support from professionals or through self-help strategies when facing challenges. In contrast, collectivistic cultures, common in many parts of Asia and Africa, emphasize group harmony, interdependence, and social responsibility. Individuals in these cultures often rely on their families, friends, and community for support and guidance when facing difficulties.

Research indicates that higher rates of depression are observed in cultures emphasizing individual success and independence compared to those that prioritize collective well-being and interdependence. While anxiety disorders are universally present, their expression varies across cultures. In Western societies, anxiety often manifests as subjective feelings of fear or dread, whereas in Eastern cultures, it’s more commonly experienced through physical symptoms like heart palpitations or dizziness. While Western cultures often view mental disorders as medical conditions requiring clinical treatment, many traditional cultures consider them spiritual issues addressed through religious or shamanic practices.

People with a family history of mental illness are more likely to develop mental health conditions themselves due to a combination of genetic and developmental factors within the family environment. Village, it is important to know that our family members are the first people we learn to interact with, and they play a crucial role in shaping our social and emotional skills. Religion often offers solace and support, fostering a sense of community and a worldview, but it can also be a source of conflict and distress, particularly for those in minority religions who may experience alienation or persecution. It can be difficult for individuals raised in religious households to question or leave behind childhood religious beliefs. Furthermore, even those comfortable with their faith may find some religious teachings clash with mental health principles, such as associating mental illness with moral failing or demonic influence.

Stigma, which encompasses feelings of shame and the belief that mental health is untreatable, can make it difficult for people to access necessary support. Our culture’s behavioral standards can both support and detract from our mental health. Constantly prioritizing the needs of family and community can lead to a harmful dynamic where individuals neglect their own well-being, potentially causing resentment and burnout, as the pressure to constantly put others first can deplete their emotional reserves and make it difficult to prioritize self-care.

Mental health care providers should prioritize cultural sensitivity by actively collaborating with individuals to understand their unique backgrounds and needs. This collaborative approach, coupled with cultural awareness, is crucial for delivering effective and tailored mental health care. By acknowledging and respecting cultural differences, providers can better address a person’s specific challenges and provide appropriate support.  

Here’s to brighter days!