October 17, 2023
Written by: Fidha, Teresa, and Mana
Culture is everywhere
It is a part of our daily lives and integral to every facet of our livelihoods. This includes mental health, as culture has a great influence on how people perceive and experience life. In this blog, we will explore why these differences may exist and examine certain communities in particular.
Why might there be such differences?
Cultural backgrounds deeply influence how different communities approach and understand mental well-being, with Hispanic, Muslim, and Western societies each offering different perspectives and practices in supporting those facing mental challenges. In places where Hispanic cultures are strong, family is like the glue that holds everything together. A young girl could be feeling very sad. Instead of her just dealing with it on her own, her whole family – like her mom, dad, brothers, sisters, and even cousins – might come around to help and comfort her. They have this big belief that family should always be there for each other, no matter what. On top of that, a lot of Hispanic people are very religious. So, when they feel down or worried, they might pray or even visit the church to ask God for help. Moving to Muslim cultures, it's a bit different but still special. Here, religion plays a massive part. If someone feels like everything is going wrong, he might think it's a test from God. To find peace or answers, they might read from the Quran, or pray. Then, in places like the USA or England, things are more individual. This means if someone feels stressed or worried, they might go to a special building and talk to a therapist, just one-on-one. These therapists listen and give advice. Some people also might take medicine that a doctor suggests to make their minds feel better.
In some parts of the world, talking about feelings or mental health is tough. This might be because of old beliefs or not enough information. In parts of Africa and Asia, for example, there might not be many doctors or therapists who know a lot about the mind. People in these places might not talk about feeling sad or stressed because they're worried others will judge them. In some places, they might think that if someone is acting differently or feeling down, it's because of magic or bad spirits. This can make those who are struggling feel even more alone. In other areas, there might just not be enough money or resources. So, even if someone wants help, there's nowhere to go. It's important to remember, though, that everyone everywhere has feelings. Just because some places don't talk about it or have many resources doesn't mean people there don't feel sad, stressed, or worried sometimes. While diverse cultural practices shape our understanding and treatment of mental health, the universal truth remains: everyone, regardless of where they come from, seeks understanding, compassion, and support in their journey towards mental well-being and it’s always okay to ask for help.
Every place and group of people have their own way of doing things, and this is deeply rooted in their past and what they hold dear. If you look at the Hispanic way, it's clear that for them, family is like a big, warm blanket that wraps around everyone. They've grown up with stories and experiences where family comes first. So, when someone's mind is troubled, it's the family that steps in first. The Muslim way is also deeply tied to their beliefs. Their religion has been a part of their life for so long that it's like a guiding light. Their ancient stories and traditions tell them that when the mind is troubled, faith can be the answer. In Western places, they've grown up with a different set of stories and ideas. They have loads of doctors and professionals who study the mind for years and years. So, for them, when someone is struggling inside their head, the answer might be to see these professionals or maybe take some medicine. It's all about what's been around them, their history, and what they believe in. Every place might look different, but in the end, they all want to help people feel happy and peaceful inside.
Statistics
Across countries, percentages of major depression varied from 9 to 12.
Across countries, 1 percent of the population had schizophrenia. Bipolar disorder and panic disorder were similar in the way that statistics stayed within a close range.
In Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, 70 percent of the refugee population suffered from PTSD. Only 4 percent of the American population as a whole did.
Male victims of suicide in the United States were highest within American Indian and Alaska Native communities. African American women had the lowest rate.
Studies show that Asian Americans are more likely to suppress their emotions and rely on themselves only to resolve any personal mental health issues, while African Americans handle them head on.
(Chapter 2 Culture Counts: The Influence of Culture and Society On ..., www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44249/. Accessed 15 Oct. 2023.)
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