How Different Cultures View Mental Health: A Global Perspective

 Mental health is a complicated topic, and here the question comes: how do different cultures view mental health because which may be impacted by many different variables. While science has made progress in understanding the role of genes and biology in mental health, culture still has a huge impact on defining how individuals think and feel about their mental health. It is crucial to understand the impact on mental health to build an inclusive atmosphere that helps people of various origins.

How Different Cultures View Mental Health

Different cultural perspectives on mental health, such as medical, spiritual, and social ones, have an impact on how people perceive, express, and deal with discomfort. 

For example, Western cultures frequently embrace a biological perspective, whereas other Asian cultures may emphasize social harmony and fear of shame, and other traditions could explain concerns as spiritual or ancestral imbalances. 

These perceptions greatly impact help-seeking behavior, with certain cultures supporting community and family support, while others may perceive mental health disorders as a sign of weakness. Let's know more about how different cultures view mental health:

Key cultural differences

• Justifications for distress: Western cultures are frequently examined from a medical and psychological perspective, emphasizing psychological and biological aspects.
• Non-Western cultures: May employ spiritual or religious explanations, such as spiritual imbalances, ancestral curses, or supernatural powers.
• Collectivist cultures: Distress might be understood as a breach of communal peace rather than an individual disease.

Symptom manifestation:

• Western cultures: Anxiety may be manifested as fear or dread.
• Eastern cultures: Anxiety can show as physical symptoms like heart palpitations or dizziness.
• Other cultures: Somatization, a concept covered in FutureLearn, is the primary way that bodily problems, such as stomachaches, may convey mental suffering.

Help-seeking actions:

• Stigma and "loss of face": People who live in societies that place a high value on reputation, such as some East Asian cultures, may be reluctant to ask for assistance because they fear embarrassing themselves or their family.
• Family and community: Some cultures believe that mental health problems should be handled by the family or community, which makes individuals reluctant to ask for outside assistance.
• Perceptions of weakness: In certain civilizations, asking for aid might be perceived as a sign of personal weakness.

Treatment approaches:

• Medical interventions: Many Western cultures rely on medicine and therapy from mental health specialists.
• Holistic and spiritual practices: Other cultures may use traditional healers, holistic systems like Ayurveda, and other mind-body techniques, or spiritual or religious rites.
•  Family engagement: In contrast to the Western focus on secrecy, other cultures, especially those in India, may anticipate or favor active family involvement in treatment.

Cultural Norms and Symptom Communication

Cultural norms can explain discrepancies in how people describe their symptoms, from subtle deviations to severe omissions. Cultural taboos can also affect a person's capacity to communicate personal symptoms and concerns to friends and family, who might be able to refer them to a professional.

How different cultures view mental health & Practices 

Different cultures have distinct practices that impact their approach to mental health care. As an example:

• Cultures of Asia

In various Asian cultures, such as China, Japan, or Korea, there is a concept of “face,” referring to one’s reputation, dignity, or honour. People may delay getting care for mental health difficulties or admitting their condition to others, fearing loss of face or bringing shame to their family or community.

• African Societies

In several African societies, such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, there is a belief in witchcraft. Individuals with mental health illnesses may experience violence or rejection from their family or community, as well as accusations that they are witches or under the influence of evil spirits.

• Cultures of Latin America

"Familism" refers to the value of family loyalty, unity, and support in many Latin American cultures. Family members are supposed to put the needs of the family before their own.

The influence of culture on mental health & how different cultures view mental health

Mental health is impacted by cultural variables such as family history, religion, social conventions, and traditions. A person's mental health may be impacted differently by each of these variables.

• Family background

Studies have revealed that persons from families with a history of mental illness are more likely to have mental health problems themselves. This can be attributed in part to hereditary factors, but it also shows how essential our early developmental background is, provided by our family.

• Faith

Religion is a major source of solace and support for a lot of individuals. It can offer a framework for comprehending the world and a feeling of belonging and togetherness. But religion may also be a cause of tension and strife. People who belong to minority religions may feel isolated or persecuted. 

It may be challenging for those who grew up in religious homes to abandon their early views. And even those who are comfortable with their faith might find that its principles interfere with their mental health.

• Social norms

Our mental health may be impacted by how we are expected to act in our culture. People are frequently encouraged to prioritize the needs of their family or community over their own in collectivist societies. This might lead to a sense of self-sacrifice that can be damaging to mental health. 

• Traditions

Cultural practices can also affect mental health. Some customs, such as those concerning gender roles or marriage, may be hazardous to mental health. 

For example, women who are expected to be obedient to their husbands may be at risk for domestic violence. Individuals who are prohibited from marrying the person they love may feel very depressed and alone.

Conclusion about how different cultures view mental health

How do different cultures view mental health? Culture and familial heritage can be key determinants in mental health. Religion, societal conventions, and traditions may all impact how we think about mental illness, manage stress, and seek treatment. 

It is important for mental health care providers to be aware of these factors and to work collaboratively with clients to provide the best care possible. In order to provide high-quality mental health treatment, cultural competency is crucial. 

We can more accurately assess our clients' requirements and give them the tools and assistance they need to recover from their diseases if we have a thorough awareness of their origins and cultures.