Understanding why cultural disparities exist and persist in the mental health field is difficult because the issue is complex. I didn’t know anything about the importance of your own wellbeing, nor did I understand the devastating impact it would have on people I know. So stigma and discrimination can trap people in a cycle of illness. There is a culture of acceptance around mental health issues in academia I’ve seen PhD students with depression, sleep issues, eating disorders, and thoughts of suicide. Early 20th-century interest in religion and mental health was sparked by Freud’s view of religion as intrinsically neurotic. Vietnamese don’t readily accept Western mental health counseling and interventions, particularly when self-disclosure is … Published online: 6 Feb 2014. Work and mental health Although being at work during periods of mental illness can be difficult for those with mental health problems, most people with these difficulties could take paid employment if it were not for numerous barriers in the workplace and the wider community (Centre for Mental Health, 2013). Mental Health America believes that it is essential that all aspects of mental health systems be reflective of the diversity of the communities that they serve and that mental health agencies strive to become and remain culturally and linguistically competent. This can make it harder for those struggling to talk openly and ask for help. Understanding why cultural disparities exist and persist in the mental health field is difficult because the issue is complex. Introduction This chapter introduces you to the importance of culturally based health beliefs and practices to mental health and well-being and to health care delivered by mental health nurses. Cultural pride can buffer against not only racism and prejudice, but also foster acceptance of a mental health problem. the traditions and attitudes that pervade contemporary mental health practice (Tseng, 2004). Freud described religion and its rituals as a collective neurosis, which, he suggested, could save a person the effort of forming an individual neurosis. mental health in a community and the general level of social well-being. Every culture has a different way of looking at mental health. Stigma and discrimination can also worsen someone's mental health problems, and delay or impede their getting help and treatment, and their recovery. Surgeon Journal (1999), mental health is the successful performance of the mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and providing the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity. 371 Views 4 CrossRef citations to date Altmetric Listen. In relation to mental health, culture shapes how people experience emotional distress and seek help. In some cultures, pill-taking for mental health issues is normalized and in others it is seen as a sign of weakness. According to the U.K. American families come from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. “Cultural Influences on Mental Health” is part one of a two-part series on viewing mental health from a public health perspective. Furthermore, people with mental health problems are Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2013 59 The social and cultural aspects of mental health in African societies Mary Amuyunzu-Nyamongo The … Each person’s background affects the way he or she views the world and gets help for physical or mental health problems. To read part two, click here.. People often think of mental health as a very personal matter that has to do only with the individual. In many cultural groups, the extended family is often very involved in all aspects of the individual’s life, and for those contending with mental health problems and disorders the family can play a key support and provide a safe environment for recovery. Many people are unable to attain their highest level of mental wellness for several reasons, and the culture of mental health is just one barrier. ues, and ethics in mental health care. Experts have estimated that ,about 173 million people living in China is with a mental disorder. Yet this huge unmet need also represents an area of tremendous potential. For many, there is growing stigma around mental health, and mental health challenges are considered a weakness and something to hide. Mental health was not a term known to me until around two years ago. Issues in Mental Health Nursing Volume 30, 2009 - Issue 8. 118; Updated January 2019. Social isolation, poor housing, unemployment and poverty are all linked to mental ill health. Method. No. I spent hours explaining to them the need for medical treatment while listening to their cultural understanding of such mental health problems. Mental Health, Religion & Culture. Stigma and discrimination can also worsen someone's mental health problems, and delay or impede their getting help and treatment, and their recovery. This article is an introduction to the complex relationship between culture, val-ues, and ethics in mental health care. There is It makes sense, then, that access to and parity for mental health care have remained critical issues for discussion during this presidential election season in the United States.