Culture is defined as the way of life that is passed down from generation to generation. Culture includes things like art and beliefs, as well as institutions like social, religious, and educational organizations.
The way that a society dresses, behaves, thinks, and speaks is defined by its culture.
There are differences based on culture all across the world. Another way that culture can impact an individual is with an individual’s mental health.
Let’s learn more about how cultural expectations can play a role in depression.
Our View Of Ourselves and the World
How we view ourselves and the world around us is often shaped by the cultural beliefs that were taught to us. These cultural beliefs can have an impact on our overall mental health.
Having a positive view of ourselves and the world will allow us to appreciate the beauty around us. We’ll also have the ability to better deal with challenges and hard times that come our way.
On the other hand, if our view of ourselves and the world is negative, it can often lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
Handling and Overcoming Challenging Times
Culture can also play a role in how we overcome challenging times or negative events in our life. Depending on the culture that someone was raised in, it may be acceptable or unacceptable to discuss emotions.
If someone is raised in a culture where they’re not encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings, they may have a more difficult time overcoming stress or difficulty in their life.
Meanwhile, someone who was raised being encouraged to express their thoughts and emotions will have an easier time expressing how they think and feel about both positive and negative situations.
Prevalence of Mental Disorders
Culture can impact how a person operates, too. Some cultures value being independent, while others place a value on coming together as a community.
Mental health disorders can happen in any type of culture, but research has shown that depression tends to be more prevalent in cultures that place a value on independence.
The way that some disorders are seen is also different based on the culture. For example, anxiety is experienced as a fear in Western cultures, but in Eastern cultures, the physical symptoms are more evident.
How Mental Health Is Diagnosed and Treatment
Culture can impact how mental health disorders are diagnosed and the treatment of the mental health disorder as well.
In some cultures, mental health issues can be viewed as spiritual issues. The treatment plan in this type of culture is through religious rituals.
In Western cultures, mental health is usually seen as a medical condition. Interventions and medicine are used for treatment.
Willingness to Seek Help
Mental health often is tied to a social stigma. Unfortunately, this stigma is what makes a lot of individuals suffering from their own mental health choose to suffer in silence rather than seek help for the signs and symptoms they may be experiencing.
There may be a stigma among some cultures when it comes to mental health as well. In some cultures, mental health could be viewed as being weak. When people who are involved in this culture experience mental health issues, they’re less likely to seek help.
When people are part of a culture that is welcoming and accepting of mental health, they’re more likely to seek additional help and support from family, friends, or other members of their community.
How We Cope
Culture and cultural expectations can have a huge impact on the way that someone lives their life, including their mental health.
Depression isn’t something that should be taken likely. No matter what your culture may be, the proper treatment is available to you.
One of the strongest things you can do for yourself is to ask for help. Click here to learn more about therapy for depression. Reach out to me today if you’re interested in setting up a consultation.
