Every one of us carries our backgrounds with us. These backgrounds silently influence:
- The way in which we feel
- Which emotions we consciously experience
- How we react to stressors
Culture does not just relate to what one eats or what one holidays, but rather the unwritten rules regarding what one is allowed to say, what is considered strong and even how emotional or psychological pain is manifested or even felt.
The world is intermingled, and people are transboundary; hence, such differences are bound to complicate mental health experiences.
In what follows, we outline some of these possibilities.
The Way Culture Shapes How We See Mental Health
The cultural lens, which defines what constitutes a problem, influences the level of discomfort experienced when discussing it.
Stigma is Group Specific
Everywhere, there is a deep shame regarding talking about mental health, but that shame presents itself differently based on one’s background.
- In collectivistic cultures, like the majority of Asian, Latin American, or African families, the unity of the group is the most significant factor in mental health problems.
- In less collectivist cultures such as the U.S and Western Europe, people are supposed to handle things themselves and seeking assistance is viewed as a weakness.
- Within some cultural contexts, pain-related emotions are interpreted in religious or spiritual terms and emotional pain is seen as a test of faith, a moral weakness, or even spiritual disparity, and such meaning can result in individuals either praying or involving the members of the community rather than getting therapy.
These perceptions cannot remain silent; they influence an individual to either approach or remain silent.
The Way Symptoms Manifest Differently
The same internal conflict may appear quite different externally, based on cultural standards.
- There are Latin American communities where individuals refer to anxiety as nervios – a combination of nerves, agitation, and physical stress, such as chest tightness.
- East Asian cultures tend to use the body to communicate distress, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or stomach problems, instead of expressing that they are depressed or that they are anxious.
- Emotional pain may be connected to the stories of the ancestors, historical trauma, or spiritual disruption in some Indigenous or African populations.
The description of symptoms in this manner can create some confusion in clinical practice, where attention remains on psychological labels.
Difficulties That Accompany Cultural Differences
As the individual moves across cultures, whether by immigration, the demands of the family, or by the everyday routine, the tension may become overwhelming.
Acculturation and Identity Tensions
Adjusting to a new setting while maintaining your identity is a burden in itself, often called acculturation stress.
- Language barriers or poor understanding of social rules can also isolate new immigrants, making loneliness even more pronounced.
- Children of immigrants are in a balance between adhering to the values of their parents and adapting to the schools and job standards that can start the anxiety chain or confusion with self-identity.
- The impact of discrimination or racism causes an additional burden, making daily relationships a cause of constant stress.
These tensions do not disappear instantly and they last and impact mood, sleep and sense of self.
Obstacles to Finding Support
Cultural elements may act as an obstacle even where an individual desires care.
- Mistrust is formed through historical harms, such as unethical medical practices among minority groups, or through a feeling that one is not listened to in therapy.
- The fact that not many therapists have similar backgrounds or speak the same language implies that context may be missed during a session.
- The privacy of appointments or economic concerns regarding cultural demands can make it feel impossible sometimes.
Such obstacles do not imply that caring is impossible; rather, it is simply a matter of careful effort in closing the gaps.
Moving Forward
Listening to cultural narratives helps therapists build better relationships.
Communities and families that communicate more openly lower the isolation.
And on a larger level, it does matter to have resources in other languages and methods that take into account other values.
When we see how culture shapes the picture, we create space for experiences that feel seen and valid.
In case cultural differences are among your current challenges, our team of Mental Health Counselor PLLC is at your side.
Call in, we will be happy to speak to you.
FAQs
How does acculturation stress feel like?
It is the psychological and emotional pressure of adapting to the new culture and maintaining connections with the other one, the manifestations of which are often anxiety, sadness, and being between the worlds.
What makes certain cultures more stigmatized?
It is linked to values such as family honor, shying away from shame, and viewing emotional distress as a sign of personal or spiritual frailty.
What can be done to take into account cultural differences?
By being culturally responsive, that is, listening to your own worldview, engaging the family where appropriate, and applying methods that meet your values.
Is there any impact of cultural differences on diagnosis?
Yes – after symptoms have been carried into physical expression or into cultural terms, they may easily be misread or ignored.