Written by: Nyama Amat
Edited by: Christine Huang
The term “stigma” refers to the negative beliefs and attitudes ingrained within society towards a group of people or a specific characteristic. Stigma manifests itself through social isolation, discrimination, and even institutionalization of individuals due to their perceived differences from society. This prejudice not only exists in the greater context of our society but is also deeply ingrained in cultures across the world. Cultural stigma is a multifaceted issue that permeates the psychology field, affecting mental health outcomes, treatment, and the well-being of individuals living with mental health concerns. Addressing this stigma can help to foster better understanding and acceptance of individuals living with mental illnesses, and combat this barrier in mental healthcare.
The roots of cultural stigma are often traced back to a religious context, stemming from little to no medical knowledge or understanding of mental illness symptoms. Therefore, many cultures and societies relied on spiritual explanations to make sense of these. Mental illnesses were typically blamed on account of “divine punishment” or the product of a spiritual possession. These misconceptions and myths laid the groundwork for mental health stigmatization and the perpetuated fear and ostracization of individuals with mental illnesses. Historical religious doctrines also hold a significant influence across cultures, and texts which frame mental illness as a moral consequence rather than a medical condition. The religious beliefs that contribute to mental health stigma hinder many individuals from seeking community support or professional treatment. Individuals may rely on prayer or religious interventions rather than psychiatric help because that is what is consistent with their familial or religious customs and beliefs.
Cultural norms and expectations within families greatly contribute to the perpetuating cultural stigma around mental health. In many cultures, there is a strong emphasis on preserving positive outward appearances and familial pride. Mental illnesses are often perceived as a sign of personal weakness and a source of shame that is reflected on the entire family. Therefore, many families opt to deny or conceal mental health issues rather than acknowledge them in a safe environment in order to protect their family’s reputation and honor. This can exacerbate feelings of self-blame and loneliness within individuals, and they may feel pressure to hide their true emotions and struggles. Cultures with a strong emphasis on individualism also contribute to the perpetuation of mental health stigma, since there is a placed importance on self-reliance and privacy. Individuals may feel discouraged from seeking mental health treatment since these cultures perceive mental illness as a reflection of failure within oneself and thus, a problem that must be dealt with alone and internally. Many believe this guarded approach towards mental health will benefit the family, but in turn, this fosters feelings of low self-worth and a fear of judgment in individuals with mental illnesses.
When recognizing the challenges individuals living with mental illnesses face, it is imperative to additionally recognize how cultural stigma intersects with other forms of discrimination. Individuals from racial minority groups often face racial discrimination and stigma in the realm of mental health. Systemic inequalities can hinder an individual’s access to healthcare, due to factors of financial constraints and limited availability of culturally competent services. Socioeconomic status has historically intersected with race, reinforcing for many racial minorities that mental health treatment is inaccessible to them. An individual who is a racial minority may also receive subpar mental health diagnosis and treatment from professionals due to systemic discrimination and stereotyping in healthcare. It is important to acknowledge that minority groups also experience higher rates of mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, due to the racism and challenges they experience in society. These historical experiences of racial discrimination also contribute to the perpetuation of cultural stigma within minority communities, leading to a general distrust of mental health services and hesitation to seek professional treatment.
Similarly, other forms of discrimination, such as sexism, intersect with cultural stigma, evident through gender roles and expectations in our society. Men often feel discouraged from seeking treatment due to fear of judgment and being labeled “weak,” while women face discouragement due to fear of dismissal and being labeled “hysterical.” Members of the LGBTQ+ community also experience discrimination due to homophobia and transphobia, which create additional barriers to seeking equal and reliable treatment from healthcare providers.
Cultural stigma is a significant barrier to mental healthcare and individual well-being, perpetuating shame and silent suffering in many. Stigma exacerbates feelings of loneliness and distress within individuals with mental illnesses, contributing to delayed help-seeking and worse treatment outcomes. The roots of cultural stigma are deeply embedded within historical, societal, and religious influences carried across time, making efforts to dismantle this difficult. However, if we foster open dialogue and acceptance not only in our society but within communities and families, these barriers can begin to be broken down through each generation. Mental health education, reform, and above all, empathy must be promoted for all individuals to begin to feel safe and supported without fear of judgment.
References:
Ahad, A. A., Sanchez-Gonzalez, M., & Junquera, P. (2023). Understanding and Addressing
Mental Health Stigma Across Cultures for Improving Psychiatric Care: A Narrative
Review. Cureus, 15(5), e39549. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.3954
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